Some decent Striped Bass fishing reports are coming in from southern New England...The herring runs have started to fill in here in Maine, which sets the stage for the Striper migration to begin in the mid coast region of Maine...We'll begin to see some Striped Bass activity on the Kennebec river starting by the end of May and from then on it'll continue to get better as we move into June....On the nearshore ledges cod will start to stack up in big numbers...and my lobstermen buddies will soon be taking some nice sized halibut off gravel bottom areas...I'm looking forward to seeing some fillets very soon...lets hope for some warm weather to help get our saltwater fishing season kicked off strong!!! Just a rminder that we have some availability this may for Merrymeeting Bay Carp fishing...My friend Dan R. recently landed a nice one, well over 10 pounds probably over 15#...A very nice and catch on his 5wt!!! Freshwater fishing also is starting to improve greatly here in Maine. In the streams and rivers, trout are biting well...I have a few friends that have been hammering the rainbow trout in a tiny midcoast maine tailwater, streamer flies and tiny swimming plugs have produced....Spring in Maine is also the time of year when you see many anglers in tin boats trolling streamer flies & wobbling spoons along the shorelines of many of our lakes and ponds...this accounts for some great catches of Brown Trout, Brook Trout and landlocked Salmon. Bass, Northern Pike and Panfish are beginning to wake up in the lakes and ponds...best reports have come from those who have been fishing over dark weedy bottoms as those areas seem to warm up faster...
For those who haven't gotten the yard work done...you better hurry up!!! May is an awesome month to be outdoors & the Fishing in Maine is about to really get cranking
Maine' Premier Saltwater Fishing Guide Service
Super Fly Charters
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
Super Fly Charters Facebook Page
www.superfly-charters.com
For Reservations Call The Maine Saltwater Fishing Hotline 207-691-0745
Welcome to Maine's #1 Striper Fishing Blog with Capt. George Harris Call 207-691-0745
- Capt. George Harris
- 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 ~
Friday, April 29, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Maine Saltwater Fishing Reports With Capt. George Harris & Super Fly Charters
Maine Striper Fishing Guide 2011
Next Month Striped Bass Will Be Migrating Into Maine Waters...Cod will be stacking up on the ledges...Many Other Coastal Species Will Become Active As The Water Warm's...We Will Be Ready For Them All!!! As you can see in the pics, Striped Bass can be ferocious in the way they take a fly...Early last June, this Kennebec River striper took Chris Oliver right to the corks on his G.Loomis GLX 9wt...this would happen many, many times that morning!!! If you would like to give Striped Bass fishing in an amazing setting a try,
Please give us a jingle @ 207-691-0745.
Beginning next month we'll be on the water night & day...We'll get the fish dialed in and we'll keep them dialed in. That's the benefit of fishing with a full time saltwater fishing guide...
We are also looking for marina space for the 21 Parker, Most likely this will be somewhere on the lower Kennebec watershed...We will still be offering trips in different regions, that we'll access by taking advantage of the numerous public boat launches that are spread across the Maine coast...We have the choice of two boats that we can fish from....
We mostly fish from the 21' Parker "Super Fly". Without a doubt, it's the most versatile fly & light tackle skiff for fishing the rugged Maine coast...When the need arises, we'll also be fishing from a smaller, lighter 17' hybrid flats skiff equipped with a poling platform...
We have some availability next month for "Trash Can Tarpon" aka Carp fishing on the pristine flats of the Merrymeeting bay estuary, These brutes range over a wide variety of habitat in the Kennebec system and can be targeted using a variety of fly & light tackle techniques. I also have some late May dates open for early season Striped Bass fishing. For the bottom bashers out there...Cod fishing begins to heat up next month, which directly corresponds to the spring Herring runs...As the herring move into the tidal rivers, Hungry Striped Bass won't be far behind!!! Some of the largest wild life migrations on the planet occur each spring and fall as staggering numbers of fish, invertebrates, marine mammals and sea birds move up and down the western Atlantic seaboard...We feel truly blessed to have been able to carve out our own place in this migration path..If you are interested in joining us as we chase the tide & work our way up through the food chain, please give us a call for more info.
Maine' Premier Saltwater Fishing Guide Service
Super Fly Charters
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
Super Fly Charters Facebook Page
www.superfly-charters.com
Please give us a jingle @ 207-691-0745.
Beginning next month we'll be on the water night & day...We'll get the fish dialed in and we'll keep them dialed in. That's the benefit of fishing with a full time saltwater fishing guide...
We are also looking for marina space for the 21 Parker, Most likely this will be somewhere on the lower Kennebec watershed...We will still be offering trips in different regions, that we'll access by taking advantage of the numerous public boat launches that are spread across the Maine coast...We have the choice of two boats that we can fish from....
We have some availability next month for "Trash Can Tarpon" aka Carp fishing on the pristine flats of the Merrymeeting bay estuary, These brutes range over a wide variety of habitat in the Kennebec system and can be targeted using a variety of fly & light tackle techniques. I also have some late May dates open for early season Striped Bass fishing. For the bottom bashers out there...Cod fishing begins to heat up next month, which directly corresponds to the spring Herring runs...As the herring move into the tidal rivers, Hungry Striped Bass won't be far behind!!! Some of the largest wild life migrations on the planet occur each spring and fall as staggering numbers of fish, invertebrates, marine mammals and sea birds move up and down the western Atlantic seaboard...We feel truly blessed to have been able to carve out our own place in this migration path..If you are interested in joining us as we chase the tide & work our way up through the food chain, please give us a call for more info.
Maine' Premier Saltwater Fishing Guide Service
Super Fly Charters
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
Super Fly Charters Facebook Page
www.superfly-charters.com
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Maine Striper Fishing Reports: Department of Marine Resources NOTICE OF RULEMAKING Chapter 42.03 Striped Bass – Deadline For Written Comment Is TODAY!!! April 14th, 2011
If you have strong feelings one way or the other about these proposed rule changes, please submit your written comments by TODAY: APRIL 14th, 2011!!! Read Details Below
***Click here to read some of my thoughts on this issue***
To see what some of my good friends, fellow guides & all around fish magnets have to say about these proposed rule changes click the following links:
Capt. Peter Fallon - Gillies & Fallon Guide Service
Capt. Dan Wolotsky - Sweet Action Charters
Capt. Doug Jowett aka Captain Pine Tree
Department of Marine Resources: NOTICE OF RULEMAKING
Chapter 42.03 Striped Bass
(Kennebec River and Sheepscot river areas)
The proposed rulemaking would remove the marine bait prohibition and replace it with the requirement to use circle hooks while using marine bait when fishing in the Kennebec River closed area during the established May 1 to June 30th season. The closed area is also proposed to change from upstream and inside the line drawn from Cape Small to Cape Newagen to a line upstream and inside from Fort Popham, Phippsburg to Kennebec Point to Indian Point, Georgetown, and upstream from a line in the area called Robinhood between Lowe Point, Phippsburg to Newdick Point, Westport and downstream of the Route 144 Westport Island Bridge therefore removing the Sheepscot River from the Kennebec rules and placing it under the statewide regulations.
This request was made by the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) - Barry Bibson of Boothbay Harbor who is the rep. for RFA in Maine.
PUBLIC HEARING: April 4, 2011, 6pm, Bath City Hall, 1st Floor Auditorium, 55 Front Street, Bath
DEADLINE FOR WRITTEN COMMENTS: April 14, 2011
CONTACT PERSONS: Bruce Joule (207-633-9505) or Pat Keliher (207-287-9973)
For more information: Online the web link for a copy of the proposed rules is: http://www.maine.gov/dmr/rulemaking/
Or, to obtain a hardcopy by US mail write: Dept. of Marine Resources, attn: L. Churchill, PO Box 8, West Boothbay Harbor, Maine 04575-0008 TEL: 207-633-9584, or
EMAIL: laurice.churchill@maine.gov, FAX: (207) 633-9579 or TTY: (207) 633-9500
To receive future rulemaking notices by email please use contact info above.
Additional information:
The original rule adopted in 1990 was based on mortality concerns for native striped bass within the Kennebec River during their spawning season n May and June. This was due to the primary use of J hooks, which at the time posed an unacceptably high hook and release mortality. In 2010 the Department adopted a year round circle hook rule to improve the reduction of the discard mortality for striped bass caught and released by recreational anglers. Those rules become effective after two seasons to allow tackle shops to reduce inventory and as an education period.
The “Recreational Fishing Alliance” has requested the proposed rulemaking to open the Kennebec to bait fishing with circle hooks during May and June. In their opinion this request is consistent with the Department of Marine Resources’ objectives to reduce discard mortality through circle hooks while also opening these waters to bait fishermen and guide businesses currently prohibited from fishing these waters for a significant portion of the season. Therefore opening this area would have a positive impact on the recreational fishing industry.
