Maine Striped Bass Fishing

Prediction - Maine and Cape Cod Stripers Will Run Big In 2012

2012-02-12T11:33:00.001-05:00

Maine striped bass anglers are mostly aware that the past four years have been a challenge if you were looking for schools of fish surface feeding and catching 15 plus fish per fishing trip.
Those who put in the time to learn how to catch the fish available, had some fine fishing for larger fish in the 10 to 30 pound class and an occasional 40 plus pounder .
So, what’s up for 2012? My prediction is about the same action as last year with the size of fish being bigger as the 2003 Chesapeake Bay dominant year class continues to support our striped bass fishing in Maine and are growing larger each year. How long this year class will continue to provide limited fishing action is anyone’s guess. It can’t hold up forever making its’ way up and down the east coast every year being targeted by all means of recreational and commercial fishing in several states to our south.
The Maine Department of Marine Resources continues to fight the good fight at Atlantic States Marine Fishery Council (ASFMC) meetings to reduce mortality rates on striped bass with limited success. The politics at the ASMFC are weighted towards commercial fishing, so recreational interests have a tough battle there.
At the local, state level however, Maine does have some options to improve our own striped bass fishing.
The Kennebec River has a spawning population of striped bass. How big that population is has become the topic of discussion lately. Since the removal of a couple of dams, more spawning and nursery grounds have become available to striped bass.
Back in the 1980’s, striped bass were stocked in the Kennebec River to help rebuild a home grown spawning population of fish. Special regulations were applied to the river to protect spawning fish. It worked.
Then came the prolific striped bass fishing along the entire Atlantic coast from 1990 into the early 2000’s. It was wonderful fishing. No one paid close attention to the Kennebec River stock except for the long running, established special regulations.
Between 1990 and 2011, the law has allowed killing off our own spawning stock one fish at a time after July first. All this took place prior to any dams being removed.
Now that more habit is available for striped bass to spawn and nurse in, we don’t have a viable population of spawning fish to take advantage of the new spawning opportunities above August.
So, what should be done to improve the Kennebec River’s striped bass spawning population?
MRA (Maine Recreational Anglers), a small advocacy group has asked the Maine Department of Marine Resources to do the following to jump start the Kennebec River spawning stock biomass. They say the following:
“The lack of data on the existence and size of a native, resident striped bass population in the Kennebec River remains a key constraint to moving forward with more aggressive restoration techniques, i.e. further enhancement with striped bass YOY from nearby rivers with resident populations, i.e. the Hudson. Still unexamined is whether enhancement from the Hudson was inappropriate (due to the long geographic distance between the Kennebec and the Hudson and the significant differences in eco-regions); and whether supplementation from the nearest native resident stock (the Shubenacadie in Nova Scotia) would be more biologically appropriate and suitable since the Kennebec and Shubenacadie are more similar in eco-region than the Kennebec and the Hudson.
“Whatever approach the MDMR undertakes to implement stocking, it should be done with care. Many of those whom we have discussed our proposal with voice this concern.
”At present DMR regulations allow for the taking of stripers in the river after July 1st of a fish between 20 and 26 inches total length, inclusive or a fish greater than 40 inches. The larger fish, by definition, are large spawning females. The DMR rules also allow the use of live bait for stripers in the Kennebec after July 1st, which increases the likelihood that a striped bass of any size hooked on live bait will perish due to hooking wounds and stress during landing, handling and any attempted effort to unhook the fish. We understand that it has been recently determined that striped bass may spawn as late as August. We need to learn more so that fishing activity can be regulated appropriately.
“Here are the measures we propose to restore the striped bass fishery:

• Enhancement of the Kennebec River forage base by a program to increase river herring esp. alewives by providing fish passage on Cobbosseecontee, Togus and China Lake Streams
• Moratorium on the killing striped bass in the Kennebec until an abundant self-sustaining population is reestablished or until studies show that this cannot be done
• Studies on the basics of striped bass population dynamics in the Kennebec inc. expanded studies: YOY, tagging and DNA
• Trial stocking of tagged striped bass to help reestablish the breeding population”
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Maine's Kennebec River Striped Bass May See Changes In The Future

2012-01-06T05:52:00.004-05:00

Below is a proposal by "Maine Recreational Anglers" which was delivered to the Maine Department of Marine Resources for future consideration. There will certainly be much talk about the proposal.

KENNEBEC STRIPER INITIATIVE

2011 marked the fourth year in a row of poor striped bass fishing in Maine. Maine is currently dependent on migratory fish for its fishery - most of the fish seen in our waters for some time have been from Chesapeake Bay stocks.
The historical striped bass fishery is well documented. Native fish wintered over in the Kennebec River until their wintering areas were discovered in the 1860s and these fish were reduced to a small, remnant population. The river was stocked during the last fishery crash in the 1980s with good results, but this was discontinued with the return of migratory fish in the early 90s. Permissive fishing regulations allowed most of these fish to be fished out. Although MDMR has recently reported that the Kennebec has striped bass breeding in the Augusta area, resumption of stocking is seen as the way to better establish breeding stocks and provide a more consistent fishery.
The additional habitat now available upstream of the site of Edwards Dam makes reestablishment of a native fishery more possible than it has been in over 150 years. Restoring alewives is seen as key to this: an increased forage base will be needed once striped bass become more abundant so that the fish will be in a condition to winter over. This fishery would not be as subject to the feast or famine cycle that our dependence on migratory fish has dictated, and would restore the river to a condition more representative of the natural ecosystem: one that contained river herring (esp. alewives) and striped bass. Here’s how we propose to accomplish this:
 Enhancement of the Kennebec River forage base by a program to increase river herring esp. alewives by providing fish passage on Cobbosseecontee, Togus and China Lake Streams
 Moratorium on the killing of striped bass in the Kennebec until an abundant self-sustaining population is reestablished or until studies show that this cannot be done
 Studies on the basics of striped bass population dynamics in the Kennebec inc. expanded studies: YOY, tagging and DNA
 Trial stocking of tagged striped bass to help reestablish the breeding population.
There are 250,000 people in Maine who are striped bass fishermen - joining the efforts to restore alewives and striped bass will make both more likely to succeed. When abundance is achieved, the range of native striped bass would likely increase and help to restore the greater fishery, especially in waters north of the Kennebec.
This proposal comes from Maine Recreational Anglers (MRA), the fisheries advocacy group who first proposed to MDMR the tightening of saltwater fishing regulations to reduce inadvertent kill that began going into effect this year. With your help, this initiative will succeed as well. This is the best opportunity we will get to do what should have been done 30 years ago.

Striped Bass Future To Be Decided November 8 in Boston

2011-10-20T04:22:00.003-04:00

I understand that the expedited striped bass stock assessment came in as “no change”. Not surprising considering where it is coming from. So, the big fight at ASMFC’s annual meeting in Boston on November 8, 2011 – 8:00 AM – Striped Bass Management Board (http://www.asmfc.org/) is going to see quiet a few Northeast anglers attending to support a mortality reduction. The insider, tea leaf readers believe the vote is going to be very close for a 50% reduction in rec. and 40% reduction in commercial harvest. ASMFC Commissioners from R.I. and CT. (http://www.asmfc.org/) in particular need to hear from people that believe the reductions are necessary. If there are any people in both of those states who can roust out some political pressure very soon, it would help. I can’t express the urgency of being involved at this point. It is my opinion that the already in progress striped bass crash will be accelerated to an unknown consequence.The recent announcement of a wonderful YOY hatch in the Chessy system is wonderful news but won't help our fishing for at least five years. We need mortality reduction now.

The Maine Association of Charter Captains (MACC) has hired and filled a 12 passenger van to go to the meeting. I understand that there are people making the trip from R.I.,Cape Ann, Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard to support a reduction. A few more van or car loads will jam the place. Let me know if you need some stickers MACC is having made up to show support. A rough count for extra stickers for all would be helpful.

If you can get up at 3 AM all season long to go fishing, being at an 8 AM meeting is a walk in the park. See you all there.

Here's a state by state list of ASMFC Commissioners to contact:

STATE
ADMINISTRATOR
GOVERNOR'S APPOINTEE
LEGISLATOR

ME
Patrick C. Keliher

Department of Marine Resources
21 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0021 Phone: 201/287-9972

Patten D. White

Po Box 1008
York Harbor, Maine 03911
Phone: 207/229-5449

Senator Brian Langley

11 South Street
Ellsworth, ME 04605
Phone: 207/667-0625

NH
Douglas E. Grout

NH FG
225 Main Street
Durham, NH 03824
Phone: 603/868-1096
FAX: 603/868-3305

G. Ritchie White

30 Lang Road
Rye, NH 03870
Phone: 603/964-2211

Rep. David H. Watters

19 Maple Street
Dover, NH 03820
Phone: 603/862-3983

MA
Paul J. Diodati, Vice-Chair

MA DMF
251 Causeway Street, #400
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617/626-1530
FAX: 617/626-1509

William A. Adler

Massachusetts Lobstermen's Association
PO Box 397
Green Harbor, MA 02041
Phone: 781/545-6984
FAX: 781/545-7837

Representative Sarah K. Peake

State House
Room 473F
State House
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617/722-2210

RI
Robert Ballou

RI Fish and Wildlife Division, DEM
3 Fort Wetherill Road
Jamestown, RI 02835
Phone: 401/423-1926
FAX: 401/423-1925

William A. McElroy

3229 Tower Hill Road
Wakefield, RI 02879
401/789-0527

Representative Peter F. Martin

1 1/2 Willow Street
Newport, RI 02840-1917
Phone: 401/924-2402

CT David G. Simpson
CT Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection, Marine Fisheries
333 Ferry Road
PO Box 719
Old Lyme, CT 06371
Phone: 860/434-6043
FAX: 860/434-6150

Dr. Lance Stewart

P.O. Box 177
Coventry, CT 06238-0177
Phone: 860/884-7220

Representative Craig A. Miner

House Republican Office
L.O.B. Room 4200
Hartford, CT 01606
Phone: 860/842-1423
FAX: 860/240-0207

NY
James J. Gilmore, Jr.

NYSDEC, Marine Resources
205 North Belle Mead Road
East Setauket, NY
Phone: 631/444-0433
FAX: 631/444-0434

Pat Augustine

25 Stuart Drive
Coram, NY 11727
Phone: 631/928-1524
FAX: 631/928-3540

Senator Owen H. Johnson

23-24 Argyle Square
Babylon, NY 11702
United States
Phone: 631/669-9200

NJ
David Chanda

NJ FW
Mail Code 501-03
PO BOX 420
Trenton, NJ 08625-0420
Phone: 609/292-2965
FAX: 609/292-8207

Thomas P. Fote

22 Cruiser Court
Toms River, NJ 08753-6246
Phone: 732/270-9102
FAX: 732/506-6409

Assemblyman Nelson T. Albano

1028 East Landis Avenue
Vineland, NJ 08360-4041
Phone: 856/696-7109
FAX: 856/696-7159

PA
John A. Arway

PA Fish & Boat Commission
1601 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9299
Phone: 717/705-7801

Loren W. Lustig

795 Stone Jug Road
Biglerville, PA 17307-9790
Phone: 410/386-2103
FAX: 410/876-8282

Rep. Curt Schroder

Pennsylvania House of Representatives
315 Gordon Drive
Exton, PA 19341
Phone: 610/524-5595
FAX: 610/524-5667

DE
David E. Saveikis

DE Division of Fish and Wildlife
89 Kings Highway
Dover, DE 1990l
302-739-9910

Roy W. Miller

31421 Melloy Court
Lewes, DE 19958-3863
Phone: 302/645-7103

Senator Robert L. Venables, Sr.

