As of November 14, 2024, the fishing scene in Maine's Atlantic waters is quite promising, despite the late fall season.
**Weather and Tides:**
Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 45°F and a low of 35°F. The winds will be moderate, blowing at about 10 mph from the northwest. Tides are crucial, and for today, the high tide is at 9:32 AM, and the low tide is at 3:32 PM.
**Sunrise and Sunset:**
Sunrise is at 6:29 AM, and sunset will be at 3:53 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and late afternoon fishing.
**Fish Activity:**
Yesterday saw some excellent catches, particularly for striped bass. These fish are still active, feeding on schools of sand eels and bunker along the coast. You can also expect to find some blackfish, especially in the shallow waters around the rocky areas.
**Catches:**
Reports from yesterday indicate that striped bass up to 38 inches were caught in the surf areas around Wells Harbor. Blackfish, some weighing up to 7-9 pounds, have been reported in the eastern parts of the coast.
**Best Lures and Bait:**
For striped bass, small white topwaters, soft plastic paddletails, and straight-tailed soft baits like the Lunker City Sluggo are highly effective. Live mackerel and pogies are also excellent bait choices, especially around the mouth of the Saco River. For blackfish, clams and mussels are the go-to baits.
**Hot Spots:**
- **Wells Harbor Area:** This spot has been producing some great catches of striped bass from the surf.
- **Mouth of the Saco River:** This area is rich with mackerel and pogies, making it a prime spot for targeting striped bass.
- **Jeffreys Ledge:** For those venturing further out, this ledge has been yielding haddock and pollock, although you'll need to contend with some dogfish.
Remember to check the local fishing regulations, as they can change, especially this late in the season. Enjoy your fishing trip, and stay warm