Youth Only Fishing Water: Carrabassett River (Kingfield)

Each week I’ll be highlighting one of Maine’s youth only (15 and under) fishing areas.  You can see a complete list of these areas here.

There is a section of the Carrabassett River that runs from Kingfield  to New Portland that has special fishing regulations for youth.

Unlike the other youth only fishing waters that I have highlighted this one does permit adults to fish (fly fishing only) and although anglers who are under the age of 16 are also prohibited from fishing with live bait they are permitted to fish this section using dead fish, salmon eggs and worms.  I will add though that the Carrabassett River is also an excellent place to teach a young angler how to fly fish!

The section of the river designated with this special rule for youth anglers begins from its confluence with the West Branch of the Carrabassett River in Kingfield and continues down to the Route 146 crossing in New Portland.  This picturesque section of the river provides ample opportunity to inspire youth to fall in love with fishing in Maine.

As always be sure to consult the Maine Open Water & Ice Fishing Rules and Regulations before heading out to fish.  

The start of the section of the Carrabassett River that provides special fishing opportunity to youth anglers.

A beautiful setting to spend some time fishing with a child

The Wire Bridge in New Portland falls within this section of the Carrabassett River

Signs are posted along the river indicating that there are special regulations for anglers.

The Route 146 crossing in New Portland is the end of the section of river with special regulations for youth anglers.

Youth Only Fishing Water: Quarry Pond (Waldoboro)

Each week I’ll be highlighting one of Maine’s youth only (15 and under) fishing areas.  You can see a complete list of these areas here.

This past weekend my niece Taylor and I took a trip to check out Quarry Pond, one of Maine’s youth only fishing ponds.  The pond is located on Quarry Hill Road off from Depot Street just a short drive from Route 1 in Waldoboro.

One of the newest youth only waters, Quarry Pond is stocked with Brook Trout to provide a special opportunity to youth anglers (15 and under).

The pond is in a quiet location and has a small parking area for easy access.  There is a nice clear opening for fishing as well as a beaten path to other areas around the pond.  There are a couple of places that require climbing down a ledge to access the water but ropes have been installed to aid those who need it.

Quarry Pond is one of the only youth only waters you will find in the mid-coast area!  Taylor and I will certainly plan another trip soon so she can try her luck.  Happy fishing!

Parking is available near the pond

There is a nice open area for fishing very close to the parking area

There is a path to other areas of the pond that are suitable for fishing

Look for Quarry Hill Road off from Depot Street in Waldoboro. The pond is just a short distance up this gravel road.

Youth Only Fishing Water: Wilson Stream (Wilton)

Each week I’ll be highlighting one of Maine’s youth only (15 and under) fishing areas.  You can see a complete list of these areas here.

A portion of Wilson Stream in Wilton is designated as one of Maine’s youth only fishing waters and is managed to provide special fishing opportunity to young anglers who are under the age of 16.   The area begins just below the first bridge at the head of Wilson Lake and ends at the third bridge (Route 156) downstream from the lake.

The daily bag limit is 2 trout and anglers are limited to two lines.

The youth only fishing area is easily accessed at the Wilson Lake boat launch on Canal Street.    This is a great location for local children to fish together and a great place for families to visit and cast a line.  Wilson Lake is nearby which also offers great fishing and boating opportunities.

 

Wilson Stream is easily accessed from the Wilson Lake Boat Launch on Canal Street

 

 

Some local young anglers enjoy a little fly fishing below the dam on Wilson Stream

 

 

Spring Family Fishing

It’s finally spring in Maine and as the ice and snow slowly disappear many of us are itching to get outdoors! In my opinion there is no better way to get out and enjoy some time together than wetting a line and taking in all the beauty that Maine has to offer.  Fishing is a healthy, fun and traditional hobby that can be enjoyed by anyone no matter their age or ability.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife manages a number of bodies of water specifically to provide special opportunity to you anglers (under the age of 16).  A full list of these bodies of water can be found here and here.   Each week I’ll be featuring a different youth only body of water in order to help you plan your next fishing adventure.

Before you head out be sure to review Maine’s Freshwater Fishing Regulations and check out these tips for introducing children to the sport of fishing.

First, understand that fishing with children is not the same as fishing on your own or with your buddies.  The first trip needs to be completely about them.  In fact, I recommend you leave your fishing equipment at home so you can focus solely on assisting them with their own.

Keep it simple.  Use a basic spincasting rod/reel combo such as a good ol’ Zebco 22.  Look for one with a smaller reel so their hands can comfortably control the “button” to release the line.  Fish with a bobber, a hook and a worm and target species such as perch, bass, crappie or other pan fish that are often easy to catch and abundant or fish at one of Maine’s youth only fishing waters.  Eventually they can work their way up to more advanced fishing equipment and tackle.

Make it a shore thing.  If you fish on shore instead of from a boat then kiddos have the freedom to move around and don’t feel isolated or confined, which will surely lead to boredom quickly.  If they want to take a break, let them take a break! Chase butterflies, tadpoles, splash in the water; if they’re having fun in the outdoors then the trip is a success.  Eventually they will be ready to head out on the water and try fishing from a boat.