Proposed rulemaking – see underlined or deleted text below:
Chapter 42 - Striped Bass 42.03 Striped Bass - Closed Area and Closed Season
A. Except as provided in Chapter 42.03 (B), from the 1st day of December to June 30, inclusive, it is unlawful for any person to take and retain any striped bass from the tidal waters of the Kennebec River inside and upstream of a line drawn from the outer extremity of Cape Small to the outer extremity of Salter Island, thence to the outer extremity of Cape Newagen Fort Popham, Phippsburg to the southern end of Kennebec Point, Georgetown, thence east to the southernmost tip of Indian Point, Georgetown; and from Lowe Point, Georgetown to Newdick Point, Westport (Robinhood); plus downstream from the Route 144 Westport Island Bridge; and including Merrymeeting Bay and tributaries, the tidal waters of the Sheepscot River, Androscoggin River, Sasanoa River, and all other tidal tributaries of the Kennebec River. From July 1 through November 30, statewide regulations for striped bass apply to this area.
B. Special Hook and Release Season/Area. From May 1 to June 30, it shall be lawful to fish for striped bass in the waters described in Chapter 42.03(A) with a hook and line and single-hooked artificial lures (a hook may have one, two or three points), and with bait, solely as prescribed below in Chapter 42.03(C). Any striped bass caught during this special season/area fishery shall be immediately released and returned alive, without further injury, to the waters from which they were taken.
C. Waters Seasonally Closed to the Use of Bait. Use of Circle Hooks and Bait. From May 1 to June 30, inclusive, it is unlawful to use any hook other than a circle hook when using marine bait. For purposes of this chapter the definition of circle hook means a non-offset hook with a point that points 90o back toward the shaft of the hook. it is unlawful to possess or use bait while hook and line fishing for any finfish species in waters described in 42.03(A). During this closed season (May 1 to June 30), possession of hook and line fishing gear and bait on waters described in 42.03(A) is prima facie evidence of violating this regulation. For purposes of this section, "bait" is defined as any live or dead marine organism, or part thereof.
Note: No other changes are proposed in Chapter 42.
***Click here to read some of my thoughts on this issue***
To see what some of my good friends, fellow guides & all around fish magnets have to say about these proposed rule changes click the following links:
Capt. Peter Fallon - Gillies & Fallon Guide Service
Capt. Dan Wolotsky - Sweet Action Charters
Capt. Doug Jowett aka Captain Pine Tree
Department of Marine Resources: NOTICE OF RULEMAKING
(Kennebec River and Sheepscot river areas)
The proposed rulemaking would remove the marine bait prohibition and replace it with the requirement to use circle hooks while using marine bait when fishing in the Kennebec River closed area during the established May 1 to June 30th season. The closed area is also proposed to change from upstream and inside the line drawn from Cape Small to Cape Newagen to a line upstream and inside from Fort Popham, Phippsburg to Kennebec Point to Indian Point, Georgetown, and upstream from a line in the area called Robinhood between Lowe Point, Phippsburg to Newdick Point, Westport and downstream of the Route 144 Westport Island Bridge therefore removing the Sheepscot River from the Kennebec rules and placing it under the statewide regulations.
This request was made by the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) - Barry Bibson of Boothbay Harbor who is the rep. for RFA in Maine.
PUBLIC HEARING: April 4, 2011, 6pm, Bath City Hall, 1st Floor Auditorium, 55 Front Street, Bath
DEADLINE FOR WRITTEN COMMENTS: April 14, 2011
CONTACT PERSONS: Bruce Joule (207-633-9505) or Pat Keliher (207-287-9973)
For more information: Online the web link for a copy of the proposed rules is: http://www.maine.gov/dmr/rulemaking/
Or, to obtain a hardcopy by US mail write: Dept. of Marine Resources, attn: L. Churchill, PO Box 8, West Boothbay Harbor, Maine 04575-0008 TEL: 207-633-9584, or
EMAIL: laurice.churchill@maine.gov, FAX: (207) 633-9579 or TTY: (207) 633-9500
To receive future rulemaking notices by email please use contact info above.
Additional information:
The original rule adopted in 1990 was based on mortality concerns for native striped bass within the Kennebec River during their spawning season n May and June. This was due to the primary use of J hooks, which at the time posed an unacceptably high hook and release mortality. In 2010 the Department adopted a year round circle hook rule to improve the reduction of the discard mortality for striped bass caught and released by recreational anglers. Those rules become effective after two seasons to allow tackle shops to reduce inventory and as an education period.
The “Recreational Fishing Alliance” has requested the proposed rulemaking to open the Kennebec to bait fishing with circle hooks during May and June. In their opinion this request is consistent with the Department of Marine Resources’ objectives to reduce discard mortality through circle hooks while also opening these waters to bait fishermen and guide businesses currently prohibited from fishing these waters for a significant portion of the season. Therefore opening this area would have a positive impact on the recreational fishing industry.
Proposed rulemaking – see underlined or deleted text below:
Chapter 42 - Striped Bass 42.03 Striped Bass - Closed Area and Closed Season
A. Except as provided in Chapter 42.03 (B), from the 1st day of December to June 30, inclusive, it is unlawful for any person to take and retain any striped bass from the tidal waters of the Kennebec River inside and upstream of a line drawn from the outer extremity of Cape Small to the outer extremity of Salter Island, thence to the outer extremity of Cape Newagen Fort Popham, Phippsburg to the southern end of Kennebec Point, Georgetown, thence east to the southernmost tip of Indian Point, Georgetown; and from Lowe Point, Georgetown to Newdick Point, Westport (Robinhood); plus downstream from the Route 144 Westport Island Bridge; and including Merrymeeting Bay and tributaries, the tidal waters of the Sheepscot River, Androscoggin River, Sasanoa River, and all other tidal tributaries of the Kennebec River. From July 1 through November 30, statewide regulations for striped bass apply to this area.
B. Special Hook and Release Season/Area. From May 1 to June 30, it shall be lawful to fish for striped bass in the waters described in Chapter 42.03(A) with a hook and line and single-hooked artificial lures (a hook may have one, two or three points), and with bait, solely as prescribed below in Chapter 42.03(C). Any striped bass caught during this special season/area fishery shall be immediately released and returned alive, without further injury, to the waters from which they were taken.
C. Waters Seasonally Closed to the Use of Bait. Use of Circle Hooks and Bait. From May 1 to June 30, inclusive, it is unlawful to use any hook other than a circle hook when using marine bait. For purposes of this chapter the definition of circle hook means a non-offset hook with a point that points 90o back toward the shaft of the hook. it is unlawful to possess or use bait while hook and line fishing for any finfish species in waters described in 42.03(A). During this closed season (May 1 to June 30), possession of hook and line fishing gear and bait on waters described in 42.03(A) is prima facie evidence of violating this regulation. For purposes of this section, "bait" is defined as any live or dead marine organism, or part thereof.
Note: No other changes are proposed in Chapter 42.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Maine Striper Fishing Reports: 2011 Preview
Next Month Striped Bass Will Be Migrating Into Maine Waters...Cod will be stacking up on the ledges...Many Other Coastal Species Will Become Active As The Water Warm's...We Will Be Ready For Them All!!!
Maine' Premier Saltwater Fishing Guide Service
Super Fly Charters
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
Super Fly Charters Facebook Page
www.superfly-charters.com
Maine' Premier Saltwater Fishing Guide Service
Super Fly Charters
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
Super Fly Charters Facebook Page
www.superfly-charters.com
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Maine Striper Fishing Reports With Capt George Harris & Super Fly Charters
Saltwater Freestyle Angling In Maine!!!
