For Reservations Call The Maine Saltwater Fishing Hotline 207-691-0745

For Reservations Call The Maine Saltwater Fishing Hotline 207-691-0745

Maine Saltwater Fishing Reports Blog

Welcome to the Fish Blog & saltwater fishing reports page of TIDE CHASER GUIDE SERVICE & Capt. George Harris. We're looking forward to providing you with the most up to date inshore saltwater fishing reports on the Maine coast as the Maine Striper Fishing season goes forward into 2019!!! You wont find any generic"cut & paste" reports or info here...Just pure fishing!!!

TIDE CHASER provides friendly, professional guided fly & light tackle fishing trips.
We operate our fishing TRIPS in the Mid-Coast region of Maine, from Casco Bay to Penobscot Bay. This area features an astonishing 1000 miles of jagged, pristine coastline. We focus our efforts on the broad reach of the lower Kennebec river estuary & the outer boundaries of Casco Bay...with its countless thousands of acres of untouched saltwater flats, gnarly tides that rip over rocky structure and an intricate maze of backcountry channels, It's a fly & light tackle fishermans nirvana. On any given day we can be found fishing sandy beaches, ocean front ledges, coastal tide marshes or shallow hard bottom flats. Wherever the fish are!!! Whether it's on the fly...pitching plugs or live lining frisky live baits we've got you covered check out our website for all of our trip offerings...and stay tuned for some new trips options for 2019

Welcome to Maine's #1 Striper Fishing Blog with Capt. George Harris Call 207-691-0745

My photo
Tide Chaser Guide Service Midcoast Maine's premier fly & light tackle guide service, fishing for Striped Bass, Mackerel & Bluefish , i~ USCG 100 Ton Master ~ Registered Maine Tidewater Guide ~ For reservations call 207-691-0745 ~

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Maine Striper Fishing with Super Fly Charters & Capt. George Harris: Costa Rica Bound!!!

We're finally off to Costa Rica...full reports will follow when we return in April!!!
Maine Flats Fishing Striper Guide
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

Friday, March 13, 2009

Maine Striper Fishing Reports: Tying & Fishing "Hollow"

(A fresh school of hollow tied deceivers aka Maine Striper candy) Ok...now that the cat has been let out of the bag for a few years with these type of flies. I thought it might be a fun pattern to share with those of you out there who haven't yet realized the potential fish slaying ability of this fly.

Please read the following story by master fly tyer, guide, photographer and all around good guy David W. Skok Some of you may have fished with him, taken his fly tying classes or seen him at one of the many fly-fishing trade shows...If so, than you know what a fanatical fisherman he is!!!

Well I hope you all enjoy this post...I know my number one obsesssed blog reader will be thrilled ;-) LMAO...Dude...just sign up as a blog follower.

For detailed tying instructions click the "Hollow Fleye" link or the link on my "fly tyers bench" to enjoy Steve Farrars expert video presentation. Hollow Fleyes are fun to tie and even more fun to fish...come tie one on with us this season!!!

(Story By David W. Skok - Photos By Capt. George Harris)
One of the greatest fly-tying challenges has always been creating a large nonfouling fly, with a profile similar to a natrual wide-bodied baitfish, that is easy to cast and fishes well. If you limit yourself to the use of natural materials, the task becomes more difficult.

Hollow Fleyes can be tied to imitate everything from baby bunker to anchovy.

It comes as no surprise to saltwater fly tiers that this challenge has been met by Bob Popovics, whose fertile mind spawned such innovations as the Surf Candy, Siliclone, and Bob's Banger. This isn't the first time Popovics has struck gold in the big-fly department. The Bucktail Deceiver and the Spread Fly can both be tied to lengths in excess of 10 inches, and his Cotton Candy pattern was specifically designed to be a large, castable, full-profile, and nonfouling pattern. The Hollow Fleye is a totally new archetype that gives saltwater fly tiers greater creative control using natural materials.