 

Teach kids to properly identify their catch

Make sure you teach skills.  Allow them to do as much of the work as they are willing or able to do.  Teach them how to put the worm on the hook, how to cast properly and accurately, and even how to handle their fish.  If they aren’t game right away, make sure you explain what you’re doing while they watch.  If they’re really not interested then take a break and go throw a frisbee around for a minute.  The goal is that eventually they will have the skills and independence to enjoy fishing on their own.

Stress the importance of safety.  Teach them to look around before each cast and always be aware of where their hook is.  Also, I suggest making sure you both wear a hat with visor and eye protection (sunglasses or youth size shooting glasses work great).  It’s not a bad idea to have them wear a PFD on shore if they’re nervous around the water or they are not a strong swimmer especially in the early season while water temperatures are still quite cool.

Teach safe casting

Most importantly, be relaxed and make it fun.  As you head out leave behind the tension and take along an open mind and a lot of patience.  Don’t measure the success of your trip by the number of casts made or fish caught.  Remember to praise children for their patience and cooperation and do what you need to do to make the day a positive memory even if that means stopping for an ice cream on the way home.

Oh! And don’t forget the sunscreen and bug repellent.  It’s also very important to be diligent about checking for ticks.

Enjoy the nice spring weather and your time together.  Happy fishing

Family Fishing Event – Pineland Farms

The Gray New Gloucester Optimist Club is once again partnering with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife’s Hooked on Fishing – Not on Drugs program to hold the 9th Annual Pineland Farms Family Fishing Event.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 8, 2013 from 10am – 1pm.  This is a free event and loaner equipment will be available as well as bait, tackle and instruction.   This annual event also includes some fun raffle prizes and a casting contest.

The event is for children ages 4-12 and the first 200 to register will receive a free t-shirt!  Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Rain or shine!  Hope to see you there!

Becoming a {Winter} Outdoors Woman

There is nothing like a little snow on the ground to get me excited about winter! I love spending time in the outdoors during the colder months of the year.  There is so much to do and so much to learn! Not to mention there are no blackflies…

I’m pleased to announce that for the first time the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program here in Maine will be holding a Winter Skills Weekend on February 22-24, 2013 at Bryant Pond 4-H Camp and Learning Center.

This overnight workshop will provide opportunity for participants to gain or improve skills in a variety of fun winter related outdoor activities.  The accommodations at Bryant Pond are very comfortable and the instructors we have lined up are fantastic at what they do and they are very excited to share their passion for the Maine outdoors.

Cost to attend is $225 with on-site lodging OR a commuter rate of $145.  Registration includes all meals, equipment and instruction.

The best part is you don’t need to be expert or have any experience at all to join us! Plus, this is a great opportunity to make some wonderful new “outdoorsy” friends!

Here is the plan:

Friday, Feb 22: Participants will arrive, check-in and get settled between 4pm and 6pm.  We will have dinner and get to know each other followed by some fun around the fire.

Saturday, Feb 23: Breakfast at 8am and then off to the first session at 9am.  Don’t worry there will be plenty of places to warm up and opportunities to drink hot cocoa!  Lunch is a noon and then off to a second session at 1pm.  At 3pm it’s warm up and free time to relax! Dinner at 6pm followed by some fun evening programming.

Sunday, Feb 24: Breakfast at 8am then session 3 at 9am.  Lunch will be at noon and then time to pack up and head out with LOTS of great new memories!

Sessions that will be offered include winter survival, snowshoeing, ice fishing, archery, shotgun, cross country skiing, primitive skills, wild game cooking, survival shelters, map and compass/GPS, and fly tying.

If you’re interested in attending but have additional questions please don’t hesitate to give me a shout!  Registrations are now being accepted and are available online at http://www.mainebow.com or by contacting me at emily.maccabe@maine.gov or 207-462-1017.

I hope to see you in February at the BOW Winter Skills Weekend!

-Emily

Upcoming Youth Field Days

Don’t forget, there are still two Maine Youth Field Days on the calendar for this summer!

Sunday, July 8, 2012 – Brunswick, Maine

The Brunswick Parks & Recreation Department is hosting a FREE Youth Field Day from 8am-1pm at Pinette’s Landing on Water Street in Brunswick.  Activities include a catch & release fishing derby, archery, fly casting lessons, a casting contest, canoeing and kayaking as well as the Operation Game Thief Wall of Shame display and the Maine Warden Service display trailer.  There will be free hot dogs, soda and chips.  Each child who enters the fishing derby will receive a tote bag with goodies.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Saturday, August 11, 2012 – Scarborough, Maine
The Scarborough Fish and Game Club is holding a FREE Youth Field Day from 8:30am-4:30pm in Scarborough. Registration begins at 7:30am.  Activities include Black Powder Rifle, .22 Rifle, Shotgun, Archery, and Orienteering.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.