Before I get to Freestyle fishing...let me first again touch on the following important issue:
For those of you who are staying current with this blog...you know that there is some contentious rule making proposed for Striped Bass fishing on the Kennebec...There are basically Three factions that are fighting tooth and nail over what the right way is to manage this once world class fishery...Standing on one point of the triangle is a group Fly Fishermen...They are mostly a level headed group of guys that stand fast to their convictions...Whats not to respect about that? Next we have a group of anglers that fish bait...again...a group of level headed guys that for the most part are also advocates of catch & release...Scientific evidence has proven that the use of circle hooks has resulted in levels of release mortality are far below what is the accepted norm...based on those facts...this group has decided to support the regulation amendments...One shaky argument to that fact is that additional pressure from anglers fishing with bait will result in additional release mortality...It's hard to present an argument to a tough administration about fish that might or might not be caught....So far, I can see that both sides have some very valid arguments...The first two groups are the kind of guys that you can get together with at the end of the day for a few cold beers and you can actually have a good productive discussion...Last but not least we have a group of guys that are pretty mixed up & over the top....we have the small contingent of EXTREMIST conservation zealots that would like to see nothing less than the entire coast shut down to all fishing...those guys can go pound sand as far as i'm concerned!!! and the other group & I hate to lump these guys in this group but there is no other place to put them...this group has their tails between there legs and don't know if they are coming or going.. With their puppet master pulling the strings this small band of puppets publicly rail against the regulation change that would make using using bait on circle hooks in May/June possible yet their actions on the water speak differently....Some would say that the pen is mightier than the sword...Well I say that actions speak louder than words!!! As much as I hate to say it...Fishing is still considered a blood sport...even though we can choose to release our catch to fight again it doesn't always work out the best for the fish, regardless of the methods used...It's important that we use gear that keeps release mortality to a minimum...Crushing barbs on hooks is a good idea for the fish and the angler...Circle hooks have come a long way...
If you ask me, I can present a pretty compelling arguments for either side...I can certainly just as easily present the argument that saltwater fly fishing can be just as destructive a method as any other method..The hooks are are often just as large and the other end of the spectrum, tiny flies can easily be sucked into the vital throat,gills area of a fish...I've seen too many overly aggressive fish that have been hooked in the throat, gills, eyes etc...I've been there & done that...Between 1977 when I was just a 5 year old boy fishing among the rocks and sand at Ft Popham to the present day where I am a full time saltwater fishing guide, I have seen striper & bluefish blitzes on the kennebec that have lasted all day long without a lull...In that 30+ year span I've seen alot...I have seen the up & down fluctuations in fish numbers...In the late 1990's early 2000's I had more 100+ fish days on fly rod than I can count, I feel that makes me more than qualified to speak about it...
DEADLINE FOR WRITTEN COMMENTS: April 14, 2011
CONTACT PERSONS: Bruce Joule (207-633-9505) or Pat Keliher (207-287-9973)
For more information: Online the web link for a copy of the proposed rules is: http://www.maine.gov/dmr/rulemaking/
Or, to obtain a hardcopy by US mail write: Dept. of Marine Resources, attn: L. Churchill, PO Box 8, West Boothbay Harbor, Maine 04575-0008 TEL: 207-633-9584, or
EMAIL: laurice.churchill@maine.gov, FAX: (207) 633-9579 or TTY: (207) 633-9500
Now back to Freestyle Angling There is quite a bit of name calling between the above groups...lots of silly labels being thrown around...Fly rod dweebs, bait draggers etc...we've all heard the various terms. What category do I fall into??? ..The answer...ALL OF THEM!!! Here is where the term Freestyle Fishing comes in
To me Freestyle Fishing means not following a traditional path...I am not a purist of any one discipline. Rather I consider myself a purist of all disciplines...which in my mind makes me a true fishing purist hahaha!!!Depending on the conditions I can be found using a variety of techniques....some of them are quite unorthodox by local standards...techniques that have been adapted from other fisheries from all around the world. I won't go into them in detail here because much of what we do is what makes us unique...It's not rare that I'll have a guy in the bow of the boat casting a fly rod with an angler in the stern drifting a livie or skipping a jig off the bottom. I have learned so much about fly presentation, by also fishing bait...case in point was a fly fishing tournament that was held last year on the Kennebec river...A tournament that had a very poor turnout as far as landings were concerned...It was downright horrible actually...Only two fish were boated during the entire 6hr event...that's why they call it fishing!!!...We left the dock at 6:00 am to fish the last of the out going tide...then with what I can only attribute to poor planning by tourney officials(nobody looked at the tide chart...lol), we were faced with a long slack tide period before the incoming tide built enough steam to overcome the natural flow of the river. A hot summer had left the water temps astronomically high so the fish were holding & feeding in the deeper, cooler waters, water much deeper than whats normally conducive to fly-fishing....I put together a strong game plan and had some very skilled fly anglers aboard to execute it...based on that game plan and chatting with some of the other teams about their gameplans over many beers, I knew that we would probably be the front runners...
Prior to the tourney I had spent the last several weeks carolina rigging live baits in the cooler water over deep ledges...we were catching very good numbers..Once the tide started to rip inbound...I ran to a spot that holds fish all season long..I had my anglers switch to the heaviest sinking lines that we had onboard....600 grains or so.....The first drifts my anglers didn't have the feel for it...getting a fly down deep in all that current and being able to stay in contact with your fly is extremely difficult but after some coaching they were able to get their flies to tick off the bottom and occasionally snag structure...It was then that I became confident that If we could keep this presentation up during the peak flow of the incoming tide, that we would most likely win the tourney. The rest of the tourny fleet was also present in the area but after watching the frequent casting and fast cadence retrieves of the anglers on most the other boats I knew that they couldn't possibly be letting their flies get deep enough into the crush zone...I'm used to setting the boat up to have the tide pull us along specific current seams and tide rips...knowing how water behaves as it flows over structure is very important when making presentations in deep water...we used that to our advantage, It took us several long, slow methodical drifts, dredging our flies over a ledge in 25' of water but we ended up sticking the winning fish...This most likely never would have happened had I not been experienced in carolina rigging...we presented our flies in such a way that they almost exactly mimicked that of a carolina rigged livie...the long heavy sinking head fly line played the part of the egg sinker...the black "snakefly" tied to a 4' stubby leader played the part of a live eel to perfection!!!....The other fish was landed by team "Fly by Knight" these guys fish with me alot each season and are from the same school of Freestyling as i am. This is only one small example of the things that I have learned about fly presentation from my time spent using live baits.....Many days we incorporate fly, artificial lures and livebaits all at the same time...I could go on and on with enough info to fill whole volumes of encyclopedias with crossover techniques...It's nice to have a fat playbook to utilize...I laugh to myself every time I hear a fly fisherman proclaim that bait fishing is not really fishing...I guess that can be their own little secret...lol....I'm pretty sure that I could teach those guys a few valuable lessons about their own game on their own turf...but why bother....ignorance is bliss...lol
If you want to become a more efficient angler and are interested in learning more about Freestyle Fishing please give us a shout to arrange a trip... 207-691-0745
Maine' Premier Saltwater Fishing Guide Service
Super Fly Charters
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
Super Fly Charters Facebook Page
www.superfly-charters.com
Before I get to Freestyle fishing...let me first again touch on the following important issue:
If you ask me, I can present a pretty compelling arguments for either side...I can certainly just as easily present the argument that saltwater fly fishing can be just as destructive a method as any other method..The hooks are are often just as large and the other end of the spectrum, tiny flies can easily be sucked into the vital throat,gills area of a fish...I've seen too many overly aggressive fish that have been hooked in the throat, gills, eyes etc...I've been there & done that...Between 1977 when I was just a 5 year old boy fishing among the rocks and sand at Ft Popham to the present day where I am a full time saltwater fishing guide, I have seen striper & bluefish blitzes on the kennebec that have lasted all day long without a lull...In that 30+ year span I've seen alot...I have seen the up & down fluctuations in fish numbers...In the late 1990's early 2000's I had more 100+ fish days on fly rod than I can count, I feel that makes me more than qualified to speak about it...
DEADLINE FOR WRITTEN COMMENTS: April 14, 2011
CONTACT PERSONS: Bruce Joule (207-633-9505) or Pat Keliher (207-287-9973)
For more information: Online the web link for a copy of the proposed rules is: http://www.maine.gov/dmr/rulemaking/
Or, to obtain a hardcopy by US mail write: Dept. of Marine Resources, attn: L. Churchill, PO Box 8, West Boothbay Harbor, Maine 04575-0008 TEL: 207-633-9584, or
EMAIL: laurice.churchill@maine.gov, FAX: (207) 633-9579 or TTY: (207) 633-9500
Now back to Freestyle Angling There is quite a bit of name calling between the above groups...lots of silly labels being thrown around...Fly rod dweebs, bait draggers etc...we've all heard the various terms. What category do I fall into??? ..The answer...ALL OF THEM!!! Here is where the term Freestyle Fishing comes in
If you want to become a more efficient angler and are interested in learning more about Freestyle Fishing please give us a shout to arrange a trip... 207-691-0745
Maine' Premier Saltwater Fishing Guide Service
Super Fly Charters
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
Super Fly Charters Facebook Page
www.superfly-charters.com
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Maine Striper Fishing: Department of Marine Resources NOTICE OF RULEMAKING Chapter 42.03 Striped Bass –
As Many of you know...there is currently a movement to amend some of the current Striped Bass regulations that govern the Kennebec river...(read more about it in one of my older posts below)
The public hearing has come and gone...unfortunately I was unable to attend as my wife & I are expecting the birth of our first child and we had a child birthing class to attend the night that the public hearing was held in Bath...In order to preserve household harmony I skipped the meeting and sent my written comment in to the DMR...there is still time for you to do so as well!!!
