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Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Guide in Kennebec River, Maine
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Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Guide
During your trip on the Kennebec, you will see eagles, ospreys, seals, and a variety of shore birds. You also might see deer, turkey, racoon, and mink along the river's edge. The granite banks of the Kennebec are lined with spruce, hemlock, and hardwood trees. Much of the shoreline is undeveloped. The river has six operating lighthouses between Bath and the Atlantic Ocean. Bath is a quaint town of 9,000 with several accommodation options and restaurants. Front Street is lined with many shops and eateries. One block toward the river you'll find the Kennebec Tavern and Marina where Capt. Dave bases his guiding business. Capt. Dave has been guiding in Maine for over 25 years. He grew up on the waters of the Kennebec catching his first striped bass at the age of 10. He and his lovely wife Barb live on Whiskeag Creek, a tiny tributary of the river in the home he grew up in.
Fully-licensed and insured. No fishing license required. Major credit cards accepted. Dave has been providing quality guided experiences for more than 25 years.
Orvis is pleased to offer our travel customers access to two valuable services: Global Rescue travel membership and IMG Signature Travel Insurance℠.
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All rods, reels, flies, and leaders are provided. However, customers are welcome to bring their own. Coffee, pastries, snacks, and water are provided on morning trips. Lunch is provided on all-day trips. Special dietary concerns will gladly be met with prior notification.
8-10 wt. rods work well on striped bass and bluefish. A 10 wt. can be handy to cast big flies or if the fish are holding in deep water. For the most part, an 8 or 9 wt. will do just fine. Striped bass like deeper water so we fish with Depth Charge or full-sinking line most of the time. On occasion, we will use floating and intermediate lines. We use 11 and 12 wt. rods with sink-tip lines for sharks. Capt. Dave will have 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 wt rods available for you to use if you want to pack light.
Striped bass, bluefish, shark, school tuna
The Kennebec Estuary flows through mid-coast Maine, 45 minutes from Maine's largest city, Portland. Carrying 30% of the state's freshwater run off it is one of the largest and most important estuaries in the Northeast. The Kennebec is home to America's most-northern native populations of striped bass, Atlantic sturgeon, carp, American eel, alewives and blue back herring also call this estuary home. Migratory species such as bluefish, mackerel, pollock, sand eels, Atlantic herring, and menhaden. Merrymeeting Bay is the most expansive tidal marsh north of the Chesapeake Bay. Substantial tidal ranges (6'-12') and a tremendous variation in structure provides for diverse fishing opportunities. Everything from sight fishing with floating lines to dredging the rips with Depth Charge lines can be done on any given day. The rugged beauty of the rocky coast, the miles of pristine beaches and the wooded shores of the mighty Kennebec set the tone for a world-class fishing trip. During the months of May and June, the Kennebec is catch-and-release only, providing some of the very best striped bass fishing on the East Coast. July through September the striped bass fly fishing is excellent as well. In July, the bluefish show up along the coastal islands and beaches along with school-sized bluefin tuna offshore. August and September is the time to try your luck at offshore fishing for shark. Blue shark with the occasional mako mixed in cruise the cool waters of the Gulf of Maine.
Spring-early summer: Morning lows are in the 50s, warming to 60-70 F during the days
Mid-late summer: Morning lows are in the 60s, warming to 70-80 during the days. The winds are usually light in the mornings. A sea breeze builds most afternoons.
Trips start at $400 FMI on rates: http://www.obsessioncharters.com/fishing/maine/rates.html
Location: Capt. Dave leaves from the Kennebec Tavern and Marina, 119 Commercial St. in downtown Bath, ME.
Trip start and end times: Morning striped bass, bluefish, 5:00 AM to 12:00 noon. Afternoon striped bass and bluefish, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Offshore shark: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Start times are flexible to meet your schedule. Pick up and drop off at area lodging accommodations can be arranged.
Group sizes: 2 boats available. Hewes 18' Redfisher accommodates 1-2 comfortably, 3 is crowed but doable. Biddison 22' cuddy cabin accommodates 4 comfortably, 5 or 6 is crowded but doable.
Dog-friendly: Yes, you can bring the puppy on your fishing trip.
Deposit and reservation cancellation information: A deposit of $150 is required to reserve your trip. If you need to cancel your trip(s) and do so at least four weeks before your reserved date(s) your deposit will be refunded in full. Should you cancel your trip within the four week period prior to your date(s) your deposit will be refunded only if I am able to rebook your date(s). Should we have to cancel due to weather or rough seas I will refund your entire deposit if we cannot reschedule your trip for another day.
Tipping: Capt. Dave considers tipping optional and at your sole discretion. If you had an enjoyable time while on your charter, a tip will be graciously accepted but certainly not expected.
Airports:
Places to stay:
Bath Hampton Inn (Bath), the Bath Hampton Inn is across the street from the Marina and within walking distance of downtown shops, parks and restaurants.
The Inn at Bath (Bath), a bed and breakfast in Bath's historic district, just 3 blocks from the marina and downtown.
Harraseeket Inn (Freeport), a luxury inn in downtown Freeport with two choices for onsite dining. Just a short walk from LLBean and the outlet stores. 20-minute drive to the marina and downtown Bath.
Sebasco Resort (Phippsburg), a seaside resort with dining and its own golf course. 30-minute drive to the marina and downtown Bath.