I have received reports of spotty fishing in the mouth of Mousam, a thirty-fish evening in Harpswell, and good fishing in the Presumpscot, up near the dam - always a hot spot in early season.
Our first charter occurs this weekend. We will have a full report for you following that event. As always, we look forward to your reports and what you're finding the best luck using.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Mike
[ add comment ] | permalink | related link |
( 2.8 / 230 )While I'm typing this, the local meteorologist is calling for not one, but two snow events here in Southern Maine. On April 12. Last year we were catching stripers in the first week of May.
But that's the, ahem, joy of living in Maine! In two weeks it will be 65 degrees and I'll receive that first call from my friend on Cape Cod who will report that he just boated his first fish of the season. And from there folks, it's only a matter of days.
So, some news from the "down" season. With the demise of the CCA Kennebec chapter, local captains and saltwater enthusiasts were left with no real representation at the state or federal level. This was and is of great concern to the community; several issues have been simmering under the surface regarding our fishery, and many of us were greatly concerned.
Enter Capt. Dave Pecci from Obsession Sportfishing. Capt. Pecci wasted no time in putting the Maine Association of Charter Captains together in order to meet the challenges facing our industry today. And not a moment too soon.
Very recently two issues have arisen that will directly affect charter captains and their clients, and recreational saltwater fishermen throughout the state:
First, the saltwater fishing license. I suppose we all knew it was coming sooner or later. Many, if not most of us are dubious about it. I know I am. Maintaining a fishery is not inexpensive, and perhaps the benefactors of the amazing fishery we have in Maine should help preserve it. But Maine also has a long history of selling the idea of fees and licenses based on the help it will provide the industry, and then re-directing the money to completely unrelated issues once it starts to flow. I’m not speaking for MACC here, but I would guess that most captains wouldn’t wholeheartedly oppose a saltwater license if we knew the revenues would benefit the fishery and/or the industry. More to come as we know it.
Secondly, the issue of taxing guided services. This concept falls under the heading of the state’s attempt to tax “amusement” services. The issue here of course, is that a saltwater guide in Maine is required to pass a stringent testing process, must have thousands of hours of water time before he or she can apply for the test, and then must have a Maine Tidewater Guide’s license (the only state in the Union to require a second license of a Coast Guard licensed Captain.) Any trip with a charter captain in Maine is the culmination of that captain’s dedication to safety, professionalism, knowledge of the area, boat handling and public relations. In short, guides are professionals. Much like doctors, lawyers, plumbers and electricians. And just like those pursuits, we are licensed and tested on our knowledge. And while our clients probably have more fun than they do when they go to see a lawyer or a doctor, the perception by our legislators that we are “amusing” to our clients is not looked upon in a positive light.
Please feel free to visit www.mainechartercaptains.org for more information on both issues. And if you’re a guide who hasn’t become a member yet, get on board!
Keep your fingers crossed for warmer weather, and we always welcome your comments.
Tight lines,
Capt. Mike
[ add comment ] | permalink | related link |
( 2.9 / 203 )We will be posting our Fishing Report here this season. Please check back soon.
- Maine Saltwater Outfitters
[ 3 comments ] ( 70 views ) | permalink | related link |
( 3 / 212 )
Calendar
