A few weeks ago, I got a call from a young pair planning a trip to Bar Harbor. They wanted to get out for a morning of fishing. I set expectations right away. The ice had only come off our lakes days prior. Water temperatures were still very cold. Fishing would likely be slow until we get some consistent warm weather.

He didn’t hesitate. He told me he simply loved to fish. Even if they didn’t catch anything, they would enjoy being on the water and trying for Maine fish. With many local businesses still closed for the season, this was a great way to experience a quieter, wilder side of Maine.

On the morning of April 17th, we met at a local store, grabbed snacks and drinks, and headed to the lake. We started by targeting Smallmouth Bass around an island. It had rock, a sand transition, and quick access to deep water. These are all key features for early season Smallmouth Bass in Maine lakes.

I scanned with LiveScope and quickly began finding fish around the structure. I called out directions to the angler on the bow. “50 feet left!” “25 feet straight ahead!” Blake stayed right on them. More often than not, we watched fish rise and take the bait.

There is a learning curve with this style of fishing. Timing the hookset and watching a sinking line takes practice. Still, it didn’t take long for things to click. Soon after, we had our first fish in the boat—a solid Smallmouth Bass.

We continued working around the islands, breaking down different pieces of structure. At one point, we found a school of perch off the tip of an island, with bass nearby.

As the morning went on, the wind picked up. For comfort, we moved to a leeward point. It provided shelter from the wind and set up perfectly. Not long after, we found Landlocked Salmon using the point to ambush smelt.

Back in hunting mode, we landed several Landlocked Salmon before the bite slowed. With fish in the net and a great morning on the water, it was time to head back.

For me, the action was a pleasant surprise for this early in the season. One of the reasons I never get tired of fishing is that there is always more to learn. New gear, new techniques, and new seasonal patterns all play a role.

That’s a big part of what I enjoy about guiding fishing trips in Maine. I’m always learning, and I get to share both experience and new discoveries with my clients on every trip.

If you’re planning a visit, check out my guided fishing tripsBooking Page near Bar Harbor to get on the water.