Rock n Reel Sportfishing Striper & Bluefish Charters

Inshore fishing off the Maine Coast

An Inshore fishing charter among the islands just off the Portland and Cape Elizabeth shores is an incredible experience. Here you can see seals, lobster bouys, ferry and lobster boats and the hustle and bustle of the busy Port or Portland. Sneaking between and around the islands fishing for Striper and Blue Fish you may see eagles, osprey and other hunting birds.

Striper Fishing:

Description: Striped bass are dark olive green to steel blue on top, with silver colored sides and a white underbelly. Seven to eight dark stripes run longitudinally across their body giving them a distinctive appearance. Striped bass are usually three and one-third times as long as they are deep. They have a long head, protruding lower jaw and a moderately forked tail fin. Their dorsal fins are separated, unlike the dorsal fins of white perch, which they resemble when they are young. Striped bass are one of Maine's most important saltwater gamefish, being renowned for their powerful fight and excellent flavor. Inhabiting shallow bays, rocky shores, coastal rivers and the surf line of barrier beaches, they can be caught anytime during daylight hours but seem to be most active between sunset and sunrise.

BlueFish:

Description: Bluefish are a blue green shade above with silver sides and underbelly. A single dark blotch can be found at the base of each of their pectoral fins. They have large powerful jaws that are lined with a single row of small, razor-sharp teeth. Their bodies are stout and powerful. These fish have two dorsal fins, the first being much lower and rounder than the second which, in turn, is similar in size to the anal fin. Bluefish have a large forked tall fin that pushes them swiftly through water. Swimming together in large schools, bluefish migrate north with warming water temperatures and generally, but not always, appear along Maine's coast during the summer months. They frequently follow other schools of fish, such as menhaden, mackerel and butterfish, upon which they feed. The preferred rig for blue fishing is a medium duty rod and reel equipped with at least twenty pound test line, coupled with a coated steel or heavy monofilament leader. Effective artificial lures include spoons, plugs and tube lures. Baits, either alive or cut, include mackerel, menhaden, butterfish and eels. An assortment of flies are also known to work well. Anglers should take extra care when handling bluefish because their bite can cause serious injury.

Mackerel:

Description: Atlantic mackerel are iridescent blue green above with a silvery white underbelly. Twenty to thirty black bars run across the top half of their body, giving them a distinctive appearance. The efficient spindle shape of their body and their strong tall fin give this fish its ability to move swiftly through the water. Atlantic mackerel have two separate large dorsal fins and, like their relatives the tunas, they possess several dorsal and anal finlets. On average, Atlantic mackerel weigh less than one pound, but individuals of up to two pounds are not unusual. Atlantic mackerel are seasonal migrators that travel in dense schools. They appear in late spring in many of the state's harbors, coves and coastal rivers where they are sought by eager anglers. An ultra-light to light spinning rod outfitted with 10 to 12 pound or less test line provides anglers with the most action. Spoons, spinners, weighted bucktails, jigs and tube lures all work well. Atlantic mackerel are not only enjoyed as table fare, but are especially prized as bait for other game fish.

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