New to Bass Fishing

[TacMedic]

Afternoon everyone, I'm a new bass fisher and figured I would come here for a little advice. I used to go trout fishing in the local brooks in my home state of New Jersey. However, I'm heading up north on vacation this year and adding fishing to the mix. Maine is the spot I'll be fishing in and I know that they have trout as well, but I'm interested in bass fishing.

What lures, reel speed, etc. do I need to look into, do you guys have any tips, tricks, etc? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

Jeff

[fsh4fun05]

Do you know what body of water you're going to be fishing on? Lake or river? I'd be happy to help, just need some more details. I can call some friends that live up there, they know the waters better than I do.
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[JoshJohnson]

Im new to this website but Id help too!
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[TacMedic]

Well, I planned on doing stream, brook and pond. I'll probably be in the Downeast region, which also has rivers. I definitely appreciate it!
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[gdn443]

Welcome to the site and let us know what time of year your heading up. I use alot of the same baits here in CT that work up north. For bass you should have access to a boat.Smallies are the main bass fishing up there i lakes.
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[TacMedic]

I'll be up there in June, during the worst time for fishing from what I understand...lol
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[gdn443]

June can be bad for black flies so be prepared for those. Rapalas in brown and white,senco's in watermelon, black or watermelon beavers, Zoom lizards in watermelon, black tubes. That should keep you out of trouble, aaaha
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[LittleLuey]

Welcome to the forum and to bass fishing.
I have been bass fishing for a year now and it is great, I hope you enjoy it as much as we all do.
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[fsh4fun05]

My buddies are out of town for work and don't know about current conditions, here is a report from last June 4 by a fisheries biologist.

Warmer weather and longer days are growing more common. The brooks and streams are still producing fun and exciting fishing for wild brook trout. Whether you prefer to fish with the old stand-by red and white spinner or if you prefer to drop your favorite fly just inches away from that undercut bank, your trip is sure to be worthwhile by landing a beautiful Maine brookie.
Over the weekend salmon fishermen were still having luck catching fish at the surface at West Grand Lake, however, in the next few weeks the fish will need to be targeted in deeper water as surface temperatures increase. Lake trout fishermen were finding the fish just a few feet off bottom in water between 70-80 feet. Grand Lake Stream itself was producing some fine catches of salmon over the weekend. Many anglers reported catching multiple fish each day from the upper sections of the stream.
These next few weeks will be the best time to be out on your favorite smallmouth bass lakes and ponds. Once these fish become 4-5 years in age they become sexually mature. Males begin building nests once the water temperature is in the range of 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit. These nests are usually constructed in association with some sort of cover, such as a large rock, downed tree, dock, or cover by water depth. The nest is composed of a small circular patch on bottom where the male has fanned his fins to remove sediment. Females deposit eggs once the water temperature reaches the early to mid-60s, and males fertilize them. Male smallmouths will guard and defend the nest from anything that approaches. After about a week the fry will have hatched and will remain in close proximity to the nest for another week or longer. The male continues to stay close by to defend against predators.
This time of year smallmouths are often fished by slowly cruising the shoreline and casting a large spinner into the shallows. If that spinner comes too close to a male guarding a nest, he will most always attack it, and in turn be caught. It is very important to quickly release fish back into the water in the same spot that they were caught. That way they can easily find their way back to their nest and continue to protect those eggs or newly hatched fry. If those males stop guarding for any reason the eggs or fry are likely to be lost to predation by other fish.
This is the prime time to be a fisherman in Maine as fishing variety abounds. Good luck out there and be safe
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[gdn443]

TacMedic it so happens we gave up our trip to NC and will head up to Maine in the fall. My local tackle shop has a pro that fishes Maine alot. I'll stop in and let you know what areas he recommends and the bait used. Looks like Vt in the spring for me.
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[TacMedic]

I wouldn't mind giving up going to NC for Maine at all VT is another good place, good luck and I can't wait to hear about the trip!
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[tailgrabber]

What parts of Nj are you going to be fishing? I have lived there for 30yrs. If you are going up to Maine try and fish the penobscott river. Killer smallmouth fishing!!
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[TacMedic]

Hey tail...I'm not doing fishing in NJ, I already do the trout thing and go up to the Ramapo River from time to time...caught diddly though. Maine I'm going to be doing some bass fishing. Where in Jersey do you go?
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[tailgrabber]

I usually go from the Budd lake area and north. I moved to Pa so I have found some very good bass spots up here as well. Where in Maine will you be going?
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[TacMedic]

I was thinking the Downeast Region, mostly between Freeport and Bar Harbor. I know that's technically two regions though...heh heh. I'm from Northeast Jersey, so I'm familiar with Budd Lake, got a relative in Northeast PA as well, and was thinking of doing some day trips out in PA, anything good out there?
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[tailgrabber]

I have a couple good lakes in PA. Big bass on evening top bite. I have fish the New Meadow area in Maine for stripers and blues. NJ striper run will be turning on very shortly, I'm always looking for some help with the fuel if you want to fish the salt.
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