Looking back at my last post on this blog(June 14, 2020) I have two conclusions about 2020. One, I was really bad about posting to this blog. I should do better with that. And two, things were absolutely crazy last year. In the Spring and months leading up to the Summer season I was filled with dread that no one would be able to go fishing. March to June of 2020 were scary uncertain Covid Times.
June hit and I had more calls for fishing or sightseeing or anything to get on the boat then ever before. This summer looks like it will be just as busy. I am taking more reservations than usual. If you know you want to get out with me I'd call as soon as possible.
The bad news for my clients is that I have raised my prices. I have not changed my prices much over the years and the price of everything has gone up. This increase brings me in line with other captains who work on the Kennebec River and up and down the East coast with similar boats.
But, there is some good news too! A few years ago we put a trolling motor on the bow which has been a terrific addition. Holding us in current or sneaking up on fish, the trolling motor is super helpful. Recently, I ordered an Active Target system by Lowrance which we can deploy when the trolling motor is down. Lowrance is having supply chain problems just like the rest of the world so I am hoping it gets here soon. Active Target is a forward facing sonar which should add a video game element to the fishing and also help us spend our time more efficiently.
Right now the big question in every Striped Bass Fisherman's mind is how will this season be? This will be our 18th year of operation, I think, and it feels like each year is markedly different from the year before. Last year, according to the Maine fisheries experts, only 1% of the catch was in the keeper range(28"-35"). That was our experience for sure, maybe less than 1% were keepers. I know your chances of catching a bigger fish were definitely improved if you fished on Popham Beach which I did not do once last year. The fishing up river in the Kennebec was too much fun, too easy, and too predictable to risk a swing and miss on the beach kind of thing.
So, this year? Who knows. I am hoping the Stripers arrive in the Kennebec by Memorial Day Weekend. I'm sure I will be out there that weekend giving it a shot. School ends for me on June 17. I'd be happy to take anyone fishing in June after school for an evening trip just give a call or better yet shoot me a text.
Below you can see how well Active Target allegedly works. Person is swimming on the surface.
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