As of November 16, 2024, the fishing scene in the Atlantic Ocean off Maine is quite active, despite the challenging weather conditions. Here’s a local’s perspective on what you can expect today.
### Weather and Tides
The weather is rough, with significant swells that made many anglers seasick yesterday. However, for those who braved the conditions, the rewards were substantial. Today, expect similar sea conditions with strong winds and high waves. Tides are crucial; the high tide is at around 9:30 AM and the low tide at 3:30 PM.
### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 6:34 AM, and sunset will be at 3:53 PM, giving you a decent window for both morning and afternoon fishing trips.
### Fish Activity
Despite the poor weather, fish activity has been robust. Pollock have been the stars of the show, with multiple anglers landing large specimens. Yesterday, anglers on the Bunny Clark deep-sea fishing trip caught numerous pollock, with the largest being a 15-pounder. Other catches included cod, haddock, cusk, and a few mackerel.
### Types of Fish and Amounts
Pollock dominated the catches, with several anglers landing multiple fish in the 10-15 pound range. Cod and haddock were also plentiful, though in smaller numbers. Mackerel, while not as abundant, were still caught in decent quantities.
### Best Lures and Bait
Jigs and cod flies have been the most effective lures, catching the most fish by far. For bait, using the natural prey of these fish such as mackerel or herring can be highly effective.
### Hot Spots
Two hot spots to consider are the areas around the Gulf of Maine and the offshore ledges. The Gulf of Maine has been productive for mackerel and other species, while the offshore ledges have seen pollock, cod, and haddock being caught in significant numbers.
In summary, if you're willing to brave the rough seas, the Atlantic Ocean off Maine is offering some excellent fishing opportunities today. Focus on using jigs and cod flies, and consider the Gulf of Maine and offshore ledges as your prime fishing grounds. Stay safe and good luck