116 Hearn Avenue
Laurel, DE 19956
Phone: (302)744-4298
FAX: (302)739-6890

MD
Thomas O'Connell

MD DNR
580 Taylor Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: 410/260-8281
FAX: 410/260-8278

William J. Goldsborough

Chesapeake Bay Foundation
6 Herndon Avenue
Annaplois, MD 21403
Phone: 410/268-8816

Senator Richard F. Colburn

James Senate Office Building, Room 315
11 Bladen Street
Annapolis , MD 21401-1991
Phone: 410/841-3590
FAX: 410/841-3087

VA
Steven G. Bowman

VMRC
2600 Washington Avenue, Third Floor
Newport News, VA 23607-4317
Phone: 757/247-2278
FAX: 757/247-2020

Catherine W. Davenport

1005 Poplar Neck Road
White Stone, VA 22578
Phone: 804/435-2173

Senator Richard H. Stuart

Senate of Virginia
P.O. Box 1146
Montross, VA 22520
Phone: 804/493-8892
FAX: 804/493-8897

NC
Louis Daniel, Ph.D.

NC DMF
3441 Arendell Street
PO BOX 769
Morehead City, NC 28557-0769
Phone: 252/726-7021
FAX: 252/726-0254

Willard W. Cole, Jr.

406 Penrose Court
Greensboro, NC 27410-3114
Phone: 336/294-3919

Rep. William L. Wainwright

NC House of Representatives
300 North Salisbury Street, Room 613
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
Phone: 919/733-5995

SC
John E. Frampton

SC DNR
PO Box 167
Columbia, SC 29202
Phone: 803/734-4007
FAX: 803/734-6310

Dr. Malcolm Rhodes

7 Guerard Road
Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: 843/556-4731
FAX: 843/571-2787

Chair, ASMFC Governors' Appointees

Robert H. Boyles, Jr., Chair

SC DNR
PO Box 12559
Charleston, SC 29422-2559
Phone: 843/953-9304
FAX: 843/953-9159

GA
A.G. "Spud" Woodward

GA CRD
One Conservation Way, Suite 300
Brunswick, GA 31520
Phone: 912/264-7218
FAX: 912/262-3143

John Duren

8 Calico Crab Retreat
Savannah, GA 31411-3015
Phone: 912/598-9362
FAX: 912/598-7966

Rep. Jon G. Burns
Georgia General Assembly
Chair, Game, Fish and Parks Committee
State Capitol, Room 228
Atlanta, GA 30334
Phone: 404/656-5099
Fax: 404/656-6897

FL
Jessica McCawley

FL FWCC
Division of Marine Fisheries Management
2590 Executive Center Circle E, Suite 201
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: 850/487-0580 Ext. 217
Fax: 850/487-4847

William R. Orndorf

1950 Palomino Road
Melbourne, FL 32934

Senator Thad Altman

Florida Senate, District 24
6767 N. Wickham Road, Suite 211
Melbourne, FL 32940
Phone: 321/752-3138

Menhaden Rules May Change

2011-09-02T05:55:00.006-04:00

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Council (ASMFC) will be taking action soon on striped bass mortality changes and rules effecting the harvest of Menhaden (pogies). The Menhaden proposed changes can be found here: (SORRY - CUT AND PASTE THE BELOW LINK - I'M HAVING PROBLEMS MAKING IT A HOT LINK.

http://www.asmfc.org/speciesDocuments/menhaden/fmps/menhadenDraftAddendumV_PublicComment.pdf

Public comment will be accepted until 5 PM (EST) on November 2, 2011 should be submitted to Toni Kerns at tkerns@asmfc.org (Subject line: Menhaden Draft Addendum V).

This paper isn't exactly bed time reading, but it is important stuff. This is the first time in years that menhaden mortality issues have been formally addressed by the ASMFC.

If you want more pogies for stripers and blue fish to eat in the northeast, there's a need to reduce mortality of these bait fish in Chesapeake Bay waters where the baby fish are harvested industrially by Omega Oil company for use in Omega Oil products produced for human consumption.

Maine's New Saltwater Registry Offers Reciprocity And Is Free

2011-07-16T07:32:00.002-04:00

Below is the "new" Maine saltwater fishing registry that went into effect July 11, 2011. Basically a free system with reciprocity.

1. Why is the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) creating a registry of saltwater recreational anglers?

In 2007, the US Congress reauthorized the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act. In the reauthorization, they included a requirement that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) develop a comprehensive list of everyone who fishes recreationally in marine waters. This is necessary to improve the surveys of saltwater anglers, which generate the information used to help manage and rebuild fish stocks. Congress gave the states the option to either develop their own registry system, or have their citizens be subject to federal registry requirements. In 2010, the Maine Legislature passed a Maine saltwater registry, thereby exempting Maine from the federal requirement. The registry is administered by the Maine Department of Marine Resources, and goes into effect January 1, 2011.

2. What "marine waters" are included, for the purposes of requiring registration for saltwater angling?

If you will be fishing anywhere within the rise and fall of the tide (up the rivers to head of tide), or from a Maine port out to the limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone (200 miles), you must have a valid saltwater fishing registration.

3. Who needs to register? How much does it cost?

A Maine saltwater recreational fishing registration is required for individuals 16 years of age and older fishing in Maine's coastal waters. However, individuals that possess a valid Maine freshwater fishing license are not required to register separately with the Maine Department of Marine Resources. When purchasing their Maine freshwater fishing license, individuals will be asked, "Did you fish in the tidal waters of the State of Maine last year?" By answering this question, they will meet the basic registry requirement. Freshwater license holders must possess their license when they are engaging in saltwater fishing, to prove compliance. There is no cost for the registration, for either residents or nonresidents. However, a $1 agent fee applies if you register directly through ME DMR or if you register online.

4. Where can I register?

You can register online at www.maine.gov/saltwater, OR in person at the DMR licensing office in Hallowell (directions: http://www.maine.gov/dmr/headquarters.htm)

5. Why do you need my phone number?

The purpose of creating a Registry of saltwater recreational fishermen is so that these anglers can be accurately surveyed by phone, to assess their level of activity. The Registry will make it much more efficient to find anglers to survey, and it will include a broader representation of anglers. Instead of asking a random sample of coastal U.S. residents if they've gone fishing (which is what is currently done), the registry will allow surveyors to call upon those who have already identified themselves as saltwater fishermen. The surveys collect information about who is fishing, when they fish, and what species and how many fish they catch. For some species of fish, the recreational catch far outpaces the commercial harvest. In addition, in many communities, recreational fishing is a major economic driver, affecting everything from the hospitality industry to fuel sales to outfitters and small businesses. Accurately capturing the many contributions of recreational fishermen will help to ensure that these interests are properly considered in resource allocation and other policy matters.

6. Are there any exceptions to the registration requirement?

You do not need to register in order to participate in saltwater fishing in the following situations: 1. When fishing as a passenger on a party/charter or head boat operated by an individual who holds a valid Recreational Operator's license. 2. When fishing for smelt from a smelt camp rented from an individual who holds a valid Recreational Operator's license. 3. When fishing with a registered guide who possesses a current guide license and valid Recreational Operator's license. 4. When fishing from a dock, pier, or wharf that is owned by an individual who possesses a valid Recreational Operator's license.

7. Are there any free fishing days?

Yes. Maine residents need not register in order to fish legally on July 4th, Labor Day weekend or Memorial Day weekend.

8. Is there any reciprocity for other states?

Yes. Maine residents who are registered on the Maine registry may fish in New Hampshire without separately registering on the New Hampshire registry. Any person that possesses a valid saltwater recreational fishing license from any state that has been designated as an exempted state by NOAA may engage in recreational saltwater fishing in Maine without registering with ME DMR. Finally, any person registered on the National Saltwater Angler Registry through NOAA may engage in recreational saltwater fishing in Maine without registering with ME DMR. NOAA exempted states include ME, NH, MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, DE, MD, VA, NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, TX, CA, OR, WA, AK.

9. What if I hold a lifetime freshwater fishing license from IFW?

If you are a Maine resident who holds a lifetime freshwater fishing license, you will still need to annually register with DMR. This is because Maine must be able to provide the information regarding which anglers are participating in saltwater fishing to the federal government on an annual basis, in order to meet the federal requirements. The registration is valid for the calendar year.

Questions about this Service? Contact agency at: (207) 624-6550 or Email: dmr.licensing@maine.gov

Maine July 4th Striped Bass Report

2011-06-29T08:05:00.002-04:00

With the big July 4th holiday a day away, it's time to seriously fish for striped bass in Maine waters.

Stripers in the 40 to 50 inch range have been caught all season long from New York to Maine. If you want to catch a striper of a life time, this is the season to do it as the year classes are ripe for the picking with almost any method of fishing. The 53 pound fish above was taken on Cape Cod using a fly rod. It would have been an IGFA world record if the rules procedure had been pursued, but the angler wanted the fish released quickly to avoid killing it.

Water temperature on the east side of Casco Bay haven't reached 60 degrees yet. For several weeks the reading has been between 56 and 58 degrees. That's a little cold for this time of the year, but it beats 70 degree. Bait has been good with drop back alewife and blueback herring in good supply and mackerel getting better daily. There are times when small baits work better than large for the big fish. Although a good rule to go by is to use big bait for big fish.

Right now, the best fishing for striped bass in Maine waters seems to be around the Kennebunk and Wells areas south of Casco Bay, including down to the New Hampshire border. The 2011 season is getting off to a better start than the past three years. Lets hope it continues.

Big Stripers Hit Cape Cod Shores

2011-05-19T18:16:00.002-04:00

I have been on Cape Cod guiding for a week and fishing has been very good for large fish. This one is top prize so far, a 50 pounder on the fly.

Commercial Striped Bass Fishing on Maine's Sheepscot River - Reason for Protective Measures There

2011-04-06T08:18:00.006-04:00

In 1990, Maine established a "special" regulation to protect valuable, local, Kennebec River spawning stocks until July first each season. Part of the regulations included a closed bait fishing and catch and release fishing within a defined border which included the Sheepscot River which is a little east of the Kennebec River and connected by tidal creeks.

