Frosty Fishing in Maine: Navigating Tides, Temps, and Tackle for a Successful Atlantic Ocean Trip on December 12, 2024

For December 12, 2024, if you're planning to fish in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Maine, here's what you need to know:

First, let's look at the tides. In Portland, Maine, the tide is currently falling, with the next high tide at 6:33 AM and the next low tide at 12:21 PM. In Bar Harbor, the tide pattern is similar, with the next high tide at 11:20 AM and the next low tide at 5:10 PM[2][5].

Weather conditions are crucial, and while specific weather forecasts aren't provided here, it's generally cold this time of year, so dress warmly. Sunrise today is at 4:47 AM, and sunset will be at 8:15 PM[2][5].

Fish activity in the Atlantic waters off Maine is still decent despite the cold. For those targeting saltwater species, you might find holdover striped bass active in the rivers and salt ponds. Tautog, cod, and sea bass are also active, particularly around inshore structures. Bluefin tuna and striped bass can be found feeding right off the beaches[4].

For freshwater anglers, many lakes and ponds in southern Maine remain open for open water fishing. Species like salmon, brook trout, and splake are being caught, with some fish exceeding 20 inches. Lake trout spawning has concluded, but fishing shallow shoals can still be effective. Warm water species like bass are still catchable, though the action is slower due to colder water temperatures[1].

For saltwater fishing, using crab baits for tautog and cod can be very effective. For striped bass, lures like jigs and plugs work well, especially during nighttime fishing. In freshwater, artificial lures and fly fishing are often the only allowed methods in many areas, with catch-and-release regulations in place. Be patient, as the cold weather affects both you and the fish[1].

Hot spots include the coastal areas around Portland and Bar Harbor for saltwater fishing. For freshwater, consider lakes and ponds in southern Maine that were stocked with trout in October, such as those mentioned in the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife report[1].

Remember to check the 2024 Maine Fishing Law book for specific regulations and restrictions, especially since many northern waters are restricted to artificial lures only and catch-and-release for salmonids[1].