I am a fisherman...I don't label myself a fly fisherman...yes I absolutely love to fly fish, and I love to tie flies, but I also love pitching live baits...Like I said....I'm a fisherman.
One thing that this rulemaking process has taught me is that I am only a moderate conservationist...I am pretty much in the dead center of the road...yes I'm an advocate of catch & release, and I feel blessed every time that we catch & release a Striper...but I certainly don't begrudge my fishing guests a fish dinner either. I also feel pretty comfortable saying that I feel just as confident releasing a Striper that crushed a live herring as a fish that nailed a lefty's deceiver....the types of terminal gear have evolved to the point where release mortality is at an all time low when using proper equipment.
Another thing that I have learned during this process is that my tolerance for conservation zealots is waning fast...really fast...We all know who these guys are...These Quacks are so far right of center that they are not even on the horizon...they are the guys that troll all the online Maine fly fishing message boards with their blah blah blah doom & gloom, psychobabble rants...."the sky is falling"..."the sky is falling"...gimme a break...chicken little!!!if you know what I'm talking about and you visit some of those websites...Do yourself a huge favor and don't get caught up in that garbage...do your own reasearch...and draw your own conclusions...we all know that every story has at least two sides. When times are good you'll see some of these same guys boast on all the web forums about single handedly catching as many as 3000 stripers during a single season...apparently the fish that they catch somehow have a halo around them protecting them from release mortality...perhaps release mortality is an affliction only reserved for non fly caught fish...do you think many of these guys cry themselves to sleep over the possibility that a few of their Stripers might not survive release???....No, more than likely they are too busy high fiving each other celebrating their "Striper Thumbs" to shed a single tear. I guess it's only okay for one group of anglers to enjoy the slayfest...Now that things are a little tougher this small contingent wants to point their fingers at bait fishermen???...none of them want to look in the mirror...hmmm...how is that for irony???
Sure...I can appreciate a good debate with open minded people once in awhile...that is a good thing and it often leads to even better things...I respect that people are going to have varying opinions...It's the one sided spin that so many of these card carrying conservation zealots spout off about that really gnaws at me...Basically I have no use for it...In the end it's the guys with the cool heads that usually prevail.
So if you have strong feelings about these rule changes...you have until April 14th to submit them in writing to the DMR...I'll respect your opinion no matter which way you're leaning
(River Herring Flies & River Herring)
Department of Marine Resources: NOTICE OF RULEMAKING
Chapter 42.03 Striped Bass
(Kennebec River and Sheepscot river areas)
The proposed rulemaking would remove the marine bait prohibition and replace it with the requirement to use circle hooks while using marine bait when fishing in the Kennebec River closed area during the established May 1 to June 30th season. The closed area is also proposed to change from upstream and inside the line drawn from Cape Small to Cape Newagen to a line upstream and inside from Fort Popham, Phippsburg to Kennebec Point to Indian Point, Georgetown, and upstream from a line in the area called Robinhood between Lowe Point, Phippsburg to Newdick Point, Westport and downstream of the Route 144 Westport Island Bridge therefore removing the Sheepscot River from the Kennebec rules and placing it under the statewide regulations.
This request was made by the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) - Barry Bibson of Boothbay Harbor who is the rep. for RFA in Maine.
PUBLIC HEARING: April 4, 2011, 6pm, Bath City Hall, 1st Floor Auditorium, 55 Front Street, Bath
DEADLINE FOR WRITTEN COMMENTS: April 14, 2011
CONTACT PERSONS: Bruce Joule (207-633-9505) or Pat Keliher (207-287-9973)
For more information: Online the web link for a copy of the proposed rules is: http://www.maine.gov/dmr/rulemaking/
Or, to obtain a hardcopy by US mail write: Dept. of Marine Resources, attn: L. Churchill, PO Box 8, West Boothbay Harbor, Maine 04575-0008 TEL: 207-633-9584, or
EMAIL: laurice.churchill@maine.gov, FAX: (207) 633-9579 or TTY: (207) 633-9500
To receive future rulemaking notices by email please use contact info above.
Maine' Premier Saltwater Fishing Guide Service
Super Fly Charters
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
Super Fly Charters Facebook Page
www.superfly-charters.com
I am a fisherman...I don't label myself a fly fisherman...yes I absolutely love to fly fish, and I love to tie flies, but I also love pitching live baits...Like I said....I'm a fisherman.
One thing that this rulemaking process has taught me is that I am only a moderate conservationist...I am pretty much in the dead center of the road...yes I'm an advocate of catch & release, and I feel blessed every time that we catch & release a Striper...but I certainly don't begrudge my fishing guests a fish dinner either. I also feel pretty comfortable saying that I feel just as confident releasing a Striper that crushed a live herring as a fish that nailed a lefty's deceiver....the types of terminal gear have evolved to the point where release mortality is at an all time low when using proper equipment.
Another thing that I have learned during this process is that my tolerance for conservation zealots is waning fast...really fast...We all know who these guys are...These Quacks are so far right of center that they are not even on the horizon...they are the guys that troll all the online Maine fly fishing message boards with their blah blah blah doom & gloom, psychobabble rants...."the sky is falling"..."the sky is falling"...gimme a break...chicken little!!!if you know what I'm talking about and you visit some of those websites...Do yourself a huge favor and don't get caught up in that garbage...do your own reasearch...and draw your own conclusions...we all know that every story has at least two sides. When times are good you'll see some of these same guys boast on all the web forums about single handedly catching as many as 3000 stripers during a single season...apparently the fish that they catch somehow have a halo around them protecting them from release mortality...perhaps release mortality is an affliction only reserved for non fly caught fish...do you think many of these guys cry themselves to sleep over the possibility that a few of their Stripers might not survive release???....No, more than likely they are too busy high fiving each other celebrating their "Striper Thumbs" to shed a single tear. I guess it's only okay for one group of anglers to enjoy the slayfest...Now that things are a little tougher this small contingent wants to point their fingers at bait fishermen???...none of them want to look in the mirror...hmmm...how is that for irony???
Sure...I can appreciate a good debate with open minded people once in awhile...that is a good thing and it often leads to even better things...I respect that people are going to have varying opinions...It's the one sided spin that so many of these card carrying conservation zealots spout off about that really gnaws at me...Basically I have no use for it...In the end it's the guys with the cool heads that usually prevail.
So if you have strong feelings about these rule changes...you have until April 14th to submit them in writing to the DMR...I'll respect your opinion no matter which way you're leaning
(River Herring Flies & River Herring)
Chapter 42.03 Striped Bass
(Kennebec River and Sheepscot river areas)
The proposed rulemaking would remove the marine bait prohibition and replace it with the requirement to use circle hooks while using marine bait when fishing in the Kennebec River closed area during the established May 1 to June 30th season. The closed area is also proposed to change from upstream and inside the line drawn from Cape Small to Cape Newagen to a line upstream and inside from Fort Popham, Phippsburg to Kennebec Point to Indian Point, Georgetown, and upstream from a line in the area called Robinhood between Lowe Point, Phippsburg to Newdick Point, Westport and downstream of the Route 144 Westport Island Bridge therefore removing the Sheepscot River from the Kennebec rules and placing it under the statewide regulations.
This request was made by the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) - Barry Bibson of Boothbay Harbor who is the rep. for RFA in Maine.
PUBLIC HEARING: April 4, 2011, 6pm, Bath City Hall, 1st Floor Auditorium, 55 Front Street, Bath
DEADLINE FOR WRITTEN COMMENTS: April 14, 2011
CONTACT PERSONS: Bruce Joule (207-633-9505) or Pat Keliher (207-287-9973)
For more information: Online the web link for a copy of the proposed rules is: http://www.maine.gov/dmr/rulemaking/
Or, to obtain a hardcopy by US mail write: Dept. of Marine Resources, attn: L. Churchill, PO Box 8, West Boothbay Harbor, Maine 04575-0008 TEL: 207-633-9584, or
EMAIL: laurice.churchill@maine.gov, FAX: (207) 633-9579 or TTY: (207) 633-9500
To receive future rulemaking notices by email please use contact info above.