The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA-a New Jersey based group represented by Barry Gibson in Maine)has requested that the Sheepscot River area be excluded from the ban.

Maine's Department of Marine Resources held a public hearing on the request where anglers, guides and organizations voiced their opinion on the change.

Lost on some people is the fact that the Sheepscot River was originally included in the special regulation to protect over wintering, spawning fish that were know to stage in that area. These are the big, spawning age females so valuable to the continuing effort to grow the Kennebec River striped bass stock.

During the allowed commercial striped bass fishing in Maine prior to 1990, there was a targeted commercial activity in late winter and early spring on the staging striped bass in the Sheepscot River.

Opening early season bait fishing in the Sheepscot River or the Kennebec River would be a disasterous event which will entice more angers to fish over these spawning fish as well as encourage poaching like we haven't seen in Maine for centries.

If Maine's DMR allows this request to go forward, the Kennebec River spawning stock will likely be fished out within a short few years and that will be the end of Maine's only self supporting striped bass fishery.

Contact Laurice Churchill at: laurice.churchill@maine.gov

To see the suggested regulation go to: http://www.maine.gov/dmr/rulemaking/42.03m.pdf

Maine's Kennebec River Striped Bass Regulations May Change

2011-03-18T07:25:00.002-04:00

Below is a notice from Maine's Department of Marine Resources regarding a public hearing concerning requested changes in the special regulations for striped bass fishing in the Kennebec River. The purpose of the original regulations is to protect spawning striped bass in the Kennebec River.

Department of Marine Resources

NOTICE OF RULEMAKING

Chapter 42.03 Striped Bass – Closed Area and Closed Season

(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 SUPER, CONSERVATION AGENCY ON ITS WAY TO REALITY? SALTWATER LICENSE MAY LEAD TO IMPROVED STRIPED BASS FISHING.

2011-02-19T05:46:00.003-05:00

MAINE SUPER, CONSERVATION AGENCY ON ITS WAY TO REALITY?
SALTWATER LICENSE MAY LEAD TO IMPROVED STRIPED BASS FISHING.

Proposed Maine Legislative documents LD 210 and 308 might be the beginning of an effort to combine the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) into one super agency of conservation.
The LD 308 summary reads as follows: “This bill repeals the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 12, section 6312 establishing the saltwater recreational fishing registry and Title 12, section 6032 establishing the Marine Recreation Fishing Conservation and Management Fund and does the following.
It provides for voluntary saltwater recreational fishing registration.
It directs the Commissioner of Marine Resources to work with the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to establish a system that allows a person to register on the voluntary saltwater fishing registry online, by checking a box on a freshwater fishing license or watercraft registration or by mailing in a postcard distributed by the departments.
It prohibits the establishment of a fee for registering on the saltwater recreational fishing registry and directs the Commissioner of Marine Resources and the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to administer the saltwater recreational fishing registry within the departments' existing resources.”
Sponsor of the LD 308 is Representative Jonathan McKane and co sponsors are: Rep. Chipman of Portland, Rep. Olsen of Phippsburg, Rep. Prescott of Topsham, Sen. Snowe-Mello of Androscoggin, Rep Tilton of Harrington and Sen. Trahan of Lincoln.
Another Bill, LD 210 sponsored by Senator Trahan of Lincoln is about the same concept and reads as follows: “This bill repeals the laws that established the current saltwater recreational fishing registry and the Marine Recreation Fishing Conservation and Management Fund and does the following.
1. It establishes a saltwater recreational fishing registry under the jurisdiction of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
2. It directs the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to establish a registry system that allows a person to register online, through an agent or in conjunction with the purchase of a freshwater fishing license.
3. It provides that a fee or online system fee, and in most cases an agent fee, may not be charged to a person registering on the registry.
4. It requires the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to administer the saltwater recreational fishing registry within the department's existing resources and provides that the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Commissioner of Marine Resources may not expand enforcement activities regarding the registry beyond existing department resources unless federal funding is secured to cover the costs of those expanded enforcement operations.”
The Bill is cosponsored by: Representative CLARK of Millinocket
Senator COLLINS of York
Senator LANGLEY of Hancock
Speaker NUTTING of Oakland
President RAYE of Washington
Representative SANDERSON of Chelsea
Senator SCHNEIDER of Penobscot
Senator SNOWE-MELLO of Androscoggin
Representative TILTON of Harrington
It appears that these legislations disguise a step closer to combining at least two state agencies into one. Why would a saltwater permit/license/registry be administered by a fresh water agency? And why would bills pointing to Inland Fisheries and Wildlife management be assigned to the Legislative Marine Fisheries Committee? Doesn’t make any sense to me. Mix apple juice with orange juice and you don’t get citrus juice.
I am one of the first to admit that Maine’s current saltwater registry law is a convoluted system that needs change. My solution is to have a real saltwater fishing license, controlled and administrated by a real saltwater agency – DMR – and use the funds to enhance Maine’s valuable, recreational, saltwater fisheries. No money coming into DMR means NO Enforcement, NO Enhancement, NO Future.
Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife finances its operation by selling license to hunt, fish, trap, and registers numerous machines used in the outdoors. Maine’s Department of Marine Resources is expected to address recreational saltwater issues with no internal funding mechanism. So, it must use commercial funds to do anything for the recreational community under its jurisdiction. I don’t think the commercial fishing community wants its money being used on recreational issues!
The old adage, if it costs nothing you get nothing in return is most appropriate to LD’s 210 and 308. People should contact their legislators to appose these bills if they want Maine to have a future on our coastal shores, especially the valuable striped bass fishery.
Ever wonder how the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine might feel about one super conservation agency? Call and ask them. If they support these two legislative bills we may be seeing the beginning of the end to two separate conservation agencies, one for inland and one for coastal. Maine – “TheWay Life Should Be” – should have good fisheries management to support that motto. A real saltwater fishing license will help to establish good marine fisheries programs.

Maine Adopts Circle Hook Law and Two Hook Reg. For Lures

2011-02-12T15:57:00.002-05:00

Maine has new saltwater fishing regulations. Below is the new information on law changes on Maine’s salt waters. Note the below is directly from DMR so there aren’t any interpretations.

DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES

Chapter 42 - Striped Bass

42.01 Statewide Striped Bass Size Restrictions, Harvest Methods

1. Method of Taking.

A. It is unlawful to fish for or take striped bass in the waters of the state territorial waters, except by hook and line. It is unlawful to use a gaff to land any striped bass.

B. It is unlawful to use multiple (more than two) barbed or barbless treble hooks on any artificial lure or flies while fishing for striped bass in territorial waters.

C. It is unlawful to use treble hooks when using bait.

The following becomes effective January 1, 2013:

It is unlawful to use any hook other than a circle hook when using 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”.

D. Any striped bass legally taken from the territorial waters shall be immediately released alive into the water from which it was taken, or killed at once. Any striped bass killed becomes part of the daily bag limit in accordance with Chapter 42.02.

2. Size Restrictions.

It is unlawful to take or possess striped bass which are less than 20 inches long or greater than 26 inches total length but less than 40 inches total length. It is unlawful to possess striped bass unless the fish are whole with head on and are between 20 and 26 inches total length or 40 inches and greater total length.

42.02 Striped Bass - Limits, Personal Use

It is unlawful for any person to fish for, or take or possess striped bass in or from territorial waters the waters of the state, except for personal use. The sale of wild striped bass caught for personal use or by commercial fisheries in other States or jurisdictions is prohibited in the State of Maine.

It is unlawful for any person to take or possess more than one (1) striped bass each day which may be between 20 and 26 inches in total length or 40 inches or greater in total length.

Note: No other changes are proposed in Chapter 42.

DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES

Chapter 43 - Bluefish

43.01 Bluefish Limits

1. Method of Taking

A. Daily and Possession Limits.

Except as provided in 43.01(BA)(1) it shall be unlawful for any person to take, catch, kill, or possess more than 3 bluefish per day.

(1)B. Exemptions. The daily limit and possession limit shall not apply to persons licensed

under 12 M.R.S.A. §6501 and §6421. The possession limit shall not apply to persons licensed under 12 M.R.S.A. §6851 and §6852.

B. It is unlawful to use multiple (more than two) barbed or barbless treble hooks on any artificial lure or flies while fishing for bluefish.

C. It is unlawful to use treble hook(s) when using bait.

The following becomes effective January 1, 2013:

It is unlawful to use any hook other than a circle hook when using 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”.

D. Any striped bass killed during the take of bluefish becomes part of the daily bag limit in accordance with Chapter 42.02.

Basis Statement

Chapter 43 Bluefish

The Department is required to work within the framework provided by the ASMFC Management Plan that limits options when considering state management plan changes and

has explored rule changes that could protect bluefish. Fishing for bluefish with bait is an efficient means of catching bluefish during the spring, summer, and fall and a popular method

of catching all sizes of bluefish. There are advances in gear types that can enhance the conservation of current bluefish stocks without imposing stricter bag limits, seasons, or

closures. One area where improved conservation could occur is reduction of the discard mortality for bluefish caught and released by recreational anglers. The discard mortality for bluefish is~69% for bluefish that swallow a baited hook, and/or are hooked in the stomach, and then released. A study conducted to look at the survival of bluefish caught and released by hook and line (Williams, E.H. 1995. Survival of fish captured by hook and released. Masters Thesis,

University of Rhode Island, Kingston. Studies conducted separately on striped bass, for comparison to the bluefish studied, indicate that mortality with the use of circle hooks can be as low as 0.08, or less than 1%. One of the best studies conducted may be found online at

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/recreational/articles/crsb.html.

This was a Maryland Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), Maryland Charter Boat

Association, and Maryland Saltwater Sportsman Association Study.

Regarding multiple treble hooks; based on angler and staff observations when two or more sets of treble hooks are “impaled” in a bluefish the amount of handling time is greatly

increased resulting in injuries that subsequently lead to increased mortality It is the Department’s position that these conservation measures are necessary and takes into consideration requests to allow tackle inventory to be sold (similar to the process used when converting from lead sinkers to less toxic sinker materials that lessen or eliminated

the tackle shop’s economic impact); and to use the next two seasons as a period for education of the public and guides, plus address the use of bait on treble hooks to reduce deep-hooking

mortality, Chapter 43.01(1)(C) would be modified to delay the use of bait on hooks other than circle hooks until January 1, 2013. Plus, during the interim period, as suggested by comment, the use of bait on treble hooks would be prohibited, thus giving an interim period to adjust to the new restrictions. These modifications are not considered substantive changes to the proposed rules as they offer a mechanism to find a balance to the range of comments and suggestions.

A technical correction has been made to Chapter 43.01(1)(B) removing the text ‘in territorial waters’. This phrase was removed based upon a question that resulted in a review to

find that this should not have been in these rules and was a typo carried over from the similar striped bass rules. Similarly, section D was also found to be unnecessary and removed based

on a commenter’s question regarding the use of bluefish when fishing for tuna.

