Fishing Forum

Hello all, new member here. Just kind of getting back into fishing, haven't been since I was a kid.

My question is, I live in Maine and I've found a few lakes to try out, but I'm not sure where to go (shore fishing) that wouldn't be on someone's property or in someone's yard. Any idea how I would go about finding out what area on any given lake is appropriate for the public to fish?

If it matters at the moment I'm looking at; Great East Lake and Mousum Lake in Maine.

Thanks for any responses.

-Ryan
[signature]

Boat ramps are public areas. Try those. You'll need a boat or canoe to find out what the lakes hot spots are.
[signature]

Good point, thanks.
[signature]

Or just ask. There is a few private lakes that the owner lets me fish, because I came over and asked him about it.
[signature]

If you have any tackle shops in your area they would be a good source of information. Also, if there are any fish and game offices in the area be sure to stop in and chat with them.
[signature]

[quote kentofnsl]If you have any tackle shops in your area they would be a good source of information. Also, if there are any fish and game offices in the area be sure to stop in and chat with them.[/quote]


THIS is the best advice you can get! GOOD CALL! Now all you need is time and equipment. Oh ya..... and "cover"..... once you find a spot, fish where there's 'cover'. brush, trees, rocks, stumps, etc. places to hide.
[signature]

Since i cant drive yet, until June 28th , i walk everywhere! But, i dont always have my gear with me. So if i see a lake that looks like it'd be a good fishing spot, i walk the bank. If you see huge splashes, or ripples in water, you might have spooked a bass. Which is what i am trying to do. While you are fishing that might not be a good idea, but when you are looking at a new pond it is. Also, look for bait fish, such as bluegill, shad etc. because those can be signs that there is bass or any other predatory fish that we enjoy catching. Next, MAKE SURE IT IS LEGAL TO FISH! I've had one problem because i didn't look at posted signs. You might not get charged for it, but its just a hassle to have to police or the owner have you leave. If you see it is a private lake, ask around. I have lost count how many people let me fish their private ponds, just because i asked. And i am 16, and stereotypically, you probably wouldn't trust a kid my age on your private property. Also, if they let you. Dont leave soft plastics that are ripped, trash etc. And if the owner of the private lake, if it is, says catch and release do it, cause more then likely, they may have paid to stock the lake out of their own pockets. Next, take your gear with you, and tie on your proven lure, under any conditions. Like the lure you'd use if you have been skunked for hours, and then use a fail proof lure. Me, living in a more urban environment, i fish alot of small neighborhood ponds etc. Just do your research, walk the ponds without fishing them and if it shows promise, then fish it. This is really only for smaller ponds, that can be easily walked around and fished in a few hours. decent banks etc. Also, if the private owner allows you to fish, dont screw it up because then he/she might not let anyone else fish there again. Sorry for the long post, but i just wanted to put in my opinion.
Good Luck
[signature]