Maine' Premier Saltwater Fishing Guide Service
Super Fly Charters
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
Super Fly Charters Facebook Page
www.superfly-charters.com
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Maine Striper Fishing With Capt George Harris & Super Fly Charters
Don't Overlook Creek Mouths And Flats Channels
(Photos Capt. George Harris)
April has arrived in mid coast Maine...That means that next month we'll have the boat in the water and we'll be doing what we do best...putting on a slayfest!!!
Early in the season when the stripers begin migrating into our waters the first thing they typically do is head into the numerous estuaries that dot our coastline....These could be huge shallow bay areas featuring vast mud & sand flats, large tidal rivers or smaller river systems that drain amazingly fertile tide marshes. Because these early arriving Striped Bass haven't yet gotten into a regular feeding pattern...Getting dialed in on the fish requires putting in lots of time...Thats where we come into the picture...It's our job to sniff them out...We could chase birds around all day like everyone else...and sure, you can get lucky and catch some exciting pop up blitz action but that is normally short lived...Don't get me wrong...We definitely take advantage of every blitz we can and when they do happen...it's incredibly exciting...but we find it better to focus the search on areas that, #1: harbor a decent herring run or #2: has decent tidal flush that will wash small baits like crabs, shrimp, worms and small minnows through choke points to stripers that are waiting for an easy meal. Small creeks are prime examples of a good area to focus your search...
A dropping tide flowing out of a tiny creek will often yield big results....Finding the right creeks that hold stripers is the tough part...a lot of creek mouths might look like they'll hold fish but if they don't have the correct features, we wont waste more than a few prospecting casts around them. Over the course of a lifetime spent fishing in saltwater...I have found that certain creeks types produce better...It's usually the deeper creeks that feature steep undercut sod banks that produce best...most of the really fishy creek mouths will have some sort of shallow water at it's mouth in the form of sand, mud or shell bars that are formed by the constant depositing of sediments being dumped by the currents...many times there will be a deeper pool on the inside or upriver side of such a bar...These bars are like buffet lines...stripers can tuck in behind them out of the current and lay in wait for an easy meal to drift out with the tide...As luck would have it I have a tidal creek thats located behind my house...it dumps into a larger river just a 100 yards or so from by back door...
early in the season we often anchor up just outside the large oyster bar that lays just off the mouth of this creek and we wait for the stripers to come cruising by...most of the action takes place in 1-3 feet of water so you can imagine that the strikes can be pretty explosive....because of the hard running current coupled with the shallow water in this spot we have found it necessary to anchor instead of drift....it's also in this spot that I developed an amazing , yet unorthodox light tackle technique that I guarantee that no other angler in Maine uses..I won't get into the details here but we call it "water buggin"..."water buggin" has paid off huge in many other areas too and is a valuable technique when fishing tight creeks and skinny water currents!!! I only share this mind blowing technique with the anglers who fish with me...so if you're interested give us a jingle!!!
We also focus on creeks that flow onto expansive flats....these creeks often have a well defined mouth but often continue to wind there way for 100's of yards to deeper water...these flats drains are like super highways for Striped bass. Being stealthy is critical when transiting these flats as noise is amplified and Stripers become as skittish as a long tailed cat in room full of rocking chairs...I often have to pole the heavy Parker across these flats to get set up on a creek....we also concentrate on the small creek channels that drain the flats of water and usually find some of our biggest fish of the year in these deeper depressions...It drives me crazy when I go through the effort to pole the boat across 100's of yards of shallow water, being ultra careful to be quiet, when some googan anglers go racing across a flat at warp speed blowing out any fish in that zip code...what's worse is that some of these guys are lazy @ssed veteran guides...so if you see a boat being poled on a flat...PLEASE slow down and give them a wide, wide berth...we're not doing it for the excersise!!!
Some of the best creeks don't really look like much at a casual glance...some are just a small opening in a wall of thick spartina grass......Like I said at the the beginning of this post...don't overlook these areas..
Check out this old post of one of the many outstanding early season creek mouth trip that I have done over the years with Chris Oliver...
Maine Striper fishing...Game On!!!
Last evening I had the chance to fish with Chris Oliver from Knight Marine Service, a full service boat yard located in Rockland, Maine. Chris lives & breathes saltwater fly & light tackle fishing and over the course of the last 5 or 6 years he has caught his first Stripers of the year while fishing with me. Last nights fishing did not dissapoint us. We launched the "Super Fly" at a local midcoast Maine river and ran to a spot that was just a little off the beaten track, an area that had been holding some nice numbers fish. After getting set up it didn't take long before the fish began to feed and feed heavily they did!!! As the tide receded the water became extremely shallow and we could see slot sized Bass swirling aggresively in as little as a foot of water. The fish were mostly keyed in on 6" river herring but they were also munching smaller baits...brit herring perhaps. What a fun night of fishing!!! With beautiful weather in the forecast for this weekend we should see even better fishing in the very near future.
That night we had to thread our way back downstream in the dark through incredibly shallow water...across miles of mudflats, over numerous mussel bars and though a 100 yard class 2 whitewater drop...But it was all worth it...when you go the extra mile off the beaten track the results speak for themselves
If you're looking to fish with us season...please call us soon for available dates!!! We are taking reservations daily. Don't forget to ask about our evening blitz trip...It's becoming a guest favorite!!!
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com
(Photos Capt. George Harris)
April has arrived in mid coast Maine...That means that next month we'll have the boat in the water and we'll be doing what we do best...putting on a slayfest!!!
Early in the season when the stripers begin migrating into our waters the first thing they typically do is head into the numerous estuaries that dot our coastline....These could be huge shallow bay areas featuring vast mud & sand flats, large tidal rivers or smaller river systems that drain amazingly fertile tide marshes. Because these early arriving Striped Bass haven't yet gotten into a regular feeding pattern...Getting dialed in on the fish requires putting in lots of time...Thats where we come into the picture...It's our job to sniff them out...We could chase birds around all day like everyone else...and sure, you can get lucky and catch some exciting pop up blitz action but that is normally short lived...Don't get me wrong...We definitely take advantage of every blitz we can and when they do happen...it's incredibly exciting...but we find it better to focus the search on areas that, #1: harbor a decent herring run or #2: has decent tidal flush that will wash small baits like crabs, shrimp, worms and small minnows through choke points to stripers that are waiting for an easy meal. Small creeks are prime examples of a good area to focus your search...
A dropping tide flowing out of a tiny creek will often yield big results....Finding the right creeks that hold stripers is the tough part...a lot of creek mouths might look like they'll hold fish but if they don't have the correct features, we wont waste more than a few prospecting casts around them. Over the course of a lifetime spent fishing in saltwater...I have found that certain creeks types produce better...It's usually the deeper creeks that feature steep undercut sod banks that produce best...most of the really fishy creek mouths will have some sort of shallow water at it's mouth in the form of sand, mud or shell bars that are formed by the constant depositing of sediments being dumped by the currents...many times there will be a deeper pool on the inside or upriver side of such a bar...These bars are like buffet lines...stripers can tuck in behind them out of the current and lay in wait for an easy meal to drift out with the tide...As luck would have it I have a tidal creek thats located behind my house...it dumps into a larger river just a 100 yards or so from by back door...
early in the season we often anchor up just outside the large oyster bar that lays just off the mouth of this creek and we wait for the stripers to come cruising by...most of the action takes place in 1-3 feet of water so you can imagine that the strikes can be pretty explosive....because of the hard running current coupled with the shallow water in this spot we have found it necessary to anchor instead of drift....it's also in this spot that I developed an amazing , yet unorthodox light tackle technique that I guarantee that no other angler in Maine uses..I won't get into the details here but we call it "water buggin"..."water buggin" has paid off huge in many other areas too and is a valuable technique when fishing tight creeks and skinny water currents!!! I only share this mind blowing technique with the anglers who fish with me...so if you're interested give us a jingle!!!We also focus on creeks that flow onto expansive flats....these creeks often have a well defined mouth but often continue to wind there way for 100's of yards to deeper water...these flats drains are like super highways for Striped bass. Being stealthy is critical when transiting these flats as noise is amplified and Stripers become as skittish as a long tailed cat in room full of rocking chairs...I often have to pole the heavy Parker across these flats to get set up on a creek....we also concentrate on the small creek channels that drain the flats of water and usually find some of our biggest fish of the year in these deeper depressions...It drives me crazy when I go through the effort to pole the boat across 100's of yards of shallow water, being ultra careful to be quiet, when some googan anglers go racing across a flat at warp speed blowing out any fish in that zip code...what's worse is that some of these guys are lazy @ssed veteran guides...so if you see a boat being poled on a flat...PLEASE slow down and give them a wide, wide berth...we're not doing it for the excersise!!!