Big Flies and Big Stripers On Tap For Maine During 2011 Season

2011-01-06T05:32:00.003-05:00

Fly fishing for striped bass in Maine during 2011 is most likely going to be for big fish from 30 to 36 or 40 inches and larger as the viable year classes migrating to our shores will fall into that size range and there aren’t prolific other year classes of stripers roaming the Atlantic Ocean.
The National Marine Fishing Service’s recreational angler survey (“MRFSS”), states recreational striped bass catches along the Atlantic coast declined by 66% from 2006 to 2009. Expect striper fishing during 2011 to provide quality not quantity fishing.
The Chesapeake Bay year classes likely to provide numbers of fish are: 2001, 2003 and 2005 with a few from the 1996, 1993 and 1989 classes. Striper sizes will likely be as follows.
The best year class out there is 2001 which will be 35 to 36 inch, 10 year old fish. The 1996 year class is meaningful in mass with fish being 44 to 45 inches, 15 year old fish. The 1993 class provides the best chance at a fish over 50 inches. This year class will be 18 years old, 50 to 51 inch fish. A striped bass at least 60 inches long and 22 years old will be rare and come from the 1989 year class or earlier. 2005 fish will be 6 years old and 26 to 28 inches .
The class of 2003 will provide a few 8 year old, 31 to 32 inch fish.
These are the six remaining year classes that had a meaningful, successful spawn in the Chesapeake Bay. They are the classes we will be fishing over for several years.
So, now is the time to prepare for those larger fish. Big fish like big flies, at least most of the time they do. That means begin tying or purchasing larger flies and learn how to cast them. Be certain you have the proper fly rods, lines and leaders to accomplish the job.
Most fast action nine and ten weight fly rods should do the job. While using floating or intermediate density fly lines it might be advisable to use a fly line at least one weight higher than the rod is rated for. Don’t be afraid to go two weights higher. Integrated sink tip fly lines such Cortland Quick Descent lines in 350 to 650 grain weights should be the line used most, even in shallow water. It always amazes me while fishing a 650 grain head in three to five feet of water how often I don’t get hung on the bottom.
Keep your leaders short to turn over big flies. Three and four foot leaders are enough. My system is mostly a length of 20 pound fluorocarbon. If I’m fishing close in to ledges I might tie on a short section of 10 or 12 pound tippet so I can break off easier when caught up in close with a heavy sea following.
Fish the large flies slow and deep. Change the pace a little and stall your retrieve occasionally. Big fish will approach a fly deliberately rather that quick and aggressively like schoolies do.
These big fish classes will be around for a few years until they get fished out. Then what? Stripers Forever’s Brad Burns summed it up in a press release summarizing a yearly survey of anglers and guides. “The results in 2010 were by far the most disappointing that we’ve seen for both anglers and guides” said Burns, President of Stripers Forever. “In our 2010 survey, 76% of all anglers reported catching fewer or many fewer stripers per hour of fishing. This is up from 66% in 2008 and 72% in 2009.”
“The Atlantic States Marine Fishery Commission continues to report that officially, things are fine with striped bass, but there are a lot of people out there who would not agree with them,” Burns continues. “This year’s survey was completed by 1,068 anglers, including 109 fishing guides representing every coastal state from Maine to South Carolina except New Hampshire. The vast majority of these fishermen have more than 10 years of experience fishing for striped bass.”
Stripers Forever is a non-profit, internet-based organization advocating for the conservation of wild striped bass by designating them as game fish and managing the resource for the estimated 3 million recreational striper fishermen and the vast industry that they support on the Atlantic coast. In-depth studies show that the game fish approach would yield the greatest financial and social benefit for everyone involved in the fishery. Stripers Forever has more than 16,000 members.

Good Guys Win - Bad Guys Loose - Striped Bass Poachers Go to Jail and Pay Big

2010-12-07T10:23:00.004-05:00

There recently has been a lot of press about a federal case against striped bass poachers including fishermen, fish buyers, fish dealers and restaurants. The links below offer plenty of reading about the lengthy case. Finally, striped bass criminals are being prosecuted in a big way with jail time, license suspensions and big fines. Read all about it with these links or Google for more information. (copy and paste each web site as I can't seem to make them hot links)

http://www.fws.gov/northeast/le/featurestories/stripedbass.html

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/opinion/display_editorial.htm?StoryID=113377

http://www.eyeonannapolis.net/2010/12/06/the-rockfish-named-in-poaching-sting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-rockfish-named-in-poaching-sting

This case is likely just the tip of the iceberg. But a step in the right direction.

Maine Striped Bass Need A Hatchery For The Kennebec River

2010-11-19T05:38:00.004-05:00

Maine’s striped bass fishing has become a marginal fishery after being considered world class in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. The short story is – 90 percent of Maine’s available fish are born in the Chesapeake Bay system and that system isn’t producing the stripers it ones did. That’s a story all its own. Maine’s Kennebec River does produce native fish which helps fill in a void in our available striper biomass. But that population of fish has also dwindled. So, what’s the answer to this complex problem?

The good news for a few years is that our striped bass fishing will be for big fish as the population mix of stripers consists of a few precious year classes of fish over 30 inches with few meaningful year classes following to fill in for the near future.

We in Maine can help ourselves by improving the production of striped bass in the Kennebec River. It won’t solve all our problems but it will help and we in Maine can control the effort while the Chesapeake Bay problems, commercial fishing and poaching are addressed by others.

Here's my take. We really don't have a good handle on striped bass spawning locations in the Kennebec River but the young of the year index has been established and notes that striped bass are spawning in the Kennebec and have been regularly since the stocking program began. There probably are some native fish doing the same. We just don't know.

During the early 1990's and early 2000's, the Kennebec River was recognized as a "World Class" fishery, a strong guide business component had been established and recreational anglers were having a great time catching varying sizes of striped bass by the dozens every day during the season.

During that same time frame, my logs remind me of the "GREAT" early season fishery we had beginning sometime around the 10th to 15th of May every year. These fish ranged from 28" to 40" plus and were present in schools, not just random singles and doubles.

I contend that these big fish were Kennebec River fish returning to spawn. Most of the larger fish from the Chessy and Hudson Rivers are still deep up those systems spawning, not yet migrating to Maine during mid May. As these early May fish passed through, they would continue to and up the Kennebec to disappear to some mysterious spawning grounds. I know someone knows these locations but just won't share the information.

By the time the early flush of Kennebec River spawners reached their upriver homes, migrating fish from the Chessy and a few from the Hudson Rivers would begin filtering into our systems around mid June and early July. WOW - another burst of big fish for us to enjoy.

Then around July 1, the Kennebec River spawners would begin to filter down the river providing another group of fish feeding on herring drops outs.

All this action before any dams were removed from the Kennebec. Now that a few dams are gone, striped bass have more habitat to spawn in and more nursery grounds to grow in.

Then the fish would settle in for the summer for great fishing through October. There were always plenty of big fish.

My contention is that over 20 years we fished out to many of the Kennebec River spawners with liberal regulations.

For instance - There is a well known nursery, feeding zone in the Kennebec River that holds very small stripers all summer long. They are like teenagers with a full refrigerator - EATING-EATING-EATING all summer long. I wanted that area closed to all fishing but couldn't rally any support for such a crazy idea. You can still see many boats there every day catching 8 to 12 inch fish one after the other. Guides bring sports there just to say they caught a fish today. That's a sad situation for the ones WORLD CLASS striped bass fishery.

There are and have been some special regulations on the Kennebec and surrounding areas to help protect the spawning stock. That's a good thing but the river needs more protection. Thinking out of the box thoughts include: No bait fishing or no bait fishing zones. No keep rules (catch and release only). Closed nursery grounds. No netting of bait by any means. Two rods per boat and possible more ideas. Perhaps Maine should have its own striped bass hatchery. Maybe new, strict regulations like these could be put in place with a sunset clause so they must be reviewed in say three to five years.

Just look at western state's trout waters to see what they have done to provide WORLD CLASS fisheries. Consumptive fishing will never create the ones $87 million Maine, recreational fishing attraction the Kennebec River had in the late 1990's and early 2000's.

We need a progressive thinking striped bass program in Maine's DMR, not just a "we need to study it" attitude. We need a "can do" program with leadership that will follow through on developing such a program without being prodded by outside interests. We need a real saltwater license. Some call it a registry. That’s just a play on words so you feel better about it. A registry doesn’t sound like a new tax. The license passed last year and is scheduled to be implemented for the 2011 season is an embarrassment. DMR needs money to develop a Maine striped bass program. Only a meaningful saltwater fishing license controlled entirely by DMR will provide funds to do that.

The Kennebec isn't the only Maine river that historically produced striped bass.

In 1995, Michael J. Little penned “A Report On The Historic Spawning Grounds Of The Striped Bass” in the Maine Naturalist magazine. If you can find a copy of the article you will be surprised. The abstract below is just a tease of what the report contains. Or go online at: http://www.jstor.org/pss/3858211 to see options of purchase or go to your local library for online help. I was surprised at his findings. This report is quite interesting and worth your time to find. Send me an email for more details on how to get a copy of it.

It will take several years to improve the Kennebec striped bass stock. Action, not studies need to be brought forward sooner rather than later.

We are missing something in Maine. It's all about leadership in Augusta. Now is the time to influence the selection of that leadership. Any thoughts?

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree Advocates For Better Striped Bass Fishing

2010-10-26T18:55:00.002-04:00

Below is a cut and paste of a post Maine's Matt Boutet put on several web sites today.

I just received a copy of this letter that went out from Rep. Pingree's office today ahead of next week's ASMFC meeting:

Robelt H. Boyles
Chair, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
1444 I Street, NW
Washington DC, 20005

Dear Chair Boyles,
Thank you and the rest of the Commissioners for your hard work protecting some ofthe most important fisheries on the East Coast. The ASMFC is a true model for how states can work together to manage interstate resources in ways that recognize each state's particular needs.

I know how difficult your job as Commissioner must be and I understand the tough trade-offs that you must make in setting fisheries policy. As you well know, your decisions can have an enormous impact on the jobs, livelihood and culture of our coastal commlmities. The striped bass populations off of Maine have decreased dramatically over the last few years and today I am writing to you to highlight the impact of increasing the commercial harvest of striped bass on Maine's coastal communities and to urge you to consider strong conservation measures.

While Maine has a long history of commercial fishing, we do not currently allow commercial fishing for striped bass. Affectionately known to Maine fishermen as stripers, these fish provide one of the few easily accessible saltwater sport fishing opportunities for coastal anglers.

Striped bass start arriving here in early summer and usually leave in October. When they are residing off our coast, striped bass provide a valuable recreational fishery, supporting tackle shops, fishing guides, charter boats and tourism.

