41 State House Station Chain Pickerel. Besides, as mentioned earlier, harbor pollock are relatively small, as far as saltwater species go. *If your Maine freshwater fishing license is a Lifetime License, then you are not covered by that license for saltwater recreational fishing in Maine. We are hiring 5 seasonal contract positions, full time, $15/hr, with a variety of start/end dates; application deadline is March 15. This includes waters restricted to the use of artificial lures only, waters restricted to fly fishing, and waters where there are other prohibitions on the use of live fish as bait. White Perch. Catostomus commersoni. Vincent Daniello. Southern Maine also offers some stellar saltwater angling opportunities. Built with a rabbit strip tail, flash, palmered rabbit strip up the shank, and a heavy weighted eye, these bugs are attractor baitfish patterns that get deep and bounce up and down through the water column when stripped. Maine Saltwater Recreational Fishing News. The average size of harbor pollock pretty much depends upon how far out to sea the harbor is. Hard-shell, soft-shell and peeler crabs are also good saltwater fishing bait. Bait Dealer's License. Brown Bullhead. Learn How To Farm Your Own Baitfish Using These Resources: 1) Growing Marine Baitfish - A guide to Florida's Common Baitfish & Their Potential For Aquaculture : We can give you the spark notes summary of this 34 page, technical article, if you'd like. It is illegal to dump unused baitfish into any waterway. Looking ahead to targeting stripers with big baitfish patterns where the green, foamy water of the surf meets the rocky shore. For the ice out phase, fish slow using silver buddys, jerkbaits, jigs and ned rigs near the bottom. Maine Saltwater Fly Fishing and Light Tackle Guides for Striped Bass, Bluefish, and Mackerel The Juvenile Bluefin Tuna fishery here in the . In saltwater they grow up to 12-inches. Baitfish Tips. Threadfin Herring. TTY: Maine Relay 711 Common Sucker. This law helps keep Maine’s waters healthy by limiting the introduction of foreign fish diseases and parasites, exotic fish species, invasive plants, and other undesirable aquatic life that can irreversibly damage Maine’s natural resources. Handbook of live baits popular with offshore and coastal fishermen. It is unlawful to import any live baitfish or smelts into Maine. Some captains use specialized skiffs that prowl tidal zones for stripers as well as zip offshore. Phoxinus eos, Northern Redbelly Dace (male) “Pilchards are great when fish get finicky,” McElveen says. fish of a lifetime, nearshore. Get familiar with the baitfish of the fall run and finish your surfcasting season strong. Fishing license required – You must have a valid Maine fishing license to harvest baitfish for personal use. Below is a picture via Paloma Aquaculture of what an outdoor setup could look like.. It is unlawful for any person to deal in live baitfish or live smelts without first obtaining a valid dealer's license. Rhinichthys atratulus. Bloodworms also called Pile worms are best live saltwater bait for fishing striped bass and spot, white perch, croaker, catfish & stripers. Failure to clean your equipment between waters puts you subject to financial penalties and loss of equipment. Email us, Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, Opportunities for People with Disabilities, Rulemaking Proposals Open to Public Comment. It is not legal to import live baitfish into Maine, therefore, there is a captive market and a large demand for baitfish which originate within the state. This pattern also handles toothy critters like bluefish and Spanish mackerel. Much of this demand is now being met by the capture, storage, distribution, and sale of wild fish. A Guide to Saltwater Live Baits. Hooking the bait in front of the dorsal fin will encourage the bait to swim down. CALL TOLL FREE 1.877.347.4718: Available Mon-Fri 10AM - 5PM EST The Maine coast gets mostly schoolie Bass with some larger fish mixed in. Notemigonus crysoleucas, Long Nose Dace By Capt. Augusta, ME 04333-0041, Phone: (207) 287-8000 Through years of guiding and fly fishing for striped bass in Northern New England I’ve developed preferences for proven fly patterns that work, year in and year out. Coastal marshes and the beaches of southern Maine provide access to migratory Striped Bass that feed on small baitfish and crabs in the spring and fall. Such permits shall be issued to import only: Scientific name, Common name. Label and tend your traps – Baitfish traps and holding cages must be labeled with the owner’s name and address, and must be tended