(Maine Bluefin Tuna, Striped Bass, Bluefish...you cant resist us) The Hollow Fleye is an expansion of Popovics' Bucktail Deceiver. Rhode Island fly tier Kenney Abrames was impressed with the Bucktail Deceiver, and several winters ago he urged Bob to continue developing this pattern. Popovics decided to find a construction method that used less material to build a fly with a large profile. He soon discovered a new technique that allowed him greater control over bucktail than he previously thought possible. He found that by tying the bucktail on the hook in reverse and then propping it rearward with a wall of thread, he had infinite control over the angle of the bucktail. This technique allows him to sculpt baitfish patterns using varying lengths and angles of bucktail. When tied in this manner, the cone of bucktail forms an outer layer that gives the fly its hollow appearance and name.
Popovics' Hollow Fleye design is based on tying bunches of bucktail (or other hair) on the hook shank in the opposite direction of the hook bend and propping it rearward at various angles with a thread wall. This method should not be confused with the reverse-tied bucktail flies conceived by Carrie Stevens and popularized by Keith Fulsher's Thunder Creek series. Both the Hollow Fleye and reverse-tied bucktails tie the bucktail in reverse on the hook shank. However, Thunder Creek flies have a band of thread behind the original bucktail tie-in point that binds down and restricts the hair to a single, more narrow shape. The Hollow Fleye has thread wraps only in front of the original tie-in point, which allows more control of the hair and the shape of the fly. Do not wrap back over the hair when creating the thread wall of a Hollow Fleye unless you want the hair to lie flat against the hook shank.

Hollow Fleyes work well with or without eyes. They can be tied on short-shank hooks with radically flared hair or on long-shank hooks with less-flared hair for a long, fusiform shape.

To create a tapered fly, you must surround the hook shank with at least three bunches of bucktail in progressively shorter lengths. A short-shank hook typically requires three bucktail bunches to fill the shank; therefore, each bunch of bucktail should be approximately two-thirds the length of the previous bunch. Long-shank hooks require at least five bucktail bunches, and the taper must move along at a slower pace to maintain a proper profile. I make each bunch about three-quarters the length of the previous bunch or longer when tying five bunches on a long-shank hook.

The angle of each bunch of hair controls the shape of a Hollow Fleye. The thread wall in front of the tie-in point allows you to manipulate the angle of the hair. The more wraps you make, the more the hair lies back along the shank for a slimmer profile. Fewer wraps allow the hair to flare more, creating a wide-body profile.

As a rule, the first bunch of bucktail should lie tighter to the shank than subsequent bunches to imitate the tail and slimmer profile of the rear of most baitfish. Each bunch should progressively flare outward more than the previous bunch. Keep in mind that the angle of the first bunch determines how the remaining bunches should stand. The last and shortest bunch of bucktail should stand at a 45-degree angle relative to the hook shank for a tall, full-profile baitfish.

The Hollow Fleye uses a thread wall to push reverse-tied bucktail toward the bend of the hook. Thunder Creek-style flies (bottom) have thread wraps over the bucktail that restrict the fibers to a more narrow profile. Size and Shape
The size and shape of a Hollow Fleye is limited only by the length and consistency of the hair you use. Long, 7-inch bucktail with a #4/0 long-shank hook can produce 10-inch Hollow Fleyes. Other natural or synthetic fibers produce even longer flies. I have tied and fished Hollow Fleyes made from polar bear hair, ostrich herl, and Unique Hair with good results.

Popovics prefers bucktail over other materials because the naturally tapered tips impart a lifelike motion to the fly. Bucktail is available in most fly shops and is inexpensive. Bucktail selection also affects the bulk of the fly. Bulky flies are best tied with crinkly hair. Use fine, straight bucktail for slimmer imitations. The combination of hair selection and angle determines the final profile of the fly.
The fly uses reverse-tied bucktail to flare the hair and create breadth and depth without bulk.

Fleye Density...For dense, fully dressed flies, the butts of each new bucktail bunch should touch or come close to the previous bunch so the hook shank is not exposed. This requires more hair and creates a fly with a strong silhouette. For a sparse Hollow Fleye, use fewer bunches of hair spaced at less frequent intervals. You may use the open spaces between the hair bunches for other materials. Slide a bead or cone on the hook shank prior to tying and then sandwich it between two bunches of hair. Place the bead between the bunches closest to the hook eye to give the fly a seductive vertical action in the water, like a Clouser Minnow. You can also spin coarse, hollow bucktail from the base of the tail between the bucktail bunches to increase the fly's opacity and buoyancy for surface fishing and add an attractive wiggle when fished on a sinking line.