Even though there have been many improvements in the management of striped bass and stocks are healthier than they were 30 years ago, recent data shows some disturbing trends for the health of the stock as well as for the viability of Maine's recreational striped bass fishing industry. Anecdotally, the fishing is poor compared to the quality of Maine's fishery in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The most disturbing trend is the continued lack of smaller schoolies Maine -- anglers are not seeing these fish.

I have heard from former fishing guides who are no longer in business because ofthe decline in stocks. I have heard from guides whose business is way off. One guide says, "Up until five years ago I had a waiting list of people wanting to fish with me. No longer does that list exist and my business has dropped 40 percent in the same time frame." Another guide says "the fishing is so bad that my son is afraid to start up a guide business and carry on the family tradition." A third guide writes, "It used to be common for my customers to catch 10 to 15 Striped Bass per half day trip. Now I am lucky to catch one or two. There have been more trips that have gotten "skunked" in the past two years, than all my previous fifteen seasons combined."

These anecdotal observations are reinforced in NOAA data about fish landings in Maine. In 2006, there were over 4 million striped bass landed in Maine. In 2008, this dropped to about 520,000 fish, further dropping to 300,000 in 2009 and early reports indicate 2010 will not be any better. While this decline may not trigger formal management actions as it does not reach the critical level of overfished, it should be cause for concern.

Additionally, Maine is on the northern edge of the range ofthe striped bass, and the significantly decreased catch here and in the southern edge of the range indicates that the range of the fish has contracted. One guide in the Penobscot Bay area used to fish in his home town but now he has to drive several hours to find stripers. It is not clear at all that any management action would be triggered if there were no striped bass caught off of the Maine coast and this seems to be a fundamental failing of the current management plan.

At the same time, what happens in other states has a significant impact on Maine's fishery. The striped bass that come to Maine are almost all from the Chesapeake stock. Maine's small breeding population of stripers in the Kennebec River enhances the fishery but does not sustain the populations. In the Chesapeake, the Young-of-the-Year numbers are falling, indicating that in future years there will be fewer stripers migrating up the coast. There have been disturbing repmts about poaching in the mid-Atlantic areas and also reports of significant year class mortality due to bacteria infections. It is my understanding that the current fisheries models do not account for either of these sources of mortality and because of that, the models could greatly increase the number of paper stripers without those fish actually being present in the wild.

In Maine, we are still seeing some big fish, but the absence of small fish makes me concerned for the future of the resource. The anecdotal data, taken together with the information about landings, and the models as well as the importance of recreational striper fishing to Maine's coastal economy, lead me to urge you to support strong conservation measures for stripers. We have seen in so many fish stocks that when we fish hard on a particular species, we ultimately end up destroying a once valuable fishery. Removing the big females in the brood stock at the same time as not having good year classes of younger fish is a recipe for collapse.

When you are making your decisions about increasing the commercial catch in the Chesapeake and elsewhere along the east coast, please keep in mind that such an increase has a direct and adverse impact on Maine's recreational striper fishery. I look forward to working with you to maintain a healthy striped bass population that can support all our coastal communities.

Sincerely,
[Chellie Pingree]
Member of Congress

Note: the original file was a pdf, so this is a grab from that - any typos/oddities are my fault.
-Matt

It's time someone in Washington took notice as to what's happening to stripers.

2010-08-31T04:21:00.002-04:00

My favorite charter has always been people new to striped bass fishing, especially father and son combinations. The excitement and joy of catching that first striper is a life long memory. The pair pictured has already planned on their 2011 fishing trip. I am told the son couldn't stop talking about the "big" fish caught. That joy is part of what keeps me going.

The fall striped bass and false albacore fishing season has begun. Albies or Fat Alberts have arrived in the waters of the south coast and Cape Cod Massachusetts. It is time to fish with abandon for the next month and a half. September and October are times to search for that fish trophy of a lifetime.

As I write, Hurricane Earl is making its way up the east coast of the United States. Right behind it are Tropical Storm Fiona and Invest 98. Such weather conditions will really mix things up, hopefully producing some of the fastest fishing action in a long time. Stand by for an interesting fall fishing season with blitzes someplace along the New England Coast.

Have a safe and rewarding finally to the 2010 striped bass season.

Large Striped Bass and Football Blue Fin Tuna Promise to Reward Fall Anglers in Maine - All Reports Are Positive

2010-08-04T08:54:00.004-04:00

“Striped bass over 30 inches are always a reward of the quest.”

As August approached my fishing waters, catching striped bass in the high 20 inch to low 30 inch range continued good. Tough fishing, but a handful of good sized, fly caught fish every day. Water temperatures continued to be cool despite all the hot weather this summer, so the fish stayed active enough to make for some positive trips. All this makes for a good outlook during September and early October striped bass fishing along Maine’s coast.

The other exciting news in late July was the arrival of big numbers of blue fin tuna from Kittery to Boothbay Harbor waters. Tuna have been on all the traditional waters as well as within one to two miles of land in many locations.

The tuna rules changed mid summer. All recreational tuna anglers are restricted to catching one fish per day per permit from 27 to 60 inches. No longer during 2010 can a recreational tuna angler keep the one “Giant” per season as previously allowed nor fish from 60 to 72 inches.

Bluefish on the other hand seem to be missing east of Portland and good south of Portland again this year. They might arrive late, but don’t expect many big rush.

When the striped bass fishing gets challenging, many folks quit, leaving fish alone for those willing to meet the challenge. I love the situation. It allows me to figure out where, when and how to catch some good fish without worrying about several boats being on my spots the next day. I have been fishing some very unusual locations and employing innovative techniques.

Without revealing all my secrets, I will say a few things to keep in mind for another season. One – never leave fish to find fish. We have all heard that one before and broken that rule in the past without to much penalty. But under current striped bass fishing conditions, if you find fish they may be the only ones for miles around. Stay on the location for at least a full tide. Be patient and the fish will teach you what to do. And, go back to that location day after day until it dries up. Treat the location kindly and it will reward you with several weeks of consistent fishing when stripers are in short supply.

A good example of the reward for patience is a recent story of the few days I have to fish by myself.

I was determined to catch a striper on a popper – my favorite style of fishing. I work a skinny water location that should hold fish. Conditions were perfect – calm seas and a dropping tide. I spotted a few “V” wakes that didn’t produce. I waited – waited – waited – for two hours. Nothing!

What looked like one fishing feeding its way off the flat began heading my way. I waited, watched and finally made a cast about 30 feet in front of the wake. Pop – wait – pop – wait – pop – wait. A violent surface strike happens, my line comes tight and line begins screaming off the reel and backing appears quickly. This is a good fish! After a champions struggle, the 30 inch striper was ready to be taken and released. The fish was very fat, healthy and ready to rest for another day. Me to.

That one fish was worth the entire morning. I was satisfied as I hadn’t fished myself for weeks. That’s what being patient will reward you with, a good fish to satisfy the quest.

Maine's Striped Bass Fishing Holds Promise For The Remainder of the Season - Poaching on the Rise

2010-06-29T08:11:00.013-04:00

Stoat leaders while fly fishing for striped bass has been the rule so far during the 2010 season. Average size of striped bass has been running between 28 and 34 inches with an occasional larger fish. These are fish from the Chesapeake Bay 2003 year class which had a good young of the year index.

The above photo is of a late 2010 June fish caught in Maine waters. We are catching a lot of fish this size in 2010.

The blue-black herring run lasted into July, so the larger stripers really put on the weight. Because there has not been a lot of surface action and the numbers of striped bass are still low, anglers seemed to give up on stripers this year. Even on weekends there haven’t been many fishermen on my waters. In reality, striped bass fishing has been pretty good in comparison to the past three years.
August and September promises to be good for those willing to put in the time. Mackerel, pollack and crustaceans of crabs and shrimp will be prime attractions to stripers during the late season. Flies, lures and baits matching those attractions will put fish on the hook.
But just a reminder, Maine’s keeper size for striped bass remains a slot of 20 to 26 inches or one fish over 40 inches. I’ve seen too many people keeping fish over 26 inches. This outlaw activity is likely a result of frustration from not finding any fish in the slot size. There just aren’t many fish in the slot size available from Maine to South Carolina. That’s the problem for the next few years.
Another outlaw practice I am seeing more of is high grading. This meaning that an angler catches a keeper size fish, puts it on a stringer over the side in the water and hopes to catch a larger fish to replace the one already caught. Just a reminder, that practice is illegal. Some people go as far as to kill a keeper and then throw it away after catching a large slot fish. Some of those striped bass you see floating dead are most likely victims of the disgusting practice.

If you catch a Maine striped bass measuring from 24 to 26 inches, please consider releasing it as there is a high probability it is a Kennebec River born fish which will become a sustaining spawning fish if left to live. We tried to get a law passed to truncate Maine’s slot limit to one fish at 20 to 24 inches for the next two years to protect these valuable spawners, but couldn’t get it done. There doesn’t seem to be any will to help Maine’s Kennebec River striped bass stock which had a dominant 2006 young of the year class which are the fish just coming into the 24 plus inch range this year. It’s a shame the state didn’t try to protect these future spawners of the Kennebec River.
Another volunteer action you can do to help the future of striped bass in Maine is to use in-line circle hooks while using bait.

Using fly head wraps (shown above) in the Carrie Stevens style to identify flies that have extra weight and/or a rattle is useful. Orange wrap indicates the fly has a rattle. Both colors indicate extra weight and a rattle in the same fly. No colored wrap indicates no extra weight or rattle.

As of the first of July, pogies nor blue fish have arrived in my waters.

Fishing striped bass in Maine and on Cape Cod has been much better this season for larger fish but not for numbers. Bait is in ample supply for a good late season.

Cape Cod Report - Large Striped Bass on The Fly Rod

2010-06-12T13:47:00.007-04:00

It’s 3:00 A.M., June 7, 2010. I’m preparing for another day of guiding on Cape Cod. It’s raining steady, blowing 15 to 20 from the ENE and cooler than previous days. Fishing should be good!

Fishing has been good this spring on Cape Cod and I will soon return to Maine to see if the striper migration is strong there.
Good fishing on the Cape meaning we are catching larger fish this year using flies. The average size of our catch is running around 30 inches! That’s nice fishing right? Yes it is, but the down side is there aren’t big schools of any size fish. The up side is, a few 18 to 20 inch are showing up. Not large schools of the little guys, but a few. The end of the season will tell us if there is any improvement along the entire coast.
Like previous slumps in striped bass populations, larger fish always become easier to catch as the biomass of fish shrinks and only a couple of healthy year classes of larger fish dominate the fishing. The little guys aren’t around taking your offering before the lazy big guys get it. How many times do you see a smaller fish hooked, being chased by a much larger fish? The smaller fish is more aggressive, so gets the meal first. The larger fish are most likely always there but don’t get hooked because the aggressive smaller fish find the hook first.
One way to avoid the smaller fish is to use over sized flies. A 10 to 12 inch fly on a 3/0 to 5/0 hook will attract the smaller fish but they won’t get hook because the hook is too big. You will feel the small fish “nipping” at the larger fly – that’s a good thing because the “nipping” action will at times alert the larger fish to come take a look and hopefully get hooked.
Not a set in cement process, but usually it is wise to fish the jumbo flies slow and deep using the heaviest sink rate line you can handle. Rattles in the fly also will help.
Jumbo flies have a much material attached which tends to float. So it is important to add weight to jumbos. I always tie in extra weight to the front of the hook shank prior to tying the fly. When I finish the head I code it with colored bands in the Carries Stevens trade mark style. One red band tells me the fly is weighted. One orange band tells me the fly has a rattle. Both colored bands tell me the fly is weighted and has a rattle. This system keeps it simple.
Believe it or not, but The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Service is proposing to increase the commercial quota on striped bass. Hard to believe but true.