at least once every 7 days by the person who set them. Stripers run in large numbers from spring to fall ranging from schoolie size to 50+ lb. It is unlawful to import any live baitfish or smelts into the State of Maine. March 2, 2021: Work for us this year! Phoxinus eos, Physical Address: Blacknose Dace. Shad have also arrived in the river. typically begins sometime in mid-July and may run well ... dependant on the availability of baitfish. Baitfish may not be sold or harvested with the intent to sell without a bait dealer’s license. According to the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, anchovies, silversides, small herring, alewives and other small bait fish make good smelt bait. Pumpkinseed Sunfish. Licenses expire on December 31st of the calendar year for which they were issued. To report information about an illegal introduction please call: 1-800-ALERTUS (253-7887). And Dauphinee said Maine’s southern beaches often provide perfect spots to fish for stripers. It’s up to you to inspect boats and equipment and ensure Maine’s waters are free from all aquatic invaders, including invasive plants. ANS-AIS-HACCP program in 2003 & submitted our plan to Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Fish Health Lab July 23, 2003. Pilchards are one of the most popular baits to use inshore, on the reef, and offshore. Although few serious fishermen would argue that Maine is a Mecca of saltwater angling, the Pine Tree State does host several marine species worth pursuing on rod and reel—and no shortage of beautiful spots to explore. When the bait and fish have moved closer to the beach, minnow plugs and slender soft-plastic baits work well. The fishing has been difficult as of late. Do your part by only using locally caught legal baitfish species when fishing in Maine. Smelt fishermen can use these fish whole and live; however, most prefer to use them as cut bait. Importation of Baitfish Prohibited. Illegal stocking selfishly denies the people of Maine the right to decide what is best for our waters. It is the last, most consistent fishery for striped bass and bluefish on their journey north and arguably the best kept secret in East Coast saltwater fly and light tackle fishing. Smelt fishermen can use these fish whole and live; however, most prefer to use them as cut bait. Diamond jigs with tube tails and needlefish plugs both cast well and have the slender profiles necessary to imitate sand eels. These nonsportsmen illegally stock the type of fish they prefer to catch, without regard for the environmental havoc they inflict on the resource. Photo by Dave Sherwood. Maine Law prohibits the transport or possession of any invasive plant or plant parts on watercraft or equipment (including baitfish traps and nets) that could cause the plant or plant parts to enter waters of the state. Augusta, ME 04333-0041, Phone: (207) 287-8000 Epoxy Baitfish flies tied by Glenn Mikkleson. Physical Address: Once the fish are shallower, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits and squarebill crankbaits will all produce. The generic epoxy baitfish has earned a place of distinction among the best of the all-time patterns. It is unlawful to import any live baitfish or smelts into Maine. Fishing license required – You must have a valid Maine fishing license to harvest baitfish for personal use. That may sound simple, even silly, but it’s a fact. Pilchards. February 18, 2021: Striped Bass Update - Tube Rig Gear; June 19, 2020: Updated COVID-19 Checklist – Charter Boat Industry They can be found from Maine to Tennessee. In order to harvest live baitfish and smelts for sale, or to buy and resell them, you must possess a valid bait dealer’s license (Bait Retail License, Bait Wholesale License, or Smelt Wholesale License). Boats sail from harbors throughout coastal Maine and can steer you to some of the best saltwater fishing in Maine. Licenses expire on December 31st of the calendar year for which they were issued. Legal species only – See page 54 for list of fish legal to use and harvest as bait. Northern Pike. At night, they come into shallow water and up topward the surface especially under a heavy light, in the daytime they form dense schools and suspend in deep water. For more information on license requirements or how to obtain a license, contact MDIFW at (207) 287-8000 or visit the Bait Dealer's License page. Muskellunge. Fax: (207) 287-8094 or (207) 287-6395 Email us, Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, Opportunities for People with Disabilities, Rulemaking Proposals Open to Public Comment, Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Reptiles