5.26.18 Fishing Report

The Striped Bass migration is now in full swing. We are getting reports of fish up and down the coast, and the general consensus is that there are a lot! The beginning of the week started slow, a few fish were being caught, the shad fishery remained strong but it seemed as if the Striped Bass were still hanging south. As we hit mid week something made the bass decide to make their push into the state. Wednesday was filled with reports from Plum Island, to Saco, the Marsh, and Portland. Everyone I spoke with all had the same thing to say - The Bass are here! While we have not seen any number of large fish yet, the sheer volume of schoolie class fish is incredible. That being said, match your gear to suit the fish. Light action rods, with 12-15 lb braid, and a 12 lb leader will make for an exciting day with plenty of sport. Top producing lures at the moment are the Skid Sticks, Hogy Pro Tails, Ron-Z’s, and Jumpin’ Minnows. Fly anglers are finding success with an intermediate line, and clouded, deceivers, and sand eel patterns. An 8 or 9 wt. rod is an ideal match. Blood worms, clams, and sand worms are also producing.

Remember to fish structure and current for the best results. Areas like Sandy bottom fish well at the top of the tide, and the incoming. Fishing the dam(s) has also been productive, these fish are keyed in on the alewives that are making their way up river.

Pencil Poppers, and Metal Lip swimmers will catch and keep the attention of the bass in the turbulent water. Large weightless soft plastics are also very productive up there. We have been getting reports of mackerel around the Cape Elizabeth shoreline, and as in the past they typically show up around Memorial Day. Target them off the jetties, and islands. The ground fishing remains strong with most boats limiting out on Haddock, and releasing a number of good sized cod as well. We are also getting reports of good sized red fish. Jeffries ledge seems to be the top spot, but guys are catching legal Haddock on Tantas well.

Good luck, and happy Memorial Day! ~ Capt. Lou Tirado