Maine Saltwater Registry/License

2010-03-28T08:10:00.002-04:00

READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!!

http://www.kjonline.com/news/saltwateranglerswill-needto-register_2010-03-26.html

copy and past above link to you web browser.

More details later.

Sportsman's Alliance of Maine Wants A $25 Saltwater Fishing License for Striped Bass Fishing

2010-02-23T05:20:00.013-05:00

Maine's Legislature is debating the concept of a state saltwater fishing fee registry, commonly called a license to comply with federal law. If passed, the fee registry would cost Maine residents $5 per year and non residents $15. If not passed, saltwater anglers in Maine would be required to pay a fee to register with the federal government as much as $25 or more. That all depends what the feds say, and we all know what that implies, more money.

The Sportsman's Alliance of Maine (SAM) endorses the concept of Maine running with the federal registry starting in 2011 with the extreme cost associated with it.

If you are concerned about the cost of your Maine saltwater fishing, the fee registry is obviously the way to go. But, that first needs to pass the legislature where there is pressure being exerted by SAM's executive director, George Smith to kill the bill which would send Mainers into a high cost federal registry and no money out of it for Maine. The state fee registry would insure money paid for saltwater fishing in Maine would stay in Maine and remain in the Maine Department of Marine Resources checkbook, not sent to the general funds of the federal government. Word has it that Smith is flexing the political muscle of SAM by threatening state legislators and senators with defeat at the ballot box if they vote for the bill establishing a fee based saltwater registry.

I urge everyone to call, write and email their legislators to vote in favor of passage of the bill establishing a Maine, fee based saltwater registry to avoid paying $25 or more for the federal registry. For Maine saltwater anglers, this is the most important action you can take for your sport today. Don't wait -go to:

http://www.maine.gov/portal/government/legislature.html

Maine Striped Bass Regulation Change Petition - Public Scoping Meetings Within a Week

2010-02-07T05:40:00.007-05:00

If you are interested in Maine changing it's striped bass fishing regulations, take a look at the below link to a petition requesting change - thanks.
copy and paste the below link to your search engine.

http://www.petitiononline.com/cdrj/petition.html

This action will help rebuild Maine's Kennebec River local striped bass stock before it is lost to overfishing. The action may also help with the entire Atlantic Coast striped bass stock which is in steep decline. Without protection, striped bass stocks are likely to crash. It is time to conserve young year classes of striped bass for the future. For a few years, there are ample numbers of large breeding striped bass to service the Chesapeake Bay spawning grounds. The Big Bay can't handle increased numbers of spawning striped bass at this time. It is a sick eco system.

Maine Saltwater Fishing License - NEEDED

2010-01-16T13:43:00.003-05:00

Watch Maine’s legislative process closely as the saltwater license issues continue. Don’t get caught up in the trap of a “free” registry. It’s not free and simply put should be considered a joke. Some politicians and so-called Maine sportsmen advocate organizations will attempt to trick you to believe you should follow their lead when they haven’t been involved with saltwater fishing issues in any meaningful way over the years. The politicians want votes and the organizations want members who pay annual dues. If they can convince you that a “free” state registry is good you are likely to vote for them or join their cause.

The federally mandated marine registry that started January 1, 2010 was begun to establish a database of marine anglers for the Marine Recreational Fishing Statistics Survey. To avoid having anglers pay the Federal Treasury about $25 for registering in 2011, Maine must either establish a saltwater license or provide a registration that could be free or issued at a nominal fee.

Though there is no fee involved for the National Saltwater Angler Registry in 2010, most anglers will have to register before fishing in 2010. Non-resident saltwater licenses from states with a comprehensive license (such as New York, Delaware or Florida) will serve as registration. Youngsters under 16 don’t have to register, nor do anglers fishing exclusively on party and charter boats since those are covered by a separate survey. If you fish only in state waters, and not for anadromous species such as striped bass, river herring and shad, you’re also exempt.

Those holding the Highly Migratory Species permit don’t have to register, but their passengers must do so. To register go to: countmyfish.noaa.gov and click on the Angler Registry link, or call the toll-free registration line at (888) MRIP411 (1-888-674-7411) from 4 a.m. to midnight daily.

Technically, if you are fishing salt water smelt in Maine, including at commercial smelt camps, you need to be registered on the federal system as there currently isn’t any system in Maine to cover the Federal requirements.

Maine’s Department of Marine Resources has said publicly that they have no intention of enforcing the federal mandate because they aren’t receiving money to do so. It is an unfunded mandate and the State of Maine is going broke. But, there are federal enforcement officials out there.

During 2010 there really isn’t much to be concerned about as long as you sign up for the free 2010 federal registry. Beginning January 1, 2011 you must be in compliance with the federal mandate. That means if Maine doesn’t have a saltwater license by then, you will be required to register in the federal program to be legal at a cost of $25.

Should Maine have its own saltwater fishing license? I believe it should. Reason number one is because Maine’s fee most likely will be much lower than the federal program. Most other northeast states are charging $10 to $15. Maine won’t get any of the federal funds but if it has their own state license, the money is all the state’s. Plus, when saltwater anglers are officially counted, additional federal money from the Dingell-Johnson Act funds will be distributed to Maine. Win!! Win! Maine’s Department of Marine Resources will receive new found funds badly needed to go forward with saltwater recreational programs of enforcement, striped bass enhancement programs on the Kennebec River and eventually other rivers and as time goes on more devoted efforts to other saltwater, recreational programs in Maine. Another bonus could be a full state reciprocity law so you could use Maine’s license in other states that offer reciprocity.

There are people, politicians and organizations in Maine who want to stay in the dark ages, advocating for a so called “free”, state saltwater registry vs. a state saltwater license. Even if such a “free” registry was for real, that would keep Maine in the dark ages with no money to go forward to improve the state’s saltwater fishing resources or provide badly needed law enforcement.

The so called “free” state registry has been investigated by the legislative people who determine the cost of new legislation. Guess what, they reported that the so called, proposed “free” registry would actually cost the state $300,000 to $500,000. Guess where that money would come from? Most likely out the Maine Department of Marine Resources budget (we lose again) and/or by taxing other entities such as smelt camp renters, commercial smelt fishers, tidewater guides, bait shops, boat dealers, tackle shops and any other schemes that surface that aren’t free.

Every coastal state has no choice but to have a state coastal fishing licensing system or pay for a Federal Registry - every year. It’s the law of the land. There’s no avoiding the issue. Payment begins January 1, 2011. Pay the Feds or pay the State. Maine will never see one penny of Federal Registry money. Maine will keep all money generated through a state, saltwater fishing license. A so-called “free” state registry won’t be free and won’t generate a penny of revenue for Maine. Seems like a no-brainer to me. Maine needs to elect to have a saltwater fishing license in place by January 1, 2011.

Maine’s recreational, saltwater fishing cannot improve and go forward with meaningful programs for Maine’s residents without money. For the first time, Maine can begin to fund such programs if a saltwater license is in place to raise money.

Striped Bass Fishing Holes of Maine - Any New Records Out There?

2009-12-20T06:47:00.005-05:00

There's a noted theory in fisheries science called "imprinting". Meaning that a school (genetic family) of fish will return to a given or several locations year after year to feed. One location can hold just one family of fish over the years. Their genetics being of one family. It is not unheard of for a family of fish to be 100% fished off a certain location to never see that family of fish again. This theory of "imprinting" could explain why certain "fishing holes" consistantley attract fish every year. With so many anglers fishing well known "fishing holes", we could be easily fishing down several striped bass "families" to the point of extinction. Other, smaller families can be found on lesser known "fishing holes" which might explain the variance of angler success along the coast. One angler may be having wonderful fishing while another is getting skunked because he is fishing the same old "fishing hole" that has been cleaned out of a "family" of fish that used to frequent the popular spot. My message here: find a new fishing hole to discover a new "family" of fish. Your fishing may improve, even locate a record size fish, either personal or for the books because you are fishing a lesser fishing location that hasn't had all the big girls removed from the "fishing hole" Striped bass fishing is not like it was 10 years ago. We still need to put some controls on excess mortality of striped bass by commercial and recreational anglers. There's still striped bass fishing to be had here in Maine. We as anglers just need to help improve the future fishery.

The photograph above is representative of what could happen when you fish lesser known fishing waters. This fish, most likely, would have been a new line class world record. It was taken using a 12 pound mono leader and estimated to weigh close to 50 pounds. We chose to release the fish and not stress it by taking too much time keeping it out of the water for weighing and doing all the necessary measurements required for a release record. This was the only fish caught in the obscure fishing location. Note the tiny fly this monster fish took. I believe it is was a size 6 hook.

Big decisions are mounting around the management of Maine's striped bass fishing. First, Maine needs a saltwater fishing license so that it's Department of Marine Resources will have funds to pursue recreational fishing issues in Maine Waters. Second, Maine needs to address new striped bass fishing regulations to reflect the need for decreased mortality of striped bass while they are in Maine. We are killing the wrong fish using the outdated slot limit. Personally, I would like to see the striped bass limit returned to one fish per day at 36 inches or larger. Management and license issues are something to discuss another time.

Merry Christmas to all.

Commercial Striped Bass Rollover Denied

2009-11-13T05:17:00.007-05:00

November 2, 2009 was a bench mark date in striped bass conservation. On the date, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) voted not to allow a proposal allowing a commercial fishing quota rollover from previous year’s uncaught quota by a vote of 8 apposed and 6 for.

Anglers from the entire east coast had written, called and emailed opposition to the proposal. Contingents of northeast state anglers attended the meeting to appose the action and were heard by the commissioners.

The meeting was held in Newport, Rhode Island where many fishermen from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut gathered as one to make their wishes known.

Maine anglers attended included Matt Boutet, Jay McGowen, Brian Beckman, Gordon Thompson and I. It was a long day. Matt spoke and then I spoke and that was it. The chairman cut off any further public comment!

In part, my comments are as follows: “I am apposed to a rollover of unused, commercial striped bass quotas.