and Amphibians, Rare, Threatened, & Endangered Invertebrates. Surf casters reel in species including tasty mackerel, hard-fighting striped bass and toothy bluefish. You will need to check to see if you qualify for any of the other exemptions, above, and if you do not, then you are required to annually Register for recreational saltwater … Catostomus commersonii, common/white sucker; Erimyzon oblongus, Eastern creek, chub sucker Success at surf and shore fishing requires observation. “Pilchards are great when fish get finicky,” McElveen says. 41 State House Station Importation of Baitfish Prohibited. Jigs are probably the most popular of the artificial saltwater fishing lures. This law helps keep Maine’s waters healthy by limiting the introduction of foreign fish diseases and parasites, exotic fish species, invasive plants, and other undesirable aquatic life that can irreversibly damage Maine’s natural resources. Alert: Stay up to date on Maine's COVID-19 Response, Home → Fishing & Boating → Fishing → Laws & Rules → Baitfish Information. There are many small fish that can be used as live bait in salt water -- Sardines, herrings, several varieties of pinfish, killifish, mutton minnows, chubs … Although few serious fishermen would argue that Maine is a Mecca of saltwater angling, the Pine Tree State does host several marine species worth pursuing on rod and reel—and no shortage of beautiful spots to explore. northeast is an obsession for many people. Licensed bait dealers shall obtain a permit from the NH Fish and Game Department (Fis 1104.07) before importing any shipment or lot of baitfish from hatchery sources or wild stock. Saltwater Fish Identification Below is a complete list of saltwater fish found within the Northeast accompanied by a clear photo and description of the fish. Well, that statement needs some revision. It’s also one of the easiest ways for visitors to check out saltwater fishing in the state. Yellow Perch. Maine Saltwater Fish. Luxilus cornutus. There is a $10,000 fine for a conviction of illegal stocking. Pilchards are one of the most popular baits to use inshore, on the reef, and offshore. Looking ahead to targeting stripers with big baitfish patterns where the green, foamy water of the surf meets the rocky shore. Surf casting - fishing from beaches, rocks, and piers – is popular throughout coastal Maine. Common Shiner. If you can spot a school of baitfish, then you might be able to catch bigger fish that are following them. You may not store or hold live baitfish in waters where the use or possession of live fish as bait is prohibited during the entire fishing season. All other fish must be immediately released alive into the water from which they were taken. Fax: (207) 287-8094 or (207) 287-6395 A streamlined jig head will sink faster, while a wider head will flutter down or … Others use bigger boats that head primarily into deeper water. That may sound simple, even silly, but it’s a fact. Types of Saltwater Baitfish 1. Augusta, ME 04333-0041, Mailing Address: The average size of harbor pollock pretty much depends upon how far out to sea the harbor is. Trap specifications apply – Baitfish traps may not exceed 50 cubic feet in volume and must be fitted with rigid entrance or exit holes. May 13, 2019. According to the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, anchovies, silversides, small herring, alewives and other small bait fish make good smelt bait. Sandworms also called Clam worms or Rag worms best bait for flounder, sea trout, blackfish, striped bass, porgy, whiting, croakers, rockfish and surf perch. BAITFISH PATCHES. By Capt. Alert: Stay up to date on Maine's COVID-19 Response, Home → Fish & Wildlife → Fisheries → Species Information → Bait Fish, Fat Head Minnow (female) Spurred on by shorter days, cooler water temperatures and changing weather patterns, striped bass, after a summer of indulgence off New England, begin their homecoming journey sometime in September. Some thoughtless individuals are attempting to destroy the future of Maine’s native fisheries. Pimephales promelas, Fat Head Minnow (male) Years of effort to persuade MDIFW and the Fisheries Division to implement a state sponsored ANS-AIS-HACCP program in Maine, ended with "zero" results, These baits are small enough to catch small snapper and enticing enough for large tuna, mahi-mahi, kingfish, tarpon, and most other predator fish to bite. Passing the hook through the bait fish's lips, eye sockets or nostrils will allow it to swim most naturally. Research our saltwater baitfish identification center. Licenses expire on