Some of the best creeks don't really look like much at a casual glance...some are just a small opening in a wall of thick spartina grass......Like I said at the the beginning of this post...don't overlook these areas..
Check out this old post of one of the many outstanding early season creek mouth trip that I have done over the years with Chris Oliver...
Maine Striper fishing...Game On!!!
Last evening I had the chance to fish with Chris Oliver from Knight Marine Service, a full service boat yard located in Rockland, Maine. Chris lives & breathes saltwater fly & light tackle fishing and over the course of the last 5 or 6 years he has caught his first Stripers of the year while fishing with me. Last nights fishing did not dissapoint us. We launched the "Super Fly" at a local midcoast Maine river and ran to a spot that was just a little off the beaten track, an area that had been holding some nice numbers fish. After getting set up it didn't take long before the fish began to feed and feed heavily they did!!! As the tide receded the water became extremely shallow and we could see slot sized Bass swirling aggresively in as little as a foot of water. The fish were mostly keyed in on 6" river herring but they were also munching smaller baits...brit herring perhaps. What a fun night of fishing!!! With beautiful weather in the forecast for this weekend we should see even better fishing in the very near future.That night we had to thread our way back downstream in the dark through incredibly shallow water...across miles of mudflats, over numerous mussel bars and though a 100 yard class 2 whitewater drop...But it was all worth it...when you go the extra mile off the beaten track the results speak for themselves
If you're looking to fish with us season...please call us soon for available dates!!! We are taking reservations daily. Don't forget to ask about our evening blitz trip...It's becoming a guest favorite!!!Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com
Friday, March 25, 2011
Great News For Maine Striper fishermen & The Entire Atlantic Coast Striped Bass Fishery!!!
BREAKING NEWS!!!
HOORAY!!! Ladies & Gentlemen...please hoist your beers in the direction of Alexandria, VA in salute of an effort by the ASFMC's Striped Bass Commission that is sure to bode well for the stocks of east coast Stripers...If the initiatives of this important Addendum passes, and they rightfully should, it will not be a quick fix solution to the problem but it is definitely a huge step in the right direction...The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has released the following info...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 24, 2011
Alexandria, VA – The ASMFC (Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission), Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board has initiated development
of Draft Addendum III with the goals of reducing striped bass fishing mortality (F) up to 40% and further
protecting spawning stock when it is concentrated and vulnerable.
The addendum was initiated in order to
allow managers to promptly respond to the results of the stock assessment update in the fall if necessary.
Provisions of the addendum, if passed, could be implemented prior to the start of the 2012 fishing year.
The Board’s action responds to recent trends in the fishery and resource, including a 66% decline in
estimated recreational catch from 2006 to 2009; a 25% decline in estimated striped bass abundance from
2004 to 2008; and lowered recruitment in recent years. Additionally, states in the northern extent of the
fishery have expressed concern over decreased availability of striped bass as a result of the diminished
water quality in the Chesapeake Bay during the summer months that may also contribute to increased
prevalence of mycobacteriosis in striped bass.
Draft Addendum III will propose a range of fishing management measures including, but not limited to,
adjustments to commercial and recreational minimum size (for jurisdictions outside Chesapeake Bay and
Albemarle Sound/Roanoke River), reductions in annual coastal commercial allocation, reductions in
recreational bag limits, revisions to the target F rate (for Chesapeake Bay and Albemarle Sound/Roanoke
River), and reductions on fishing for striped bass in known spawning areas during the spawning season by
at least 50% (for jurisdictions bordering the Hudson River, Delaware River, Chesapeake Bay and
Albemarle Sound/Roanoke River).
The commercial and recreational fishery is currently managed through Amendment 6 to the Striped Bass
Fishery Management Plan. The Amendment, passed in 2003, allocates the coastal commercial quota and
set a two fish bag limit and a 28 inch size minimum for the recreational fishery, with the exception of the
Chesapeake Bay fisheries, Albemarle Sound/Roanoke River fisheries, and states with approved alternative
regulations.
The Draft Addendum will be developed for preliminary review by the Atlantic Striped Bass Management
Board in August. For more information, please contact Kate Taylor, Fishery Management Plan
Coordinator, at ktaylor@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740.
Maine' Premier Saltwater Fishing Guide Service
Super Fly Charters
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
Super Fly Charters Facebook Page
www.superfly-charters.com
HOORAY!!! Ladies & Gentlemen...please hoist your beers in the direction of Alexandria, VA in salute of an effort by the ASFMC's Striped Bass Commission that is sure to bode well for the stocks of east coast Stripers...If the initiatives of this important Addendum passes, and they rightfully should, it will not be a quick fix solution to the problem but it is definitely a huge step in the right direction...The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has released the following info...
March 24, 2011
Alexandria, VA – The ASMFC (Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission), Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board has initiated development
of Draft Addendum III with the goals of reducing striped bass fishing mortality (F) up to 40% and further
protecting spawning stock when it is concentrated and vulnerable.
The addendum was initiated in order to
allow managers to promptly respond to the results of the stock assessment update in the fall if necessary.
Provisions of the addendum, if passed, could be implemented prior to the start of the 2012 fishing year.
The Board’s action responds to recent trends in the fishery and resource, including a 66% decline in
estimated recreational catch from 2006 to 2009; a 25% decline in estimated striped bass abundance from
2004 to 2008; and lowered recruitment in recent years. Additionally, states in the northern extent of the
fishery have expressed concern over decreased availability of striped bass as a result of the diminished
water quality in the Chesapeake Bay during the summer months that may also contribute to increased
prevalence of mycobacteriosis in striped bass.
Draft Addendum III will propose a range of fishing management measures including, but not limited to,
adjustments to commercial and recreational minimum size (for jurisdictions outside Chesapeake Bay and
Albemarle Sound/Roanoke River), reductions in annual coastal commercial allocation, reductions in
recreational bag limits, revisions to the target F rate (for Chesapeake Bay and Albemarle Sound/Roanoke
River), and reductions on fishing for striped bass in known spawning areas during the spawning season by
at least 50% (for jurisdictions bordering the Hudson River, Delaware River, Chesapeake Bay and
Albemarle Sound/Roanoke River).
The commercial and recreational fishery is currently managed through Amendment 6 to the Striped Bass
Fishery Management Plan. The Amendment, passed in 2003, allocates the coastal commercial quota and
set a two fish bag limit and a 28 inch size minimum for the recreational fishery, with the exception of the
Chesapeake Bay fisheries, Albemarle Sound/Roanoke River fisheries, and states with approved alternative
regulations.
The Draft Addendum will be developed for preliminary review by the Atlantic Striped Bass Management
Board in August. For more information, please contact Kate Taylor, Fishery Management Plan
Coordinator, at ktaylor@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740.
Maine' Premier Saltwater Fishing Guide Service
Super Fly Charters
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
Super Fly Charters Facebook Page
www.superfly-charters.com
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Super Fly Charters: Your #1 Source For Maine Saltwater Fishing Reports, Guided Striper Trips & Charters
Maine Striper Fishing Update
Reservations are continuing to come in for the 2011 Maine saltwater fishing season...Many anglers are already booking trips as far out as September to insure that they get the prime dates. We do multi trips each day based on the ebb and flow of the tides so don't worry we have still have lots of availability...As of right now we are scheduled to begin our season sometime in May...Once we have the boat ready to go, we'll begin doing groundfish trips and based on the availability of early migrating Stripers we'll be focusing on the prolific herring runs that occur on many of our tidal rivers.
Striper fishing in the Maine during the month of May can be hit or miss but when the bite is on, we can help cure your case of cabin fever with an early season slayfest...once June rolls around it'll be game on for 150+ straight days...Striped Bass, Bluefish, Bluefin Tuna, Cod, Mackerel & Sharks will all get your much deserved attention...
Sooo...if you have a date in mind that you'd like to reserve, please give us a jingle to insure that you get a chance to participate in what's going to be another great fishing season on the beautiful coast of Maine....also be sure to browse through our Maine saltwater fishing reports archives to read our day by day, month by month reports....we have hundreds of great pictures that back up our daily fishing reports...
Maine' Premier Saltwater Fishing Guide Service
Super Fly Charters
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
Super Fly Charters Facebook Page
www.superfly-charters.com
Striper fishing in the Maine during the month of May can be hit or miss but when the bite is on, we can help cure your case of cabin fever with an early season slayfest...once June rolls around it'll be game on for 150+ straight days...Striped Bass, Bluefish, Bluefin Tuna, Cod, Mackerel & Sharks will all get your much deserved attention...
