Shore fishing in Portland?

Submitted by Gitzit t3_108f4om in Maine

Hi all, I'm looking forward to attending a conference in Portland this summer (June) and I'd love to try and catch some striped bass and mackerel while I'm there. Unfortunately, most of the charters only run during the day while I'll be in meetings. I was curious if there are any areas within walking distance (or short Uber ride) from downtown Portland where a saltwater newbie could find fish from shore, jetty, or pier? Thanks so much!!

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leomagellan t1_j3sbyfm wrote

Probably better off going for stripers overall, but you can get mackerel off the pier downtown, depending if they're there. A lot of people fish the mouth of the Presumpscot River. If you're willing to drive 20 minutes, there's a whole world of great spots for striped bass that time of year.

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Existing_Bat1939 t1_j3t5cbe wrote

Yeah, my grandfather fished for mackerel for years off the end of the State Pier, usually there at dawn. He ate them too, even though it was largely the pre-treatment plant era.

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BorisGrishenko1985 t1_j3seq44 wrote

Lots of good spots, you’ll be in Casco Bay which is a great fishery. The Spring Point Jetty in South Portland, under the bridge between Portland and South Portland on the SoPo side, Mackworth Island in Falmouth, and anywhere you can find access. If you want to travel 15-20 mins Scarborough Marsh, Higgins Beach, Camp Ellis in Saco, and my favorite Ferry Beach in Scarborough. If you just want to buy some chunk bait to save yourself some time hit up The Tackle Shop on Veranda St in Portland. Have a great trip, Maine is a fantastic fishery.

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ppitm t1_j3sxkcn wrote

From the rocks at Two Lights State Park for stripers. Look for the little cove just west of the park boundary.

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Traumadan t1_j3whe4j wrote

Down the bottom of Scarborough marsh is also good at high tide.

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Guygan t1_j3s6147 wrote

Absolutely.

Will you have transportation and your own gear?

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Gitzit OP t1_j3s6bn3 wrote

I can definitely bring my own gear and, if needed, I'll rent a vehicle. Thanks!

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Guygan t1_j3s6m4e wrote

Mackworth Island is a great spot.

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yupuhoh t1_j3s9du6 wrote

If you have time and a vehicle then popham beach state park is an absolute must. At low tide you can walk out to the island and fish and also at high tide you can fish on the beach.

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Guygan t1_j3s99t9 wrote

Are you bringing fly gear or spinning?

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Gitzit OP t1_j3s9gsb wrote

I'll bring both and will happily use whichever is most productive.

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geneticswag t1_j3t11u8 wrote

if productivity is important just bring your spinning gear - or better yet, rent it and save yourself the hassle

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Gitzit OP t1_j3t2g1n wrote

Thanks, that makes sense. Any suggestions on lures or bait?

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Skjeggape t1_j3sjupr wrote

I'd highly recommend getting out the islands, although you might be a little short on time, depending on how long the conference goes, but if it's in downtown, the ferry beats driving and is like $10 or less. Peaks is the closest, and has the most restaurant options as well. Long Island is good. Others are less 'available' to the public unless you're staying there.. Come to think of it, that might not be a bad thing to just get a place on the island especially if work is paying for it..Peaks ferry runs something like hourly or more until fairly late, and takes15-20min

If not staying out there, should still be able to fish off the docks or walk to somewhere close (use Google Maps) . Have only fished off Cliff on my own boat, but have seen folks fishing on other islands.. Others may know more about specific spots.

Here's the Casco Bay Ferry schedules and site.. be sure to read about the islands & do some research! https://www.cascobaylines.com/schedules/

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