Listen "Haddock Hunting: Promising Fishing Off Maine's Coast"
Episode Synopsis
Today, January 2, 2025, the fishing conditions off the coast of Maine are looking promising, despite some regulatory uncertainties. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:### Tides and WeatherAs of this morning, the tide in Bar Harbor is in its rising phase, with the high tide expected at 12:04 PM at a height of 3.65 meters (11.96 feet). The low tide was earlier at 5:54 AM with a height of 0.23 meters (0.75 feet), and the next low tide will be at 6:30 PM with a height of -0.17 meters (-0.57 feet)[2].The weather is relatively calm, with sunrise at 7:08 AM and sunset at 4:05 PM. The moonrise is at 9:21 AM and moonset at 7:07 PM.### Fish ActivityYesterday saw some exciting catches, particularly with groundfish. Although cod fishing is currently restricted in southern New England, the western Gulf of Maine, where we fish, is considered healthier. There's a possibility of cod fishing later in the season, but that will be decided in the January meeting[1].One of the highlights from yesterday was a 9-pound Maine state trophy haddock caught by Rick Turner from New York. This indicates that haddock are active and biting well.### Best Lures and BaitFor groundfish like haddock and potentially cod, using bait such as clams, squid, or herring can be very effective. Jigs and hooks tipped with these baits tend to work well, especially in the deeper waters where these fish are found.### Hot SpotsIf you're looking to catch some haddock or other groundfish, consider heading to the western Gulf of Maine. This area has fewer anglers compared to other parts of New England, increasing your chances of a good catch.Another spot worth trying is near the coastal areas where the tide movement is significant. The rising and falling tides can stir up baitfish, attracting larger predators like haddock and cod.In summary, today's fishing in the Atlantic Ocean off Maine's coast looks promising, especially for haddock. Keep an eye on the tides, use the right bait, and head to the less crowded western Gulf of Maine for your best chances of a successful catch.This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI