Maine Fishing Report: Haddock Bonanza, Winds & Fog in the Gulf

Artificial Lure here, bringing you the Atlantic Ocean, Maine fishing report for Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Let’s start with the conditions. Out on the water, we had some classic Maine summer variability. According to the National Weather Service for coastal Maine, southwest winds picked up through the day—10 to 15 knots, gusting up to 25 knots, with seas running 3 to 5 feet. Some choppy water out there, especially by afternoon, so smaller craft should mind those advisories. Fog and scattered showers are expected as a front hangs around the Gulf of Maine into the week, so be prepared for visibility changes[National Weather Service].

Air temps along the coast were unseasonably cool. Portland hit a high of just 55°F, while Perkins Cove in Ogunquit barely climbed above 58°F. Breezy and damp—classic “one more layer” weather for July in Maine[Bunny Clark Fishing].

Tide-wise, the early morning high hit around 8:18 AM, topping out at about 6.85 feet, with the evening high rolling in just after 8:30 PM. Lows centered around 2:13 AM and 2:13 PM, running about 1.3 feet. That puts the best moving water for inshore action midday and right before sunset—prime time to wet a line[NOAA Tides & Currents].

Let’s talk fishing. The boats out of Ogunquit and down the southern Maine coast reported a steady pick today, with stops ranging from decent to excellent. The best action came while on anchor during the slower periods between tide swings, with cusk biting right off, followed by the haddock filtering in once the ground settled. By far, haddock was the dominant catch—most boats shy of hitting the bag limit only because the crews were choosy. Alongside the haddock, eighty-eight cusk, two cunners, a handful of redfish, six pollock, and even a hard-fighting halibut were landed. Sub-legal cod and a couple of wolffish were released. Overall, catching was very good, but hands took a beating on the drifts; most folks were happy to stick to anchoring for comfort and consistency[Bunny Clark Fishing].

Bait was king today—fresh clams and cut herring outfished jigs and artificials. When the drift slowed, switching to rigs tipped with mackerel or squid got those wary haddock to bite. For those keen on artificials, a simple hi-lo rig with pink or chartreuse teasers above a 6-ounce diamond jig picked up pollock, and the occasional cusk, especially during the faster current periods.

A quick note for offshore enthusiasts: regulations are now in effect closing the Atlantic bluefin tuna harpoon fishery for the year, so best leave the big gear at home if targeting that species[Federal Register].

Want to know where to fish? Two hot spots are producing:

- Jeffreys Ledge: The eastern edge in 180-220 feet is loaded with haddock and cusk. Anchor up, get some bait down, and expect a steady pull.
- Old Scantum: The southern humps are holding large schools of haddock, plus the occasional halibut or hefty pollock for those fishing deeper drifts.

If you’re closer to shore, the rocky drop-offs from Cape Porpoise to Cape Elizabeth are holding pollock and redfish, especially near structure during ebbing tide.

The day started with sunrise at 5:07 AM and will close out with sunset at 8:28 PM. Plenty of light for an early cast or a dusk bite—just keep a steady hand in the stiff evening breeze.

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