The Maine Event

Fish for stripers the unconventional way — on the flats of Casco Bay.

April 14, 2009
By John Frazier (More articles by this author)

| Email this article | Printer friendly version

Stealth
As any flats-fishing junkie knows, a stealthy boat is a successful boat. Striper fishing in Maine is no different, and that goes for everything from poling to presentation. The water temperature averages about 60 to 65 degrees, which is perfect to keep fish happy and active. When we encountered the big fish on the sand, Wallace instructed me to put a sock in it — I was so excited to see those big fish in only a foot of water, I was rambling like a child. Such skinny water also means you need to pay special attention to your baits. When fly-fishing, long leaders (up to 12 feet) are in order, as are unweighted flies. Spinning tackle calls for the same — light leaders with either live crabs or soft-plastic jerk baits to minimize the splashdown and increase your odds. When you make your presentation, try to lead fish as much as possible, and make your cast in front of and beyond the fish. When you think you are leading the fish too far, lead it a couple more feet. The fish are less likely to spook if the drift of your offering has a more natural appearance and time to get down to the fish's eye level.

I'll Be Back
I'll never forget the first time I ever threw a fly at a tarpon — my knees were wobbling something fierce. That was a long time ago, and I never thought I'd be able to recreate that sensation until I found myself on the deck with four 30-pound-plus stripers lazily cruising by in 2 feet of water. Just like that first tarpon, these fish didn't eat, either. But they left me with a void that I'll need to fill. And the only way to do that is to return to the shallow flats of Casco Bay, Maine.

SWS PLANNER

WHAT: While stripers are the main draw, fishing for laid-up bluefish is another scenario anglers might witness on the flats of Casco Bay. Throwing poppers to these voracious feeders when they are stationary is a blast and quite different from fishing for them when they are schooling.

WHERE: Although there are several airports that are in close proximity to Casco Bay, the most convenient is Portland. Rent a car at the airport and head north to Freeport, which is a great spot for couples. Bed-and-breakfast type inns are aplenty and are well suited for anglers and shoppers alike.

Applewood Inn
207.865.9705
www.applewoodusa.com

Chebeague Island Inn
207.846.5155
www.chebeagueislandinn.com

WHEN: Depending on how harsh the winter is, flats fishing can start as early as May. Fishing really heats up in mid-June and lasts into October if the weather stays mild.

WHO: Casco Bay can be a tricky place to explore on your own. Fish with a guide until you get your bearings.

FLATS BOAT

Coastal Fly Angler
Capt. Eric Wallace
207.671.4330
www.coastalflyangler.com

CENTER CONSOLE

Portland Guide Service
Capt. John Ford
207.471.5858
www.mainesaltwaterfishing.com

Capt. Doug Jowett
207.725.4573
www.mainestripedbassfishing.com

Back

Page: | 1 - 2 - 3 |

Comments	0 Comments

Now you're in the public comment zone. What follows is not Saltwater Sportsman stuff; it comes from other people and we don't vouch for it. A reminder: By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms and Conditions . Click here to read the Privacy policy

View all comments