While there are still striped bass swimming along the coast of northern New England, success is now the exception, while the skunk is a regular companion. The most consistent action in the salt is the pursuit of pollock on offshore ledges.
New Hampshire Fishing Report
Captain Andy of Adventure and Catch Charters remains undaunted, but most saltwater enthusiasts have mothballed their gear and are winterizing their ride. According to the captain, the Piscataqua has grown quiet on the striper front. A few schoolies are still being caught, but a lot of effort is now required to find them. Fortunately, the same cannot be said for the Jeffrey’s Ledge pollock, which remains fantastic with 180’ the strike zone.
Coastal Maine Fishing Report
Captain Lou Tirado of Diamond Pass Outfitters has never been so happy to catch small fish as he was on Tuesday, as the Saco River lit up with fish from 18”-34”! That smaller class of fish has been sadly missing from the stock, so it was good to see specimens of the future. The fish were hitting soft plastics and hollow flies. Unfortunately, since then, that river and embayments have looked barren, prompting the captain to pull his boat. Those fish have moved on, as have nearly all saltwater diehards.
New Hampshire And Southern Maine Fishing Forecast
All good things do have to come to an end as has the saltwater fishing season for northern New England. For next week’s report, I’ll see if my freshwater friends have any irons in the fire – stay tuned!