Combine the Hollow Fleye technique with other tying styles to imitate various food items with different shapes and sizes. You can make a delicious-looking Hollow Squid using the same monofilament extension as the Shady Lady Squid. Combine the Hollow method with the feather tails of flies such as Lefty's Deceiver, Semper Fleye (saddles tied in the round), or flat-wings to produce long, sleeker flies. I've done well with hollow-tied bucktail in place of ostrich herl in both Siliclones and Snake Flies. I've also used it to tie weedless, wide- profile Bendbacks. The Hollow Fleye method is an option for any pattern that normally uses a traditionally tied collar. One of the cosmetic benefits of this style is the tiny, almost nonexistent head.

Simple one-color Hollow Fleyes are effective, but this tying method allows you to easily add other colors. Replace the primary color with a different color or shade of bucktail in the last bunch to create a gorgeous two-tone effect reminiscent of classic swimming plugs. Alternating bands of color create a subtle blended effect. Add realism by using contrasting colors on the top and bottom to imitate the natural contrast of baitfish.

The Hollow Fleye is a streamer, so all the traditional streamer-fishing techniques apply. Current speed, surf level, baitfish types and densities, and other factors all come into play when choosing a presentation method. Fish them dead-drifted, with a rapid strip-retrieve, slow and low on a fast-sinking line, or streaking across the surface on a floater.

As this style is tied "in the round" (where the material is equally distributed 360 degrees around the hook shank) it rarely fouls and always keels properly. Like Jack Gartside's Soft-hackle Streamer, it still looks natural when fibers slightly spin on the hook shank. It is very unusual for a Hollow to foul so badly that the hair catches the bend and ruins the fly's profile and action. Because it fouls so infrequently, the fly only needs occasional preening when fishing.


Like all good fly designs, the usefulness of the Hollow Fleye design travels well beyond the striped bass and bluefish of the East Coast. It fools just about any saltwater or freshwater fish that preys on large food items. Marquesas jacks go wild for a quickly retrieved Hollow, and I had no trouble convincing Florida Keys bridge tarpon to devour various sizes and colors of the Hollow Fleye. No Manitoba northern pike would let a tasty Hollow slip by, and the fattest largemouths have a penchant for shad and big shiners. Wherever you like to go giant hunting, the Hollow Fleye design should work for you.

If you're looking to slay some fish this season by fishing "Hollow" please give us a call. We're ready are you!!!

Maine Flats Fishing Striper Guide
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Maine Fishing Reports: Redbone Celebrity Tournament

Every once in awhile I come across something that really stands out...I've known about the Redbone Celebrity Tournament, and what it stands for, for a very long time. I think this is a great event and would like to invite you all to learn a little bit more about it.

"What is Redbone?"

Typically, an organization reveals the nature of its content and its objective by the wording of its name. Redbone is a catchy word, but it needs an explanation. So, what is a Redbone? A legendary blues musician? A hardworking hound dog? Try again. An embarrassed bonefish? Well...

"In 1984, Gary and Susan Ellis' newborn daughter, Nicole, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. They were told with considerable care, she should live to her early teens. After asking the question "What is cystic fibrosis," they set out to find a way to fight it. In 1988 with the help of ther friends, including legendary Hitter Ted Williams, they founded the Redbone Celebrity Tournament Series to help the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation fund the research to cure CF. Guides, anglers, and celebrities from film and sports teamed up on thirty-three boats to fish for redfish and bonefish. From that tournament came the name "Redbone." They raised $16,000 that first year and more importantly, introduced CF into the conscience of the very caring community of Islamorada in the Florida Keys. From that small seed, the Redbone has mushroomed into 25 tournaments spanning both coasts of the United States and the Bahamas, and an art gallery specializing in angler art. In the last 19 years, the Redbone has made a total contribution to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of over 10 million dollers. In 2006 Redbone fishing tournaments, including our new cooperative efforts with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, netted over $1.5 million "to catch the cure."

When the Redbone was first established, children with CF rarely lived to attend high school. Today the median age of survival for a person with CF is 35 years. We should not celebrate this achievement, since a single life is yet to be saved from this devastating disease, but it has become a sign of hope for a brighter tomorrow for individuals with the disease and their families.

Money buys science, and science does save lives. That's why events such as the Mercury Redbone Celebrity Tournament Series, the Redbone@Large, and the Red-Trout Series are important. Through your support, you are insuring that agressive, innovative research in CF will constantly be explored. By helping us support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, you are helping to build a bridge of hope that will eventually lead to the ultimate victory : a cure for cystic fibrosis."


