BAIT

Maine Law states: It is unlawful to introduce fish (including baitfish) or fish eggs into public or private waters without first obtaining a permit from the Department. THIS MEANS IT IS ILLEGAL TO RELEASE UNUSED LIVE FISH BAIT INTO ANY WATERS. DO NOT DUMP YOUR BAIT BUCKET!

     Bait in Maine is not all that extensive. Shiners or Smelts are the bait of choice. The thing I find most important is the size. The bait should match the size of the fish you are after. Most salmonids, and especially brook trout have small mouths. Using an 8 inch smelt means that smaller mouthed brookies and salmon will never see the hook. When fishing for trout, with the exception of big browns or lakers, try to get smaller smelt so they can gulp it into their mouths. Smelt grow to average lengths of 7 to 8 inches but can grow up to 14 inches. When water reaches 38 degrees Smelt begin their inshore migration.

Worms and Crawlers are also effective through the ice, especially for Brookies. I like to use small hooks, except for the browns. They have bigger mouths and will swallow the small hooks. There really isn't a lot of variation in the bait that you use for salmon or trout, except for the lakers. Although for Lakers you are better off using baby suckers and I often cut them open first. Lakers seem to be attracted by smell. Hence the reasoning behind using dead or smelly bait. That seems to be the most popular and the most effective. Maine laws do not permit the use of any non-native baits so make sure you are familiar with our laws.

The above information is for tipups. If you are jigging then there are many effective lures and methods, depending on what you are after. Salmon and trout can often be taken on a swedish pimple and you should vary the size by species. Smaller jigs for brookies, browns and salmon, the larger ones for lakers and splake.

Remember to Catch and Release, or they never get big!

Always get permission from landowners and carry out more than you carry in!