"Reel in the Winter Catch: Fishing the Atlantic Off Maine's Coast"

For those venturing out to fish in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Maine today, January 9, 2025, here’s what you can expect:

### Tidal Report
The tidal conditions are crucial for planning your day. At Old Orchard Beach, the high tide is at 6:22 AM with a height of 9.63 feet, and the low tide is at 12:48 PM with a height of -0.01 feet. The next high tide will be at 6:41 PM, reaching 9.45 feet, and the subsequent low tide at 12:57 AM the next day[2].

### Weather and Daylight
Sunrise today is at 7:14 AM, and sunset will be at 4:16 PM, giving you about 9 hours of daylight. Check the local forecast for any updates on weather conditions, but generally, this time of year can be quite chilly with potential freezing temperatures.

### Fish Activity
Despite the cold, fishing remains active in these waters. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of groundfish, including cod, pollock, and haddock. Notably, a 9-pound Maine state trophy haddock was caught recently, indicating the presence of larger fish[1].

### Types of Fish and Catch Amounts
Cod fishing is still uncertain due to regulatory discussions, but there are hopes that it might be allowed later in the season. For now, pollock, haddock, and occasional cod are the main targets. Chain pickerel, yellow perch, and blue catfish are also active in the tidal tributaries[4].

### Best Lures and Bait
For groundfish like cod and haddock, using clams, herring, or squid as bait is highly effective. For those targeting chain pickerel and yellow perch, small jigs or beads can work well. Tautog are also biting on white leggers and hermit crabs along the southern reefs[4].

### Hot Spots
Bar Harbor and the western Gulf of Maine are good areas to focus on. The western Gulf of Maine is considered healthier for fishing compared to southern New England, with fewer anglers and better chances of catching fish[1]. Additionally, the tidal tributaries around Old Orchard Beach can be productive for species like chain pickerel and yellow perch.

Stay warm, and good luck on the water

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI