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"Introduction
to Fishing in Maine" |
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However, Maine has also been long renowned for its freshwater fishery as well. And, if a vacation to the coast of Maine is the plan, anglers can take advantage of a fishing opportunity very few places have to offer. Some of the states best freshwater fishing can be found only a few minutes drive from its remarkable saltwater fishery. It is even possible for an angler to take advantage of this fishing experience all in the same day. Fishing for species such as Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Large and Smallmouth Bass, White Perch, or Landlock Salmon; to name just a few, can fulfill an anglers day with arm tiring results. Just as their saltwater cousins, these freshwater species can be brought to the net and camera with either a fly rod or spinning gear. As for what type of equipment to use, most any spinning rod and reel set-up used to catch "schoolie Stripers" and Mackerel, can double as a freshwater fishing set-up. Naturally, the type of lure or bait used will differ with the switch from saltwater to freshwater. If fly gear is the choice of equipment, most anglers will choose to fish the saltwater with a fast action eight weight, or larger fly rod, equipped with a reel of reputable drag, loaded with a fast sinking line backed with about 200 yards of Dacron, and carry along a spare spool loaded with a weight forward floating line; also supported by about 200 yards of Dacron backing line. For a day of freshwater fly fishing, an angler will probably prefer to bring along a rod and reel of six weight, or smaller persuasion, loaded with a weight forward floating line, backed with about 75 to 100 yards of Dacron backing. The floating line will be needed for casting everything from surface poppers and dry flies, to shallow fished streamers. Also, a spare spool loaded with a sink tip, or full sinking line backed with about 75 to 100 yards of Dacron backing should be included. The sink tip, or full sinking line will be needed to fish the deeper pools of rivers and streams and for dredging the deeper waters of lakes and ponds where larger fish are sometimes found holding on warm Summer days. As for what "flavor" flies to use, this will differ with the switch from saltwater to freshwater. Of course, the best way to learn the "How", "What", and "Where" of either saltwater, or freshwater fishing in Maine, is to hire a Registered Maine Guide, and gain access to his or her years of experience. Most guides, will even supply all of the equipment needed for a day of fishing. Hiring a guide is not only a safe ecological way to explore Maine, but can save an angler precious hours of research time that could be better spent catching fish and enjoying the rest of what Maine has to offer. * Bob Coombs is a Registered Maine Guide who lives in Rockport, Maine. FMI: The Right Drift Outfitters www.fish-maine.com/bob_coombs.htm e-mail: buck@midcoast.com
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When the conversation among friends planning a
vacation in Maine suddenly turns to fishing, the tone takes on an air of
excitement as Maine's saltwater sport fishery becomes the focus.
Maine has long been known for its reputation for having one of the
finest saltwater sport fisheries on the east coast. It does not
matter if anglers plan on top notch captains or guides, a vacation that
includes a day of fishing in Maine can help create the memories of a
lifetime.
