maine spearing

[jfjf]

is it legal to spearfish in maine? I used to go there years ago and can not seem to find good info one the web. Will be in southern maine this summer for a vacation???

[Chauggie]

jf,
Spearfishing is legal in Maine but not for striped bass. Lots of flounder in Southern Maine. In New Hampshire it is legal to take bass.
Chauggie

[jfjf]

thanks for the info!

[Doc]

Legal and easy, you just stop in at town hall for a permit, I even think its free... black fish galore and others; enough to eat on for days in one dive.

DONT EVEN THINK ABOUT TAKING A LOBSTER. If I remember correctly they take all your gear, take your car, fine you $5k, and then think about arresting you too... its tempting when you are surrounded by dozens, including 5-10 pounders. I remember one dive in acadia where I had a ten ponder in each hand afetr just swimming up on them and picking them up; but it aint worth it... pay the lobstemen there money.

BTW that site is awesome, went there often. On the drive around acadia there is a rocky beach down a set of stairs, you can find it by asking where the beach with the stream on it is. After the awesome dive you just walk through the very deep stream... instant gear wash, and no sand to gunk your gear up!

[Vin]

Give me coordinance! Are we talking Maine or NH?

Vin

[Doc]

Acadia National park in Maine; if memory serves me correctly (havent been there in 8-10 years) there is a peripheral road that only goes one way around the island, clockwise so the water is on your left. I remember there were steps to a rocky beach with the stream across it; I used to drive there on weekends from college to scuba; lots of great sites but that one sticks out in my memory. Also great hiking and fishing in the park. You will never see more lobster in your life. its like you are swimming in the tank at the seafood restaurant. Big mo-fo's too.

[Doc]

Here is a map from the internet. I think that that site was past Otter cliff on Park Loop Road. Tell me if you make it there.

Also never used these guys but found # on the internet 207-288-DIVE; they may be able to help.

[swimndive]

The whole area from Kittery Point to York is good. Nubble Light can be especially good. Kennebunkport North of the Kennebec river used to be killer, but now it's probably off limits since that's the Walker estate, as in Walker Bush. Best shop around is in Rye, NH they are the ones sponsoring the N.H. Bluewater Tournament. You should also do a boat trip to the Isles of Shoals or Boon Island ledge while you're up there.

[Vin]

We usually hit Glouster/ Rockport and then RI for shore dives. I have been up to nubble light + down off york. Nubble is a cool Dive. but i didn't see squat for fish on either dive. infact is was so bleak - I was stunned. This was in september.

Hence my interest in driving further up to maine to check the hunting.... but you then run into the problem of an overnight trip and what the hell to do with the catch.....

Vin

[swimndive]

Vin, Call Atlantic Aquasport in Rye NH. It's been a long time since I've dove that area. Don Stevens can give you the current local info you need to find fish and they are only an hour from Boston.

[Doc]

Ive had many great dives at NUBBLE; easy as hell... you park, walk a few feet then giant stride off the rocks. Swim across the channel to the rocks and you are golden; but acadia is much better.

The main quarry was blackfish and some flounder. I always got enough fish for a few days of food off each dive when I was hunting.

[swimndive]

Doc The whole DownEast area has some great spots, but they are at least a four hour drive (especially in the summer) from the northernmost town in Southern Maine. Used to be that divers caught with lobsters were always better off when they got caught by Fish and Game then a local lobsterman. Is it still the case?

[Doc]

Thats the reputation and I never tested it... even as a poor college student. I went through a few year period on LI where I dove 2-3 times per week for lobster; always had a bunch in the fridge. Got sick of em after a while; still no longer a treat to this day.

[salty]

Originally posted by Doc
Thats the reputation and I never tested it... even as a poor college student. I went through a few year period on LI where I dove 2-3 times per week for lobster; always had a bunch in the fridge. Got sick of em after a while; still no longer a treat to this day.

This brings back memories...I worked as a comerical lobsterman during college. If I keep more than three bugs all summer its a lot most of the time if I even bother taking any they go to my parents. Now fish on the other hand thats a diffrent story.:D

[swimndive]

Now you know why the pilgrims used them for fertilizer.

[Doc]

Im almost gettin that way over grouper... I have about 50 # in the freezer... I give it away then by steak.

I really miss tautog and especially goosefish; ugly as shit but damn fine eating.

[Vin]

You can cetainly get your fill on bugs and scallops. I will always harvest what I can. But there is no sport in hunting flounder. But I'll take what ever is legal. Aside from Stripe Bass, tutog is my fave. Man they tast great an good for fish tacos. bottem line- any haul is a good one. But I need to spend more time in Southern NH. I realy have had no luck up North. And latley - the bugs are in deep water. Well beyond 40 feet - tough to nail on a shore dive in the Winter..... I am looking forward to Spring and hitting the free range in RI.

But I have yet to do any diving up in ME would love to see the loup - marin de glace. must get up to Maine or the St Lawrence. to dive with the seals!

Vin

[Geoff Apthorp]

I grew up in New England, got certified off Rockport in balmy 50 degree water.

Can't remember what a blackfish is. Got a pic?


I thought Stripers were a game fish, and protected from spearing like Snook in Florida. I guess the States have precedence. Show's what I know. Anyhow stripers get real big.

[Chauggie]

Geoff,
Blackfish is another name for Tautog. Here is a photo of a young diver with his first.
Chauggie