family fishing

As summer vacation draws to a close I have run several family fishing trips with young kids. Usually for yellow perch but lately a few bass and white perch have gotten into the mix. Last week on Seven Tree Pond several nice bass were brought to the boat and two broke the line when hooked the drags on my closed face reels are simply not adequate for big fish. Pretty exciting stuff for young kids and old guides.

I have been doing lots of fishing trips with families this week. I had back to back family trips Saturday and Sunday both times fishing for bass. When you have two or three lines in the water the opportunity for catching several fish at the same time is always there but it usually does not happen.

Yesterday I spent a foggy morning guiding a family mackerel fishing trip with Capt. George Harris of Superfly Charters. Between us we had the grandparents and all of their grandchildren. We left Thomaston Harbor in thick fog but it lifted some before we had gone a couple of miles. We fished out around Caldwell Island with no luck and wound up in Port Clyde Harbor where everyone caught fish.

In our fast paced world, fishing gives us a chance to slow down, enjoy an adventure outdoors, and spend time with those we love. May I suggest a gift certificate for a Maine Outdoors fishing trip for your father or grandfather? The big day has already been reserved by a thoughtful son but lots of other days are available throughout the summer.

I have been helping my neighbors put on a kids fishing event held at Ayer Park in Union for several years. The next one is scheduled for Saturday, June 6th from 10 AM to 2 PM in memory of Mike Sabins. Ayer Park is on the shore of Seven Tree Pond located about a mile south of the Union Common on Route 235 and was chosen because it is easy to find and is well suited to a children's event. The event is sanctioned by the Hooked on Fishing program. The public is welcome and no pre-registration is required. Fishing equipment and bait will be provided, along with refreshments.

I will be at the Kittery Trading Post in Kittery giving a presentation titled Take Your Family Fishing on Saturday March 21st at 3PM as part of their Fishingfest. I am looking forward to having the chance to help folks be better prepared for family fishing trips. I also plan to post the slides from the presentation here.

The event was a huge success again last Saturday. Lots of kids on the ice, a few fish caught, lots of hot dogs and mooseburgers eaten and plenty of volunteers to make it all run smoothly. We always get excellent suppor tfrom the local press.You can read about it and see lots of great pictures in today’s Village Soup.

On Sunday March 22, 2009 at 1PM

Taking Your Family Fishing! Introducing someone to fishing is a great way to spend time together and help develop an appreciation for the natural world. What to take along, the equipment to use, where to go and the right attitude are all important elements for a successful outing. Join Master Maine Guide and life member of the Maine Professional Guides Association, Don Kleiner, who has been introducing families to fishing for 25 years.

A kids ice fishing event will be held at Ayer Park in Union on Saturday February 21^st from 10 AM to 2 PM. Ayer Park is on Route 235 and was chosen because it is easy to find and is well suited to a children’s event. The event is sanctioned by the Hooked on Fishing program and equipment will be provided free. Refreshments will be available; children are encouraged to attend the event with an adult.

After an almost perfect day yesterday the skies clouded up this morning and the rain started at around 10. It has been very dry so we can use a little moisture to keep the garden’s going even if it does make the lawn grow. In the last week I have done more mackerel fishing than I have in a long time.  Here is the view  looking back at Port Clyde yesterday afternoon. I am sure you will agree that it was nearly a perfect day.