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[D129]Deep Sea Fishing In Maine

by Ronald Moody, Ron

Pollock are considered to be the most active member of the cod family, and are found readily in seas off the coast of Maine. Though not renowned as being a particularly big fish, pollock are still considered to be one of the best off-shore catches around due to their strength, speed and agility. Once hooked, pollock tend to make fast, powerful runs, which are a real challenge on lighter tackle and one which is relished by anglers up and down the coast of Maine.

Pollock can be identified by a light, lateral stripe that runs along the length of their body. The top of their bodies tend to be either olive green or a dark brown, fading to a lighter shade along their sides and a silver belly underneath. Some pollock have a tiny chin bar bell, though it is thought that this feature may be missing completely on older fish. Large adult pollock can grow up to forty inches in length and weigh in at around thirty-five pounds, though more typical fish are around a foot in length and weigh anywhere between four and fifteen pounds. Their meat can be eaten, though is not considered as good a meal as cod or haddock.

Like other members of the cod family, pollock can be attracted using a variety of baits, with those such as shrimp, herring, clams and worms considered to be the best. The technique used to catch pollock can vary, with casting, trolling and jigging all proven methods which work well. Many Maine anglers prefer to fish using light tackle, which presents a real challenge when a larger pollock takes the bait and makes a run. Heavier tackle can be used but is largely unnecessary given the average size and weight of fish caught off Maine's coast.

Pollock are predatory fish, and tend to be found lurking near wrecks and disturbances on the sea bed, with shelves and ledges making particularly good places to fish. Pollock are fairly common off the coast of Maine, and popular areas to fish include the Gulf of Maine and the south-western area of Scotian Shelf. Both areas are renowned for cod and haddock as well as pollock, making them popular destinations for chartered fishing trips.

Though pollock are one of the smaller fish targeted by deep sea fishermen, their speed, agility and fighting nature present everyone from the absolute beginner to the seasoned angler with a fierce challenge.

Hake come in a variety of forms, including red, white, silver and long fin, and many of these species can be found off the coast of Maine. Certain species are stocked, including the red hake, which is found most commonly in the Georges Bank and Gulf of Maine regions. Though a close relative of cod and haddock, the hake bears little physical resemblance and is not considered to be as good a table fish by anglers. Hake is fairly common off the coast of Maine, and as a result is a frequent target for many chartered trips. Though not renowned for being a particularly good fighting fish, the hake is a strong, fast swimmer that offers a modest challenge.

One of the most common forms found is the silver hake, which can be found in relative abundance off the coast of Maine. Silver hake are long, slender fish which can be identified by their grey-brown coloring on top fading to silver on its sides and belly. Their mouths are large and lined with two rows of sharp teeth whilst their bodies sport two distinct dorsal fins and an elongated anal fin. Most hake species are similar in appearance, though there are subtle differences. White hake have a single chin bar bell whereas silver hake do not, and the upper jaw bone on the white hake reaches further back than it does on the red hake. These differences can be difficult to spot, particularly on juvenile fish. Average size and weight depends on the species, though silver hake are commonly around fourteen inches in length and weigh around three pounds, whereas white hake are much larger and have been known to reach several feet in length and tip the scales at nearer forty pounds.

Hake tend to feed on small fish such as herring, mackerel and menhaden, so using cut or even live bait is preferred by anglers. They can also be caught using a variety of other baits or artificial lures depending on local food sources. A medium to heavy rod coupled with a conventional reel and fifty pound test line is suitable for hake fishing. A lighter line can be used to increase the challenge, though there is always a danger of hooking a larger fish such as a cod or haddock.

Hake are most commonly found on the seabed near disturbances in waters around three hundred feet deep. In summer they are known to migrate to shallower waters nearer the coast in search of food. In terms of location, the best spots to land hake are in the Georges Bank or western Gulf of Maine region, both of which are popular chartered trip destinations.

Hake's relative abundance and ease of catch coupled with its good quality meat ensure that it remains a target for chartered vessels up and down the coast of Maine, and whilst not as glamorous a catch as cod or haddock, do provide a modest challenge for anglers, particularly the young or inexperienced.

Article Source : Fly In Fishing Vacation

Ronald Moody has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fishing. Ronald Moody has been an avid fisherman for 40 years. He enjoys all types of fishing, but especially likes salt-water fishing; he has been all over the country practicing his hobby. He is the owner and operator of http://www.fishingzoo.com, a website dedi. Ronald Moody's top article generates over 1000 views. to your Favourites.