"Stellar Fishing Conditions Along Maine's Atlantic Coast - Haddock, Mackerel, and Early Stripers Await"

Good morning anglers! Today is shaping up to be a stellar day for fishing along Maine's Atlantic waters. The tidal chart indicates high tides at 4:13 AM (9.7 feet) and 5:07 PM (8.1 feet), with low tides at 11:01 AM (-0.1 feet) and 11:15 PM (1.1 feet). Sunrise was at 6:18 AM, with sunset expected at 7:12 PM, providing ample daylight hours for casting your line.

The weather is cooperative, with temperatures starting in the mid-40s this morning and reaching the low 50s by the afternoon. Light southwest winds and partly overcast skies create ideal conditions for fishing, as the subdued lighting often entices fish closer to the surface.

Haddock remains the star of the show this early spring season. Recent catches near offshore hotspots like Jeffreys Ledge have been bountiful, with many anglers reeling in sizeable specimens. Haddock are actively biting on jigs tipped with clams or squid, so be sure to pack those when heading out. Cod fishing remains under regulation restrictions until May, but mackerel are starting to appear inshore, offering additional opportunities.

For anglers targeting striped bass, their migration isn’t in full swing just yet, but with herring runs beginning, it won’t be long before those big bass follow. Prepare for their arrival by using live mackerel or lures like paddletails and jerkbaits. A slow presentation works best in colder waters, as fish tend to be less aggressive.

Top lures for the day include paddletail soft plastics, bucktail jigs, and jerkbaits. These have proven versatile for both haddock and early arrivals of gamefish. As always, baitfish imitations such as the Hogy Pro Tail or soft baits like clams and squid are reliable choices depending on the species you target.

Recommended hotspots for today include Jeffreys Ledge for haddock and Casco Bay for mackerel and other baitfish. Another promising location is Bar Harbor in Frenchman Bay, where tides and structure often attract feeding fish.

Be sure to dress in layers to stay warm and safe, especially if you’re heading offshore. Let someone know your fishing plan for the day, and don’t forget your life jacket. Tight lines and good luck out there!