Sooo...if you have a date in mind that you'd like to reserve, please give us a jingle to insure that you get a chance to participate in what's going to be another great fishing season on the beautiful coast of Maine....also be sure to browse through our Maine saltwater fishing reports archives to read our day by day, month by month reports....we have hundreds of great pictures that back up our daily fishing reports...
Maine' Premier Saltwater Fishing Guide Service
Super Fly Charters
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
Super Fly Charters Facebook Page
www.superfly-charters.com
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Maine Striper Fishing: Super Fly Charters
Maine Striper Fishing Charters
We're getting closer to the start of fishing season here in Maine...the snow is melting and spring is on the way...We'll soon be pulling the cover off the boat to begin the annual maintenance regimen...This season we'll likely be keeping the Super Fly at a Marina slip...but have no fear we'll still be able to trailer up and down the coast!!! After a decade of guiding here in Maine It's nice to still feel that excitement builds up that happens every year around this time...it'll feel even better to hook into a fresh from sea Striper...this will happen sometime in late May...from that day till sometime in late October we'll be relentlessly pursuing a variety of saltwater game fish!!! In the meantime check out one of my posts from a guided trip that took place last June...
(June 12, 2010)Recap Of A Typical June Striped Bass Trip
Yesterday, I had Chris Oliver of Knight Marine Service ,located in Rockland, Maine, back aboard. Chris fishes with me several times each season in various locations and has been guided to his first stripers of the year going back the last 7-8 years aboard my boat...this year would be no different. This time out we had a great day of fishing on Maine's Kennebec River.
We were on the water by 4:00 am and as we left the south boat launch facility in Bath we were greeted by flat calm conditions and the last part of a ripping outbound tide. A short run from the dock and we spotted whirling gulls and bait fish being blasted by hungry Stripers...It didn't take but a few casts and we were tight to our first Striper of the morning, a fat 25 incher another pass by the ledge gave up a 27 incher then another & another as the action tapered off we decided to head off down river...the next stop produced a couple of fish that were holding deep in the current...off we go again. 
As we approach the next stop we see gulls dive bombing the surface of the water and the frantic splashes of herring trying to escape the hungry stripers that were herding them to the surface...This wasn't one of those classic all out 5 acres of busting fish blitz, but rather a mini blitz of maybe a couple dozen stripers having their way with a school of herring. I positioned the boat to slide past the edge of the busting fish and we cast into the the surface feed with our 350 grain lines and our fluffy white 4"-5" herring deceivers that were tied with just a hint of chartreuse angel hair on their flanks. long strips followed by a a short pause proved to be irresistible to the hungry stripers. As the tide turned we boated several more stripers before the fish went down...
we continued to work this area for a while and the stripers continued to pop to the surface one fish at a time. It's very exciting to watch a stiper rise up underneath a herring that fluttered on the surface and blast it repeatedly as it tried to gulp it down...
We kept at the fish during the incoming tide picking up one fish here and one fish there. Around noontime we headed upriver to the Kennebec tavern for a quick bite to eat before trying one last fish...Armed with a light spinning rod, it only took one cast with the deadly flat tire shad lure to find a fat 27"er a great way to end an even greater day on the water
Call us if you'd like to join us for a day or two this coming season. We'll be happy help you plan your Maine vacation!!! If fly fishing isn't your thing...no worries we're well equipped for light tackle & live bait fishing too!!!
Maine Striper Fishing Guide
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com
(June 12, 2010)Recap Of A Typical June Striped Bass TripYesterday, I had Chris Oliver of Knight Marine Service ,located in Rockland, Maine, back aboard. Chris fishes with me several times each season in various locations and has been guided to his first stripers of the year going back the last 7-8 years aboard my boat...this year would be no different. This time out we had a great day of fishing on Maine's Kennebec River.
We were on the water by 4:00 am and as we left the south boat launch facility in Bath we were greeted by flat calm conditions and the last part of a ripping outbound tide. A short run from the dock and we spotted whirling gulls and bait fish being blasted by hungry Stripers...It didn't take but a few casts and we were tight to our first Striper of the morning, a fat 25 incher another pass by the ledge gave up a 27 incher then another & another as the action tapered off we decided to head off down river...the next stop produced a couple of fish that were holding deep in the current...off we go again. 
As we approach the next stop we see gulls dive bombing the surface of the water and the frantic splashes of herring trying to escape the hungry stripers that were herding them to the surface...This wasn't one of those classic all out 5 acres of busting fish blitz, but rather a mini blitz of maybe a couple dozen stripers having their way with a school of herring. I positioned the boat to slide past the edge of the busting fish and we cast into the the surface feed with our 350 grain lines and our fluffy white 4"-5" herring deceivers that were tied with just a hint of chartreuse angel hair on their flanks. long strips followed by a a short pause proved to be irresistible to the hungry stripers. As the tide turned we boated several more stripers before the fish went down...
we continued to work this area for a while and the stripers continued to pop to the surface one fish at a time. It's very exciting to watch a stiper rise up underneath a herring that fluttered on the surface and blast it repeatedly as it tried to gulp it down...
We kept at the fish during the incoming tide picking up one fish here and one fish there. Around noontime we headed upriver to the Kennebec tavern for a quick bite to eat before trying one last fish...Armed with a light spinning rod, it only took one cast with the deadly flat tire shad lure to find a fat 27"er a great way to end an even greater day on the water
Call us if you'd like to join us for a day or two this coming season. We'll be happy help you plan your Maine vacation!!! If fly fishing isn't your thing...no worries we're well equipped for light tackle & live bait fishing too!!!
Maine Striper Fishing Guide
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com
Maine Striper Fishing: Department of Marine Resources NOTICE OF RULEMAKING Chapter 42.03 Striped Bass –
Here we go again...Looks like there is more smoke on the horizon as the natives are becoming restless and the wagons are circling....This time it's trouble brewing on the lower Kennebec watershed...There is a lot of finger pointing and accusations directed at a certain Boothbay Harbor charter captain and his associates who are allegedly using their influence to help structure Maine fishing rules for their own personal benefit...That remains to be seen!!!All of that contentious nonsense aside, I have read the DMR notice and have seen the proposed boundary line changes..It's my interpretation that if these rule changes pass....the special Kennebec regs would still cover the main stem of the Kennebec river and all of the fertile nursery areas of Merrymeeting bay and it's tributaries...most of the Sheepscot river would revert to the general state rules that governed it prior to 1990 as would the outer beaches and ledges between Cape Newagen and Small Pt. It also sounds like the special catch and release season rules would remain in place. The big difference is that in a further attempt to reduce the release mortality of native Kennebec Striped Bass, circle hooks are now mandated for bait fishing as opposed to J-hooks which were the standard when these special conservation rules were implemented 20 years ago...Part of the argument now is whether or not using bait on c-hooks now levels the playing field of release mortality vs. artificial baits fished on a j-hook...clearly using natural bait will be more effective 100% of the time...no one can argue that fact...It's the release mortality that comes into question....In various case studies, it has been shown that the use of a "inline circle hook" rather than a "J" hook, resulted in a significant reduction in deep hooking. It can therefore be inferred that requiring the use of "circle hooks" with natural baits in a catch and release program would result in a much higher increase in fish survival...these same studies indicate that deep hooking was reduced by as much as 81% over the course of the study by using non-offset circle hooks vs j hooks...Will a Striped Bass that's hooked in the corner of the mouth with a circle hook be just as likely to survive after being released as a fish thats hooked in the same place with a fly or artificial bait???...My own experience leads me to say yes...Thats where things get complicated for me...I'm all for conservation and fully support the way the current special Kennebec rules are structured...however times have changed and so have some of the other rules concerning the types of hooks we can now use...if the mandated use of circle hooks is proven to level the playing field then I can understand how making some amendments to the current rules has some merit...Either way i'm going to support or oppose these rule changes based on science and not emotion...regardless of what happens i'd like to see the special Kennebec catch & release season stay in place...also many folks would like to see the 20"-26" slot limit be replaced with the old 36" limit for keeper fish...I'd support that if the science backed it up...but thats a battle for another day 
Obviously there are lots of varying opinions regarding this issue...my thoughts are that if a guide or an angler chooses not to fish bait for their own philosophical reasons and they practice what they preach, I think thats cool and I fully respect that because those guys are keeping it real!!!...It's the guys that preach one thing and practice the other that lose credibility in my eyes...Yeah...I have a problem with that!!! It's easy for everyone to be all self righteous and to get caught up in the drama and I find it a more than a little funny that some of the same Kennebec guides that are in an uproar over these proposed rule changes are the same guys that are causing traffic jams at the Kennebec Angler and at Sheldons bait dock on July 1st, buying all the bait that they can carry and are stacking fish up on the docks like cordwood??? If the new rules pass these same guides will most likely be the first ones, in May or June, to have their sports drifting live eels or bloodworms??? Anyone else find that to be ironic?...It's often said that every cloud has a sliver lining...well in this case it seems like the pocket of every hypocrite guide has a green lining$$$
I hate to say this but there are a lot of big ego players that fish the kennebec watershed and all of them think that they have the answer as to what the right way and what the wrong way is to manage this fishery...Unlike some of these close minded, card carrying, doom & gloom zealots out there whom apparently think of themselves as expert fisheries biologists, I don't have that qualification so I've chosen to keep an open mind about exploring these rule amendments and not pass a quick judgement until I've been fully educated about them by folks who are more qualified...