“It is my observed opinion that striped bass stocks along the entire Atlantic coast are in steep decline as evidenced by the lack of robust year classes to sustain a healthy population into the future. Any increase in striped bass mortality is not in the best interest of striped bass stock stability. I lived through the last striped bass crash and I see history repeating itself.

“For the past five years I have observed a steady decline in striped bass populations ……………. There appears to be very few small fish left for the future.

“Numerous problems exist that will slow a recovery process of striped bass stocks. The biggest being the ability of the Chesapeake Bay to produce enough fish quickly. During the last striped bass population crash, Chesapeake Bay was a healthy system and responded famously.

“Other known obstacles are: rampant poaching by commercial and recreational fishermen, by-catch issues, forage issues, climatic concerns, spawning successes, high grading by all user groups, recreational gear concerns, commercial gear concerns, increased pressure developing on Hudson River stocks and, most important,- time.”

The lengthy discussion of the commissioners was looking testy. This was going to be a long afternoon and it was.

In its formal comments before the ASMFC against the proposal, the Coast Conservation Association (CCA) “cited several disturbing trends in the striped bass fishery, including a dramatic decrease in the number of striped bass caught and released by recreational fishermen, particularly in the northeastern states of New Hampshire and Maine, the prevalence of the fatal disease Mycobacteriosis among the Chesapeake Bay spawning stock, and a Fish and Wildlife Service annual survey that encountered the fewest striped bass in the survey’s history.”

After much debate and scientific data presentations, the vote was taken.

The results are: against the rollover proposal - Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. Voting for the proposal were Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Potomac River Fisheries Commission, North Carolina and the National Marine Fisheries Service. The Fish and Wildlife Service abstained. Many are wondering why the National Marine Fisheries Service voted in favor of the proposal. That’s seems to be an insider situation. Maybe we can find out. Anyone have connections to find out?

Following the vote, an interesting rant by one Mike Johnson, a proxy for the NY legislator seat, chose to attack the validity of public comments coming in from emails, phone calls and regular mail. He suggested at length that they weren’t important. He was suggesting the public comments shouldn’t be paid attention to. One commissioner, Tom Fote of New Jersey aggressively counted Johnson’s rant suggesting that public input to the process is most important and should be listened to closely.

I had some hats made up saying, “NO ROLLOVER” and past them out to anyone in support. I believe we had 28 hats showing in the audience with hats on.

This action was a huge victory for striped bass. It is only round one however. If you love fishing striped bass it’s time to get involved to help insure the future viability of striped bass stocks. Join any organization which is trying to help.

Monkey Brain Fly and False Albacore Test Continues Into 2010 Season

2009-10-25T05:06:00.023-04:00

In a post last January (http://mainestripedbassfishing.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-false-albacore-and-striped-bass-fly.html) I presented a fly called the "Monkey Brain" which showed promise of being a great false albacore fly.Well, the 2009 false albacore fishing on Cape Cod's Vineyard Sound and Buzzard's Bay was fantastic. The Monkey Brain did produce well, but calling fishing it a test was unfair as most any previously used fly for fishing fat alberts would produce hook-ups. The prevailing bait was tiny.(see the attached photo) I wondered how much better the fishing would have been if a smaller Monkey Brain fly were used. Not having fly tying equipment with me, I waited until the end of the season to make some new and smaller flies to try next year.

You can see from the photo that I created a set of Monkey Brain flies. I labeled them: standard, junior, mini and micro. The two larger flies are tied on a size 1/0 Gamakatsu live bait hook and the smaller ones on a size 2 Gamakatsu live bait hook. Note the size of the micro and mini sizes in relation to the dime and the bait spit up photo. For the two smaller flies I had to use very high quality hackles like the ones Kenney Abrames of "Striper Moon" fame uses on his beautiful, flowing striped bass flies. Using such a short piece of the tips of those high quality hackles was troubling. However, I retained the remainder of the hackle to use as collars on future flies.

So, I will have to wait for the 2010 season to see if Garret Booth's Monkey Brain fly will be a magic attractant for fussy false albacore. Time will tell.

Striped bass politics is a frustrating activity. There is much happening on that front and I will address that in a post soon.

Cape Cod Fall False Albacore, Striped Bass and Bonito Fishing Report

2009-09-19T05:45:00.004-04:00

The first two weeks of September, 2009 were some of the finest angling days for false albacore in the northeast I've seen in years. The albies were mostly in the 6 to 8 pound range and were feeding like sipping trout most of the time. And naturally, they were doing their albie thing of being challenging to the hook. There were days when most of Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay were loaded with the speedsters. When you have albies up feeding almost all day, through the tides, you have a wonderful opportunity. With so many fish around,the few people pursing them were mostly behaving. Not many running and gunning techniques were being practiced. My sports did take a few bonito during the first week of September. Striped bass available to fly fishing anglers were not available in the waters during this early fall season fishing. They should arrive soon though. See my previous Blogg to the right in January of the fly of choice(http://mainestripedbassfishing.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-false-albacore-and-striped-bass-fly.html). Enjoy the remaining northeast, fall fishing season.

Maine Fall Striper Fishing Is On The Move

2009-08-28T09:07:00.002-04:00

Hurricane Bill stirred things up and tropical storm Danny will likely continue to stir the pot which will jump start the fall, striped bass fishing season. For the past several days I have seen indications of improved striper fishing with fish becoming more aggressive each day. First light action is beginning to reveal surface action and the fish are filling their bellies. Let the fall action begin. The next four weeks can be the best fishing of the season with migrating fish feeding heavily every day. As the fall season progresses, mid-day action will pick up so first light and last light outings aren't necessary. This is my favorite time of the year. I will be guiding on Cape Cod until mid-September and then return to Maine for the grand finally of the season in to October. Tight lines everyone.

Maine Summer Saltwater Fishing Has Begun

2009-07-22T05:15:00.004-04:00

Striped bass catches in Maine this summer have been very good for fish in the high 20 and low 30 inch range. They are fat, feasting on blueback herring, alwife, mackerel, britt herring and crustaceans. The number of fish roaming the Pine Tree State aren't as plentiful as in years past, but the quality of the fish makes up for the numbers. Every fish being caught on my boat has "shoulders" - meaning they are heavy and strong for their size. As of mid-July, crustacean imitation flies have been working quite well along with poppers. The best time to catch seems to be first light for the several hours prior to the daylight hours getting stronger. Heavy rainfall in Maine has kept the estuary water temperatures below 70 degrees F. and dirty, so surface activity has continued into the late days of July. Fishing should remain quite good for the remainder of the summer.

Bluefin tuna fishing has been red hot since the first of July. Stick boats and trollers have been boating more tuna in the 150 to 300 pound class than in many previous years. Light tackle anglers looking for football tuna weighing less than 60 pounds might be rewarded with a new year class to play with as some speadsters in the 20 pound class have been reported along Maine's coast. The biggest problem has been getting to fish tuna. Weather and sea conditions haven't been the best.

As of July 21, 2009; buefish haven't been seen or reported in the midcoast area of Maine. A trickling of reports of snapper blues have surfaced from the extreme southern areas of Maine.

Cape Cod Early Season Report for Striped Bass and Tuna

2009-06-05T08:19:00.003-04:00

The early season bite report for striped bass is easy, big and many. The fly rod fisherman has not seen fishing like the 2009 start for many years. Stripers from 28 to 40 inches are available in numerous locations around Cape Cod.

After four weeks of guiding on the Cape, I can say it is wonderful to see the excellent fishing for striped bass with flies. The season is young, so lets hope it continues to be good. My first fish striped bass caught in Maine on June 4 was 30 inches. That's a much better start than last year.

Commercial Striped Bass Fishermen Want More

2009-04-29T08:32:00.003-04:00

As the striped bass fishing season becomes part of the focus of anglers for the 2009 season, commercial striped bass fishermen are attempting to receive at 25% increase in quota through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Council (ASMFC) system and it's striped bass advisory council. This action will be considered at the ASMFC's May 7, 2009 meeting.

New science that indicates at sharp decline in striper populations along the entire eastern seaboard is being reported rejected by the advisory council after the recent focus of abuses of commercial striped bass fishermen and fish dealers. Strong fines and jail sentences are just recently being handed down by judges. The last vote of the striped bass advisory council of the ASMFC on increased commercial quotas rejected any increases by a tie vote.

If there is any increase in commercial striped bass fishing along the Atlantic Coast, the striper population is likely to collapse within a short, few years in my opinion.

Please contact anyone you know who might influence the voting at the ASMFC meeting to encourage restraint in allowing any commercial striped bass quota increases. Better yet, go to the meeting and express your displeasure of any such considerations. Go the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries web site (http://www.asmfc.org/) for full details of the meeting.

New False Albacore - Atlantic Bonito and Striped Bass Fly A Winner on Cape Cod

2009-01-13T05:27:00.005-05:00

Every fall a very special fishing event occurs from Cape Cod to South Carolina – fly fishing for false albacore, nicknamed albies and fat alberts by many anglers. They are difficult to attract to a hook or lure, when hooked; they provide an exciting fight and they are the perfect catch and release fish as they are terrible table fare and there is zero value on them as a commercial fish; so everyone releases them.

False albacore are members of the tuna family and reach weights to 20 plus pounds with averages ranging from seven to 12 pounds. But don’t let the small size fool you – they are admiralable fighters on seven to 10 weight fly rods. Actually, seven weight rods are a little light for them in my opinion. Seven weight rods just can’t fight the fish fast enough to release them alive after the fight. They are a small fish that will easily take a true 50 yards of backing and in many fights, over 100 yards. They are a true test for anglers who enjoy the hunt, the take and the release.

Prior to false albacore arriving in Cape Cod waters, another quality fish arrives, the Atlantic bonito, nicknamed bones by many anglers. Bones don’t run as big as albies, but they are also difficult to the hook and fight vigorously. Apposed to albies, bones are excellent table fare and prized by many who seek them. They also have a set of teeth that albies don’t have, making it a little more difficult to land them with fine leaders. Fly anglers will hook at least 10 times the number of albies to bones per day of fishing. Targeting bones is sometimes difficult as they are around when large schools of bluefish are feeding and when fat alberts arrive, bones seem to disappear. False albacore seem to drive Atlantic bonito away.

This past fall, false albacore weren’t thick on Cape Cod, so the Atlantic bonito were working the waters of Vineyard and Nantucket Sound daily during the months of August and September. I can unequivocally say that I easily boated more bones for my clients during the fall of 2008 than any previous year.

I have puzzled that over, trying to determine why my luck fishing bonito was so good this past fall. What did I do different that may have changed my success rate? Several factors may have changed my luck – or maybe it was just luck.

First, I surmised that the lack of good schools of false albacore kept the bonito in the waters I was fishing longer into the fall season; making them more available than usual.

Second, there weren’t many large bluefish around that might drive the bones away, again making them more available than usual.

