Everything about Deep Sea Fishing in Maine

Maine and deep sea fishing are two things that go hand-in-hand together. Even for the most avid fisherman, however, it can be a bit overwhelming fishing in a totally different location for the first time. To give you a bit of a head start on your vacation planning, we’d like to help you figure out ideal charters, bait shops, and alternate fishing locations so you can be ready to go once you arrive on the Maine coast.

Maine Saltwater Fishing License

Don’t want to hook the catch of your life and have to give it back to the government AND pay a fine for it because you didn’t have a license! Luckily, it’s really easy to pay for one online.

Do I need a license?

Everyone 16 and older needs a fishing license. Chances are if you’re planning a vacation and reading this article, you’re probably going to need one

How much do licenses cost?

Licenses range in price depending on your residency, how long you’re planning to fish for, and if you want a combination license for fishing and hunting.

Resident Licenses

Season Fishing: $25

Combination Fishing and Hunting: $43

1-Day Fishing: $11

Nonresident Licenses

Season Fishing: $64

Combination Fishing and Hunting: $150

1-Day Fishing: $11

3-Day Fishing: $23

7-Day Fishing: $43

15-Day Fishing: $47

Buy Your License here.

Bait and Tackle Shops

Need some bait or fishing rentals? Come and get some.

Downeast Fishing Gear

50 Little Deer Isle Rd, Little Deer Isle, ME

6 Wallace Ln, Trenton, ME 04605

Has virtually everything you’d need for a river, ocean, or lake fishing trip. If there’s something you think you’re missing, Downeast likely has it. The Deer Isle location is closer to Eggemoggin Reach Inn.

Rego’s Live Bait

Address: 128 Hatch Rd, Prospect, ME 04981

Offers a wide array of saltwater bait in the summer, as well as tackle accessories. It’s a cash-only facility, so make sure you account for that. They don’t recommend places to go fishing, but they can hook you up with a guided fishing experience if you ask.

Maine Fishing Charters

Speaking of guided fishing experiences, we’d love to highlight some of the ones that we like.

Acadia Fishing Tours

Cost

Kids (12 and under): $75

Adults: $150

Acadia National Park’s waters is arguably one of the best places to go fishing. The Vagabond is the name of this ferry, and every year from June through October you’ll be able to go on a 5 hour fishing tour. You’ll be able to catch all kinds of ocean-dwelling creatures, including cod, cusk, mackerel, wolf fish, and occasionally a mako shark!

While it’s not a private fishing experience, it’s one of the more affordable fishing adventures out there.

Island Cruises

Cost: 

2 Hours: $440

3 Hours: $660

4 Hours: $880

5 Hours: $1100

6 Hours: $1320

If you want your own private charter on the other hand, you’ll want to look at Island Cruises, a private charter in Tremont, ME. With a fishing party of 6, you’ll be able to guarantee you all walk away with a wonderful haul. 

You’ll be able to get private fishing advice from the captain, and enjoy a fun celebration with your loved ones and friends. Though the price seems overwhelming, dividing it up between others makes it more bearable.

Penobscot River Fishing

Cost

7 Hours: $425 for one or two people

3.5 Hours: $300 for one or two people

If you’d rather stay closer to the mainland, you can instead fish Penobscot River with a guide. With full access to any fishing gear you’ll need, Penobscot River Guides makes for a relaxing experience on the water. With as much fishing knowledge as John Gonya has, you’ll walk away with all the fish in the river! It’s a highly affordable and exciting experience.