Yes the motives for establishing these new rules are starting to smell a little more fishy to me as time passes and additional info becomes available...I'm sure that it'll all come out at the public hearing when Recreational Fishing Alliance Rep.- Capt. Barry Gibson gives his testimony...more than likely if these proposed rule changes turn out to be bogus they will hopefully be crushed quickly...How this is handled by the Maine DMR will be a good barometer of how the new administration is going handle future important recreational fishing issues...most of us are not optimistic!!!
If you have strong feelings one way or the other about these proposed rule changes, please submit your written comments or better yet voice them at the upcoming public hearing!!! Read Details Below
Department of Marine Resources: NOTICE OF RULEMAKINGChapter 42.03 Striped Bass
(Kennebec River and Sheepscot river areas)
The proposed rulemaking would remove the marine bait prohibition and replace it with the requirement to use circle hooks while using marine bait when fishing in the Kennebec River closed area during the established May 1 to June 30th season. The closed area is also proposed to change from upstream and inside the line drawn from Cape Small to Cape Newagen to a line upstream and inside from Fort Popham, Phippsburg to Kennebec Point to Indian Point, Georgetown, and upstream from a line in the area called Robinhood between Lowe Point, Phippsburg to Newdick Point, Westport and downstream of the Route 144 Westport Island Bridge therefore removing the Sheepscot River from the Kennebec rules and placing it under the statewide regulations.
This request was made by the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) - Barry Bibson of Boothbay Harbor who is the rep. for RFA in Maine.
PUBLIC HEARING: April 4, 2011, 6pm, Bath City Hall, 1st Floor Auditorium, 55 Front Street, Bath
DEADLINE FOR WRITTEN COMMENTS: April 14, 2011
CONTACT PERSONS: Bruce Joule (207-633-9505) or Pat Keliher (207-287-9973)
For more information: Online the web link for a copy of the proposed rules is: http://www.maine.gov/dmr/rulemaking/
Or, to obtain a hardcopy by US mail write: Dept. of Marine Resources, attn: L. Churchill, PO Box 8, West Boothbay Harbor, Maine 04575-0008 TEL: 207-633-9584, or
EMAIL: laurice.churchill@maine.gov, FAX: (207) 633-9579 or TTY: (207) 633-9500
To receive future rulemaking notices by email please use contact info above.
I hate to say this but there are a lot of big ego players that fish the kennebec watershed and all of them think that they have the answer as to what the right way and what the wrong way is to manage this fishery...Unlike some of these close minded, card carrying, doom & gloom zealots out there whom apparently think of themselves as expert fisheries biologists, I don't have that qualification so I've chosen to keep an open mind about exploring these rule amendments and not pass a quick judgement until I've been fully educated about them by folks who are more qualified...
If you have strong feelings one way or the other about these proposed rule changes, please submit your written comments or better yet voice them at the upcoming public hearing!!! Read Details Below
Department of Marine Resources: NOTICE OF RULEMAKING
(Kennebec River and Sheepscot river areas)
The proposed rulemaking would remove the marine bait prohibition and replace it with the requirement to use circle hooks while using marine bait when fishing in the Kennebec River closed area during the established May 1 to June 30th season. The closed area is also proposed to change from upstream and inside the line drawn from Cape Small to Cape Newagen to a line upstream and inside from Fort Popham, Phippsburg to Kennebec Point to Indian Point, Georgetown, and upstream from a line in the area called Robinhood between Lowe Point, Phippsburg to Newdick Point, Westport and downstream of the Route 144 Westport Island Bridge therefore removing the Sheepscot River from the Kennebec rules and placing it under the statewide regulations.
This request was made by the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) - Barry Bibson of Boothbay Harbor who is the rep. for RFA in Maine.
PUBLIC HEARING: April 4, 2011, 6pm, Bath City Hall, 1st Floor Auditorium, 55 Front Street, Bath
DEADLINE FOR WRITTEN COMMENTS: April 14, 2011
CONTACT PERSONS: Bruce Joule (207-633-9505) or Pat Keliher (207-287-9973)
For more information: Online the web link for a copy of the proposed rules is: http://www.maine.gov/dmr/rulemaking/
Or, to obtain a hardcopy by US mail write: Dept. of Marine Resources, attn: L. Churchill, PO Box 8, West Boothbay Harbor, Maine 04575-0008 TEL: 207-633-9584, or
EMAIL: laurice.churchill@maine.gov, FAX: (207) 633-9579 or TTY: (207) 633-9500
To receive future rulemaking notices by email please use contact info above.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Maine Deep Sea Fishing Reports With Capt. George Harris & Super Fly Charters
Deep Sea Fishing In Maine: Part II of III...We'll cover Groundfish, Tuna & Sharks In This Three Part Series
(Part II: Sharking..Fishing For Sea Monsters On The Maine Coast)
When most anglers think about planning a sport fishing trip in Maine, light tackle fishing for sharks usually isn't the first thing that pops into their minds...but it should be!!! July through October can offer some of the hottest & most consistent big game fishing that we have on the Maine coast. Large Pelagic Sharks cruise the nearshore temperature breaks and forage rich underwater sea mounts looking for an easy meal...Mako, Thresher and Blueshark are the primary targets with Blueshark being the most common Shark caught in the Gulf of Maine...
The usual routine is to get set up on a temperature or current break with buckets of our freshly ground chum hanging off the side of the boat creating a bloody & oily scent super highway that draws sharks in from long distance...any shark that swims through our miles long chum slick will swim directly to the stern of our boat...usually we'll have a few hook baits already deployed at different depth intervals and we'll also have a livey bridled up and swimming in the livewell for use as a pitch bait in the unusual event that the sharks are finicky...Blue Sharks are prime candidates for fly & light tackle anglers. During down time while we're waiting for the sharks too come in...we often drop jigs to the bottom for fast action on codfish, mackerel and other species...there is always something happening...once the sharks arrive...it's game on and everyone on the boat functions as a team...we are well equipped for fishing sharks...our tackle includes an array of Penn International 50W & 30W lever drag reels mounted on custom Chaos stand up rods for the heavy lifting...For the lighter work we are fully equipped with heavy Penn 9500ss spinning outfits, lightweight graphite rods rigged with Shimano 15-20-25-30 TLD's and an array of Gloomis, Sage & TFO Bluewater fly fishing outfits....all of our tackle is impeccably maintained...If you're planning to fish in Maine this summer and would like to give sharking a try...please give us a call.
Maine' Premier Saltwater Fishing Guide Service
Super Fly Charters
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
Super Fly Charters Facebook Page
www.superfly-charters.com
(Part II: Sharking..Fishing For Sea Monsters On The Maine Coast)
The usual routine is to get set up on a temperature or current break with buckets of our freshly ground chum hanging off the side of the boat creating a bloody & oily scent super highway that draws sharks in from long distance...any shark that swims through our miles long chum slick will swim directly to the stern of our boat...usually we'll have a few hook baits already deployed at different depth intervals and we'll also have a livey bridled up and swimming in the livewell for use as a pitch bait in the unusual event that the sharks are finicky...Blue Sharks are prime candidates for fly & light tackle anglers. During down time while we're waiting for the sharks too come in...we often drop jigs to the bottom for fast action on codfish, mackerel and other species...there is always something happening...once the sharks arrive...it's game on and everyone on the boat functions as a team...we are well equipped for fishing sharks...our tackle includes an array of Penn International 50W & 30W lever drag reels mounted on custom Chaos stand up rods for the heavy lifting...For the lighter work we are fully equipped with heavy Penn 9500ss spinning outfits, lightweight graphite rods rigged with Shimano 15-20-25-30 TLD's and an array of Gloomis, Sage & TFO Bluewater fly fishing outfits....all of our tackle is impeccably maintained...If you're planning to fish in Maine this summer and would like to give sharking a try...please give us a call.Maine' Premier Saltwater Fishing Guide Service
Super Fly Charters
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
Super Fly Charters Facebook Page
www.superfly-charters.com
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