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Category: Blogs

  • Smallmouth bass held up for the camera on a cool spring day, with calm Maine lake waters in the background.

    Spring Smallmouth Action

    Despite cold water temps, smallmouth bass are starting to move shallow and the bite is picking up across Maine.

  • Landlocked Salmon caught on an early season fishing trip near Bar Harbor Maine

    Fishing Just After Ice-Out Near Bar Harbor, Maine

    A cold-water fishing trip near Bar Harbor, Maine just days after ice out. Smallmouth Bass and Landlocked Salmon made for a surprisingly productive early season outing.

  • Two anglers fishing from an aluminum boat at sunset on a calm Maine lake

    Half Day Fishing Trips: A Better Way to Experience the Water

    A half day fishing trip offers a balanced way to enjoy time on the water, combining productive fishing windows with a relaxed, flexible schedule. It’s an ideal option for anglers looking to make the most of their day without committing to a full day on the water.

  • Fly angler casting on a calm lake surrounded by trees, reflecting traditional Irish lough fishing.

    St. Patrick’s Day at the Tying Bench: Thinking About Irish Fly Fishing

    With St. Patrick’s Day here, I spent some time at the tying bench reflecting on Irish fly fishing traditions. From fishing teams of wet flies on loughs to techniques still used today, Ireland’s influence can still be seen on the water.

  • Fishing rod tube packed inside an open suitcase with clothes and travel gear for flying with fishing rods

    Flying With Fishing Rods: Carry-On vs Checked Baggage

    Flying with fishing rods can sometimes lead to unexpected hassles at the airport. Here’s a simple way anglers can pack their rods, avoid airline surprises, and make traveling to fishing destinations easier.

  • Bull moose resting on a hillside in a Maine forest

    Where to See Moose in Maine: Tips for Spotting One in the Wild

    Seeing a moose is at the top of many visitors’ Maine bucket lists. In this guide, learn where to see moose in Maine, including scenic drives and areas near Moosehead Lake, the Katahdin region, and Rangeley. Plus, get practical tips from real experience to improve your chances of spotting one in the wild.

  • Ice breaking up along the shoreline of a forested lake during early spring, with sunlight reflecting on open water.

    When Does Fishing Season Start in Maine? (2026 Guide)

    It’s a question I hear every year. The truth is, fishing season in Maine never truly closes. Ice fishing is available in the winter. Many lakes and rivers remain open year-round to both ice and open water fishing. There’s always an opportunity to get a line in the water. What many anglers are really referring…

  • Brook trout held over a landing net in Maine after being caught during trout stocking season

    Maine Fish Stocking Report: Why I Often Start Beginners on Wild Fish

    A simple explanation of the Maine Fish Stocking Report, how anglers use it to find stocked trout and salmon, and why I often guide beginners toward wild fish.

  • Screenshot of ChatGPT with the question “Is it safe to use a chest freezer as a live bait tank?” typed into the search field.

    AI Told Me Not to Build This DIY Bait Tank… So I Did It Anyway

    AI told me not to turn a chest freezer into a live bait tank. I did it anyway — and here’s what actually happened.

  • Male salmon with a pronounced kype (hooked lower jaw) during spawning season, held near the water.

    Why Do Fish Develop a Kype? (Not Just Salmon)

    What is a kype in fish? That hooked jaw seen on salmon, trout, and char forms during spawning season. Here’s why it develops and how it’s used.