Third, there weren’t as many crazy fishermen chasing them all over and putting them down every time they surfaced.

Small forage fish bait was in short supply, making the artificial fly presentations more attractive to the fish.

Other game fish were in short supply during September, so we fished more vigorously for bonito, staying on a few fish longer than we usually would. I didn’t go running around looking for greener pastures to fish in.

And then the fly! Yes, it might just be that one fly I had never heard of turned the trick. One of my customers showed up with his usual good supply of flies. We lost a couple of my usual selections to what we surmised were albies. My customer asked me to look at his large fly box to see if there was something there that might work. I quickly noticed a small 3 1/2 inch white fly I had never seen before. We tied it on and landed two Atlantic bonito that day. I tied up a bunch of them that night and continued to catch bones more regularly than usual. The fly you ask – the Monkey Brain originated by one Garret Booth of New Hampshire tied on a 1/0 hook. The fly is simple to tie and has the elements needed to catch. I used a size 1/0 Gamakatsue live bait hook to tie to. The tail is simply four wimpy Schlappen feathers with four silver crystal flash lengths buried in the feathers, lightly palmered schlappen where the body and wing meet, a silver body with large black over silver paste on eyes. The body and head are epoxied with the eye area built up a little to provide a bulge.
The action of the Monkey Brain fly in the water is wonderful. It is the correct size and profile of the prevailing bait and the epoxied body gives it a nice jigging action. It is easy to cast and the Gamakatsue hook readily penetrates the hard mouth of bones and doesn’t straighten under pressure of such a hard running fish.

Next fall we will see if this fly is a magic touch or just a flash in the pan. I think it will be an exceptional, catching fly for bonito as well as striped bass and false albacore. Time will tell.

Striped Bass Given a Pass by Commissioner LaPointe

2008-11-07T04:22:00.005-05:00

Striped bass anglers present at the recent Maine Department of Marine Resources meeting complained about the poor striped bass fishing in Maine during 2008. Guides, charter captains and individual fishermen gave testimony describing how poor their fishing season was. Several guides said they had a 40 to 60 percent drop in business and fishing day catches were down in numbers and size of fish. Instead of catching 40 to 100 fish per day, many reported average catches of less than 10 per day. Commissioner George Lapointe listened along with his staff. The message of the Maine Department of Marine Resources was that the striped bass populations along the Atlantic Coast was scientifically sound and not in trouble or headed for another crash. The Department then went to a meeting with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and didn't present a case representing the desires of the fishing public of Maine. It appears that the Commissioner has no intention of fighting for Maine Striped Bass fishermen. But he certainly will like the income that will result from a new saltwater fishing license. Maybe our saltwater fishing permit money would better represent Maine saltwater fishermen by participating in the Federal Government's fishing registry program instead of having a state fishing license program. Something to think about. I have previously been in support of a state saltwater fishing license, but if the Maine Department of Marine Resources isn't going to advocate vigorously for recreational fishing on our coast, I might have different thoughts. Actions always speak louder than words.

Also discussed at the public meeting where the issues of near/inshore, large boat pogie fishing this past summer and gill netting issues on the New Meadows River. According the the Department, both issues are being looked into.

So, what has been done? Not much.

Northeast Coast Striped Bass Fishery Under Review

2008-10-09T07:09:00.004-04:00

As the fishing season for striped bass comes to a close, there are many questions being asked about the health of the biomass of the fish. At coffee shops, on the internet, conversations with traveling anglers and at tackle shop; the issue is the poor striped bass season that is just ending. Was there to much bait? Was there to little bait? Was the water to cold? Did the stripers mostly migrate to Nova Scotia? Is the biomass of striped bass in steep decline indicating another collapse which could endanger the future of the fish and fishing for them? The questions go on and on. The bottom line is: striped bass anglers are concerned. Maine's Department of Marne Resources will host a meeting to address the issue. See the details below:

Maine Department of Marine Resources

Striped Bass Stakeholders Meeting

Tuesday, October 14th, 6 to 8 pm

DMR's Bureau of Sea Run Fisheries and Habitat's

large conference room (rm 106) located at 6 Beech Street Hallowell.

The intent of this meeting is to hear from Maine anglers and those interested in the management of striped bass prior to the next Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Meeting. DMR staff will present a stock status and catch statistics reports for Maine.

Agenda

Welcome and Introductions (Commissioner Lapointe)
Stock Status Update (Mike Brown, DMR Staff Scientist and Rep to ASMFC Tec Committee)
Catch Statistics (Bruce Joule, DMR Recreational Fishing Coordinator)
Open Forum (Pat Keliher, Director of Sea Run Fisheries, Terry Stockwell, Director of External Affairs, Commissioner George Lapointe)

Directions

DMR's Bureau of Sea Run Fisheries and Habitat is located behind DMR's Headquarters on Beech Street in Hallowell.

From Hallowell's Water Street (or main street) proceed to Winthrop Street

Go up Winthrop Street almost to top of hill and turn right on to Beech Street (go to second brick building on your right, park out back but enter through rear door on the loading dock)

Please pass this meeting notice along to others who you know may be interested in attending.

Patrick Keliher
Director
Bureau of Sea Run Fisheries and Habitat
Maine Department of Marine Resources
Regular Mail
172 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333
UPS/Fed Express
6 Beech Street
Hallowell, Maine 04347
(207) 287-9972
(207) 287-9975
www.maine.gov/dmr
www.maine.gov/asc

Hope many of you can attend. This is a most important beginning of a dialogue on the future of striped bass fishing. Millions of dollars are at stake. We need to insure that schoolie striped bass like the one pictured above are numerous and available in numerous year classes.

Martha's Vineyard Tournament Begins on Cape Cod

2008-09-14T12:17:00.003-04:00

Just as the false albacore and bonito fishing began to pick up on Cape Cod, the weather turned sour and the Martha's Vineyard Bluefish Tournament began on Sunday, September,14,2008. Bait just began to enter Vineyard Sound, Nantucket Sound and Buzzards Bay to help attract the Little Tunny and Bones to the area. Light tackle sports are running all over the historical fishing grounds looking for busting fish with flocks of birds marking the action. That practice in my experience this fall has been a big mistake. I have been hooking False Albacore and Bonito every day by sitting on one spot all day, taking my lickings on a few fish rather than looking for the home run of large schools with crazy anglers chasing and spooking the schools. It's tough to stick it out and stay in one spot, but it is paying dividends for me. Maybe others are finding more fish to hook up with, but I'm always happy with hooking Fat Alberts and Bones any day, one at a time. Striped bass fishing has been non-existent for me on flies, not even small schoolies coming to my flies. Bluefish are reported thick on Buzzards Bay, but that's only a rumor I heard, so take it for what it's worth. Every day brings a new set of factors with migrating fish and weather patterns. Then we have the remains of Ike heading our way for early to mid week. Keep your fingers crossed for better fishing.

False Albacore and Blue fin Tuna Due to Hit Cape Cod

2008-09-07T10:11:00.004-04:00

Striped bass and blue fish action here on Cape Cod has been pretty slow so far. There are a few Albies on the south side of Cape Cod and Bonito are still hanging about the day prior to Hanna. What is interesting is that bait is almost nonexistant. Again, it will be interesting to see what Hanna has done to improve the bait. Cape Cod Bay will calm down sometime today and blue fin tuna hunts will be back on the table.The fall migration runs will be on big time as the ocean begins to calm down. We have to hope that Hurricane Ike doesn't come up the North Atlantic. That could really destroy the fall season.

Maine Fall Striper Run Starts Early

2008-08-16T14:51:00.004-04:00

The past few days striped bass fishing has improved dramatically! Feeding stripers on the surface chasing brit herring has been sporadic but here. A beautiful sight after such a long, slow summer season.I saw one "monster" striper boated by a troller in the middle of the day. The big fish looked to be around 35 to 40 pounds. Now that's a change of pace. Good sized slot fish have become responsive to poppers. That means the fall games are about to begin. The commercial poggie boats are still around, using their nets very close to shore. The commercial bait boats are seining while the smaller bait chasers are using gill nets. SBFT, young tuna fish are in close along Casco Bay waters but not real active. A few small tuna and a handful of giants have been boated in our Maine waters. It appears that the giant tuna fishing has improved after one year of banning the use of mid-water trawlers during the summer months.The fall bite may be better than we have experienced during the summer months. Cross your fingers for improved fishing.

Maine Tuna and Striped Bass Fishing Update

2008-08-06T15:44:00.003-04:00

Maine's striped bass fishing has been "testy" at best most of the summer. Everyone is wondering what the problem might be as bait has been plentiful all summer and fish haven't been on it. Well, that has all changed! A flush of fresh striped bass finally came into Casco Bay and are hungry. They are bright, full of lice and fat. So let the August games begin.

One August game has already begun. Small (football) tuna have arrived in central Maine waters as have larger ones. This wonderful game of hunt to catch will continue into late October with action picking up every day. Weather permitting, I will be out there as often as possible. If you are looking for late September and early October tuna dates to fish, give me a call or send an email.

Maine Striped Bass Migration Stalled

2008-06-16T07:28:00.003-04:00

Mid-Coast Maine striped bass fishing has been slow. Casco Bay and the famed Kennebec River are blessed with prolific bait supplies such as mackerel, pogies, herring and numerous crustations just waiting to be attacked by large striped bass. The big migration of massive schools of stripers hasn't appeared yet, but will soon. My experience on Cape Cod during May and early June indicated a late migration of ten days to two weeks. With that in mind, stripers should arrive any day now. Reliable reports are filtering in indicating bluefin tuna are off Maine's coast. I haven't personally been out to look yet, but it is encouraging to hear tuna are again in close, available to small boats. Football tuna have become a regular pursuit for several years now. Let's hope it coninues.

Maine 2008 Striped Bass Regulations Set

2008-03-14T14:37:00.000-04:00

The State of Maine striped bass regulations for 2008 allows anglers to keep one fish per day. That one fish may be in a slot from 20 to 26 inches or it may be one fish over 40 inches.

Maine’s striped bass regulations cover all Maine coastal waters up to the head of tide in all rivers. In addition, there are special regulations in effect from December 1 through June 30 in the Kennebec, Sheepscot and Androscoggin Rivers and all related tributaries.

The Pine Tree state's striped bass season is open year round with special regulations set for the famed Kennebec River system where a no keep, no bait and only one hooked lures are allowed from May 1 to July first. For full details and boundries of the special regulation go to:
http://www.maine.gov/dmr/recreational/rechomepage.html

A special reminder is necessary for anglers to remember that it is illegal to fish for striped bass in federal waters - usually desigated as the "EEZ"

Maine Striped Bass Fishing Begins Soon

2008-03-12T05:33:00.002-04:00

Maine's striped bass season is still a couple of months away. My guiding calendar for the 2008 season is now open. Please call or email me for full information on guided trips along Maine's rugged coast. More information my be found at this address:

http://mainestripedbassfishing.com