Things to do / Travel Guide
When you cast your line in the water in the Maine Coast, you are becoming a link in the chain of literally millions of anglers who have preceded you. The benefit of knowing this is that they most likely caught something, but there's still plenty left for you! Tales of giant catches circulate frequently, and most likely some are true. However, the average angler is happy with the 2-3 pound flounder, which, fried up with a bit of garlic and lemon pepper is definitely a gastronomic delight.
To get yourself out there, just keep in mind that the Maine Coast has been split into 3 distinct geographic sections, for purposes of fishing, anyway. First up is the south coast, which runs from Kittery North to Cape Elizabeth. Then, there's the mid-coast, which starts at South Portland and heads north until Blue Hill. Last but not least is the north coast, which begins at Ellsworth and ends up at the northernmost point of the state, at Calais. Access is never a problem most anywhere along the Maine Coast. Just about every little town has a pier or two to cast a line off, and a boat ramp with launch. Some charge fees, some do not. Either way, you will most likely need a Maine fishing license before you put that hook in the water.
If you want to just mosey on up to a shoreline and cast away, that's fine. Just make sure you check with the locals on the safety situation, and if it's allowed. The regulations tend to vary from town to town, and it's not always clearly marked. However, if you want to charter a boat and guide, here are a few that can get you out on the water:
- Skiddish Fishing Charters
- Thornehead Guide Service
- Fishtale Charters
For those of you wishing to take a lake or river fishing trip, there are more than a few choices as well. In fact, there are 6,000 lakes and ponds, together with 32,000 miles of streams and rivers that wind throughout the entire state, and thousands of these snake through this region. So, whether you are seeking wild salmon, bass, or trout, you can do it all in a remote wilderness environment. The state government fishing authority provides a comprehensive list of freshwater fishing locations.
To help get you all the gear you need on your fishing trip, and even an expert guide to tag along, here are some local outfitters for you to consider:
- Green Mountain Guide & Charter Service
- Penobscot Bay Outfitters
- Down East Outfitters
Ice Fishing Trips
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at ice fishing? If so, the state of Maine sponsors free ice fishing on the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding President's Day every year. Anyone can fish without a license during this event. The Maine ice fishing season runs from January 1st-March 31st. To be safe, ice needs to be six inches thick for a party of people and no less than two inches thick for a single person.
Portland, Bangor, Acadia, Bar Harbor and the Maine Coast
Fishing
Roque Bluffs State Park Beach - Maine
Reid State Park Beach - Georgetown, Maine
Goose Rocks Beach - Kennebunkport, Maine
Willard Beach - Portland, Maine
Pine Point Beach - Scarborough, Maine
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