Saltwater fishing on the coast of Maine
 

Let me start by saying I am not an expert fisherman, and most of my fishing over the years has been freshwater fishing. However, we'll be staying at a lovely cottage maybe 100 feet or so from the shore of one of the inlets, on the coast of Maine this August. I've been told that stripers are plentiful at that time of year, so I'd love to try my luck and maybe catch some supper for my wife and me -- aside from the sheer fun of catching one, obviously!

Any help or advice out there, maybe from others who live in that area or who have tried this, especially as neophytes?

Thanks!

We stay every year at a lodge/camp in Maine (near Blue Hill, further north) right on the shore at this time of year. The owners run one of the last of the private lobster boats off the dock of this 100-acre property. I have seen a run of mackerel, and watched the catch: they will swim right into the cove to get caught. But in all that time (26 years now), nothing else, nor heard of anything else happening from the shoreline: clamming, yes, and crabs of course, but thats not much fun for a sportsman!

This is something that happens well offshore, I believe as I have seen boats that cater for it... I think it is mostly further south, out of Portland for striped sea bass.

Where I've fished in Maine stripers come in at night, mostly. The drill is to catch mackerel during the day, then use them as bait for the stripers. You can buy a mackerel rig in any local tackle store. (Personally, I think they're a tasty fish in their own right.)

If you happen to find the right beach or better yet, estuary, you might try your luck with poppers or swimmers. Fish around rocks and in swirling currents. Stripers "ain't easy" -- good luck!

Thanks, folks. Let's see what other comments show up!

There's a rod and reel set there at the cottage, and I plan to bring my own, too, so we'll see what the tide brings in!

What size mackerel are we talking about, by the way? (You make it sound as if they're practically waiting to be caught!)

What did you folks use for bait? Or were you spin casting out into the channel?

The mackerel I've caught are about a foot long. To catch them you use a rig with multiple hooks. The shank of the hook is covered with a bit of plastic tubing, usually red. Cast it out and reel back in slowly. Multiple hookups are common.

Yes, the mackerel I've seen were about the same size and they really do appear to be waiting for you in their crowded schools at dusk...I have 'trawled' from a row boast with a putt-putt motor on lowest speed. Check out the hardware stores in smaller coastal towns for the right lures.

Personally, I think mackerel make good eating, but then I like kippers, smelts, caplin and sardines...I am of Scottish background and grew up in Newfoundland so fish is meant to be consumed bones and all. I am married to a man that is freaked out by the bones in a tin of salmon: what are you gonna do?!?

Have fun, Retired, and do a Trip Report for us fishers who are stuck in the city and can only dream...

Fra_Diavolo:

You make it sound as if a bit of red plastic on a bare hook, acting as a lure, will catch those mackerel! Are they THAT dumb?

LJ:

We'll see about a trip report, though we're not doing much exciting up there -- other than relaxing, eating seafood, maybe gishing, and.. so on! We stayed at the place last year, too, and we loved it. All by itself, very peaceful. Right on the water, with a screened-in porch overlooking the inlet plus a wooden deck with barbecue and easy chairs off to the side. Cottage is furnished, with full kitchen, dining area, living room, big bathroom, and 2 bedrooms upstairs. Love it!

I meant fishing -- not gishing (whatever that may be)!!! LOL!

What I get for hitting the Submit button too quickly!

"You make it sound as if a bit of red plastic on a bare hook, acting as a lure, will catch those mackerel! Are they THAT dumb?"

Well, let's say they're that hungry . . .

You'll find these rigs at any hardware or tackle shop -- they work! Ask around for the best spot. The can be picky -- I know one harbor where they're always on the north side, never the south. No idea why.

Obviously you can use very light tackle for the mackerel. For the stripers, look at 12 lb and up.