December 31st of the calendar year for which they were issued. Types of Saltwater Baitfish 1. When you locate a school of baitfish, look for … 284 State Street Pilchards. Bait Retail License Bait Retail License It is unlawful for any person to deal in live baitfish or live smelts without first obtaining a valid dealer's license. Striped Mullet. Savvy fishermen differentiate these baitfish species. These baits are small enough to catch small snapper and enticing enough for large tuna, mahi-mahi, kingfish, tarpon, and most other predator fish to bite. Creek Chub. A small piece of bait fish on a hook will often do when smelt … May 13, 2019. Quality live saltwater Seaworms from Down East Maine. A Guide to Saltwater Live Baits. Redbreast Sunfish. Our target species in Southern New Hampshire and the Maine Coast is primarily the striped bass (striper) a highly sought after migratory sportfish that is highly sought after as a world glass gamefish. Besides, as mentioned earlier, harbor pollock are relatively small, as far as saltwater species go. Minutes before a July sunrise over Popham Beach, at the mouth of Maine's legendary Kennebec River, an outgoing tide and swirling currents roil the water to a froth, churning bait in a spin cycle and drawing marauding schools of tail-slapping stripers to the surface. The following are the only fish species that may be used as bait (dead or alive) for fishing in inland waters of Maine: That’s what the illegal introduction of exotic species brings to Maine’s waters. Our season . 284 State Street Alewife; American Pollock; American Shad; Atlantic Cod; Atlantic Halibut; Atlantic Herring; Atlantic Mackerel; Atlantic Menhaden; Atlantic Red Fish; Atlantic Salmon; Atlantic Sturgeon; Black Sea Bass; Blue Shark; Bluefin Tuna; Bluefish; Brown Trout; Cunner; Cusk; Goosefish; Haddock; Little Skate; Longhorn Sculpin; Ocean Pout; Porbeagle Shark; Rainbow Smelt; Sea Raven Black Crappie. Catostomus catostomus, Northern Redbelly Dace (female) From top water flies to assorted baitfish to shrimp and specialty flies, my fly box has a pattern for each situation I encounter on t Always keep your ears and eyes open for those who are committing these senseless acts. Baitfish may not be sold or harvested with the intent to sell without a bait dealer’s license. Handbook of live baits popular with offshore and coastal fishermen. This 3” or 4” fly might come out of the box when stripers are feeding deeper. Wild stocks are limited and cannot be relied upon for satisfying demand throughout the season. Pimephales promelas, Golden Shiner Rhinichthys cataractae, Longnose Sucker Well, that statement needs some revision. Maine is a fisherman's paradise with a diversity of fresh and saltwater fishing options few states can match. CRABS. Consisting of a hook with a lead head and a trailer, jigs imitate everything from saltwater bait fish to crustaceans to invertebrates. If convicted, the license revocation has increased from 1 to 5 years. Bait Dealer's License. A small piece of bait … Harmon Brook Farm & Maine Smelt Hatchery initiated . It is unlawful for any person to deal in live baitfish or live smelts without first obtaining a valid dealer's license. Importation of Baitfish Prohibited. Maine's Casco Bay sits near the northern terminus of the legendary annual migration of striped bass along the Atlantic coast. A very versatile design, it is well balanced, foul resistant and extremely durable when tied properly. We usually only buy a few days a week and mostly summer time and We have tried to get sea worms but large marine worm buyers have told their diggers if you sell to anyone else you will loose your year round job digging. It is unlawful to import any live baitfish or smelts into Maine. But hurry, game fish strike fast and leave. Tomtate. If you have caught a fish or have a picture of a fish you cannot identify feel free to submit a photo to us and we will give you a hand. Bait Fish. For delicate baitfish, tie a bridal out of rigging floss to hold the hook. Semotilus atromaculatus. All inland waters (including rivers, streams and brooks) are open to the taking of baitfish for personal use unless designated “closed to the taking of live baitfish” (see Special Fishing Laws on page 5), with the following conditions: It is unlawful to import any live baitfish or smelts into the State of Maine. Augusta, ME 04333-0041, Mailing Address: Vincent Daniello. TTY: Maine Relay 711 Bait Retail License Savvy fishermen differentiate these baitfish species. Bait Dealer's License. It is illegal to transport live fish without a permit except legal baitfish or smelts.