What you need to know to fish in Maine

This is general information intended to help you have an enjoyable Maine fishing trip on your own. I would be delighted to have you as a guest on one of my trips but If you want to get out there on your own this should help you get started!

Fishing is a fun way to introduce someone to the outdoors. Everyone is curious to see the critters that live in the water. Fishing is a great activity for any age and kids think of fishing as a new and interesting activity. Maine is an angler’s paradise with over 6000 lakes and ponds, thousands of miles of rivers and streams and a 3000 mile coast. Public access is available in many places including state maintained public boat launches on many of our bodies of water. If you choose to fish at a public boat access site make sure to stay out of the way of folks launching or loading their boats.

Licenses are required to fish in Maine in most cases and are available online and from many retailers. Licenses are included as part of a trip with Maine Outdoors. Not everyone needs a license though and there are options for the length of the license you buy.

On freshwater
Non Residents may buy licenses for one, three, seven or fifteen days; or the entire year.

Non Residents under 12 do not need a license. (if you are planning to assist a child and are over 12 you should have one though)

On Saltwater
In 2010 there is a Federal Registry requirement for saltwater anglers older than 16 you can apply online here.  If you fish with a federally licensed captain or guide like Don Kleiner he or she will handle the registration and reorting for you.

It simplifies the trip to have your equipment all set up and ready to go. A little prior planning will make the day go more smoothly. Closed face spinning reels are the easiest for beginners to master. Keep in mind though that cheap equipment is just that; it may last for an outing or two but if you plan to make fishing a regular event, you will be much happier with rods and reels from a reputable outfitter.

Whether you choose to fish with lures or bait and the species of fish you are after will help you choose the type and size of hooks that you will need. Keep in mind that if you are fishing with bait you will need to have something to keep it in and arrange to get it ahead of time. Worms are easy; many small stores sell them and if kept in a cool place out of the sun will keep well. On a trip with Maine Outdoors all equipment is provided and if we are going to use bait it will be there ready to go.

Plan on catching a fish. How are you going to land it? Who will remove the hook? Are you going to keep it or release it? If you decide to keep it is it legal to keep? Freshwater laws and rules are available online or from the agent where you buy your license. A small pair of needle nose pliers and a rag can make removing hooks much simpler. If you decide to keep a few fish make sure you plan a way to keep them cool until you are ready to prepare them to eat. I keep a cooler on board if you want to keep fish and am happy to fillet your catch at the end of your trip to make preparation easier.

What can you catch? Focus on fish that live close to shore. The most easily caught species in freshwater are yellow perch and sunfish. In saltwater mackerel are easily caught from many docks and along the shore. Perch and sunfish will congregate around the weedy shallows where the water is warmer and they are easily caught.

Since you will be around the water having some simple safety equipment is important. Consider personal flotation devices (required for anyone under 10 in a boat) and always handy to have around. Sunscreen is important because you will likely be exposed to the full strength of the sun on the water and any reflection from the surface. At certain times of the year and day insect repellent may be a good idea. All of these items are part of what a guide provides on a trip with Maine Outdoors.

The best part is that every fishing trip is an adventure for all involved. Enjoy the adventure you never know what could happen next outdoors!

Text and photo by Don Kleiner, a Master Maine Guide, of Maine Outdoors.  See Maine Outdoors and other cool things to do in Maine on Meandering Maine.