Tournament Schedule

Kirsten's "Great Strides" Page Taking Steps To Cure Cystic Fibrosis

For all you fly and light tackle anglers looking to fish coastal Maine this summer. Please give us a call ;-)

Maine Flats Fishing Striper Guide
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

Friday, March 6, 2009

Maine Saltwater Striper Fishing Report With Super Fly Charters and Capt. George Harris


Okay lots of cool stuff happening at Super Fly Charters right now!!!
First we'll be at Cabelas in Scarborough, Me. during the next two days for their "Great Outdoor Days" we'll be teaching an intro to saltwater fly tying class...mostly to younger kids and their parents...this is our second year at this event...last year was extremely busy and I expect no less of a turnout this year. If you're going to be in the area stop by and visit with us between 8:00am and noon both Sat and Sun.

Next up...Super Fly Charters will be traveling to Costa Rica to pursue Sailfish, Tuna, Marlin and Dorado on the offshore Waters of Quepos, Jaco, Tamarindo and Golfito...The inshore bite will cover the mighty Roosterfish, Snook, Bluefin Trevally, Pargo and a myriad of other inshore species. We'll provide a detailed report when we return in April...wish us luck!!!

Response to our "Super Fly Salty Anglers Club" has been nothing short of amazing. This group was created with one thing in mind...To help anglers from all around the world share info on all things saltwater fishing related. We're taking this goup from the seven seas to the four corners of the globe in search of fellow saltwater anglers, the fish that they pursue and the methods they use to target them. Reports, tips, techniques and all other relevant topics discussed here. Professional anglers, fishing lodges, guides, avid fisherman and industry reps..post their fishing reports and share some of what they have learned to help make us all better fishermen. Legendary angling celebrities, outdoor writers, industry reps and some of the top guides and anglers from around the world make up our 250+ membership(and growing daily)It's not that big of a deal just a cool place where us Salty Anglers can share our ideas..I'd like to invite you all to join this group. Come join the "Super Fly Nation"

...In just it's third year, The Fly Fishing Film Tour has become the fishing entertainment event of the year. The Film Tour will be seen in well over 75 cities in 2009 and will showcase some of the best independent outdoor film makers. The goal of the Fly Fishing Film Tour is to energize the industry and inspire film makers to create new cutting edge films to both entertain and educate outdoor enthusiasts. If you are a film maker, we invite you to submit a film for consideration. If you are a fishing enthusiast or you are just interested in great outdoor entertainment and want to catch the tour in your market, check out the schedule. We look forward to seeing you at a tour stop in 2009! Fly Fishing Film Tour 2009

Coming Soon TO Portland, Maine:
WHAT: Pre-Show Live music, Beer, Appetizers, Fliesandfins.com Pre-Show Film(s), The Fly Fishing Film Tour Films, Post-Show live music, More beer ...

WHEN: Thursday June 4, 2009 - 7pm

WHERE: The Asylum - Portland, Maine

WHY: This is a dual event. Part Fliesandfins.com party and part "Fly Fishing Film Tour" Also, Fliesandfins.com content is in the show via a cameo appearance in RA Beattie's film! Come from Maine, New England, South, West Coast or even from international destinations! Why? Well, we are having it on a Thursday night in June for a reason! The fly fishing in Maine is phenomenal that time of year! So come for the show on Thursday night and then Fly Fish In Maine! The trout and salmon fishing will be in full swing and it will be prime time for saltwater fly fishing for striped bass! Come alone, come with friends, come with your girl or bring the whole family! Make a weekend out of it! Wondering what else there is to do in Maine other than fly fish? Check this site out (MaineToDo.com) - you will find more than enough to do! So, come party with Flies And Fins, listen to some chill music, have a couple beers (or soda), see the best fly fishing films in the world, fly fish in Maine and/or do whatever interests your in Maine! Just come and experience "The Way Life Should Be!"

Stay tune for specific details of time and to buy your tickets online ($15 per ticket) - 10% of all revenues will go to Maine TU


The 2009 season is looking to be another busy one as my reservations are already way ahead of last seasons at this same time. We'll be starting our season a few weeks earlier this year by fishing the waters off Cape Cod...I'm Looking forward to uncovering the boat next month and getting it ready to splash!!!

If you haven't yet booked your trip and know when you'd like to fish...just give us a call and we can talk it over.

Please post your comments...by signing on as a blog follower...And dont forget to place your favorite fish vote on my sidebar poll!!!

Tight Lines, Capt. George Harris

Maine Flats Fishing Striper Guide
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com