There is a lot to see especially if you take the time out to look. I was on mackerel fishing last week and there were small hawks of some sort in the spruce trees on the closest island. I commented that I saw those birds each August and have never taken the time to figure out what they were. That was enough to get me to get out a pair of binoculars from under the console in the boat. After a minute of close inspection I was surprised to learn that I have apparently been ignoring peregrine falcons recently fledged from the nest. Peregrines are pretty rare and quite a find but on the same trip we also saw a couple of eagles and several ospreys needless to say lots of great bird sightings for a mackerel fishing trip.
Clearly though I was guilty of not taking the time to see what there was to see even though it was right in front of me. I was just too busy with the eagles, seals and porpoises to bother to look carefully at those small hawks in the spruces. Take some time to get out before the summer is over but don't be like me and not see the obvious.
Stripers in the Saint George
Chris has finished his internship with me. It has been great fun to have him around asking questions, helping out and hopefully learning something. One of the things he has been pretty clear about from the beginning was that he wanted to catch a striper. We have been down on the Saint George a couple of times since May but no luck for him, even when clients had caught a few the day before.
So this morning I decided that we should give it one last try (I had a friend who wanted to go and catch a few mackerel so we would be there anyway). An excellent tide out with an almost perfect breeze to drift the edge of the mussel bar and sure enough there they were! Just like old times.
The fish were in very shallow water and we had many more bat the poppers we were using into the air than we hooked but a very exciting hour or so. I think that his smile says it all!
Afterwards we ran down and did get that tank full of mackerel but they seemed small in comparison. An excellent experience of the sort that I thoroughly enjoy providing for every client (and intern).
Forgotten Treasure
Spent a morning last week on Washington Pond and realized how much I had missed guiding there. In the mid 1990's I guided many parties on the pond. Fishing for smallmouth bass and perch; in fact the family fishing trips that I offer regularly were developed for that pond. Read more...
Speaking at the LL Bean Hunting Expo
If you will be in Freeport on Sunday August 28th I will be presenting at the LL Bean Hunting Expo at Noon and would be delighted to see you there. My topic will be Grouse Hunting With or Without a Dog: The Pros & Cons (don't tell my dogs). Details here...
