“Stripes and Slots” Off the Maine Coast
If you’re pursuing striped bass this summer, keep in mind that the “slot” for keepers has narrowed from last season – starting May 18, 2023, the previous rule allowing an angler to retain a fish between 28 inches and 35 inches changed, and the current rule permits anglers to keep a single fish per day that measures between 28 inches and 31 inches.
That narrow slot is one reason much of the striper fishing currently done in this state is Catch & Release. And if you’re fishing from a 12-foot-long pedal kayak, like our July, 2023 Maine Sportsman cover photo model Christi Holmes (see above), there’s another reason for releasing even a keeper fish – and that’s because a 30-inch striper flopping around inside your kayak would suddenly make the boat feel very, very small!
Maine is host to a growing group of striped bass aficionados – folks who creep out on the ledges or breakwaters late at night, often with headlamps for visibility and wetsuits for safety. Mike Barry (pictured here) is one of those known for regularly catching – and releasing – stripers that are truly hog-size.
In the alternative, you can fish for stripers off the beach in a relaxed manner, using the gear suggested by our “Southern Maine” regional columnist, Val Marquez (page 65): “You’ll need a comfortable lawn chair for your butt, a 2-inch PVC pipe stuck in the sand for your fishing rod, a cold beverage, and a good cigar.” Now that’s summertime fun!
When you’re on the water, how about bringing your favorite dog? And how do you keep that dog comfortable and secure? Learn how, by reading “Keeping your Dog Safe While Boating,” by Capt. Ron Dupuis.
In the summertime, we Mainers love our ATVs. Two columns in our July issue reveal the allure of fixing up an older-model conventional ATV (see
“Resurrecting a 4-Wheeler,” by John LaMarca, p. 18), as well as the relative luxury, capacity and capabilities of a modern Side-by-Side (“Side-by-Sides and ATVs Have Come a Long Way, Baby!,” “Jackman Region” [William Sheldon}, p. 50).
This issue of The Sportsman covers other seasonal activities, as well. Did you get jazzed up by the moose lottery festival in Augusta in June? If so, we’ve got a great bull moose story for you (p. 32). Pinning down your sources for bear bait? Read “Bear Bait Season Prep,” p. 21.
We’ve also got stream fishing for trout, river fishing for smallmouth bass, scoring your buck’s rack, Winchester’s diminutive but powerful Model 94 “Trapper” lever-action, poachers, knives – I mean, really – what’s not to like?
So pick up a copy of The Sportsman’s July issue – from your mailbox, at your favorite store, or by calling our friendly office staff at 207 622-4242, and enjoy a full 80 pages packed with content, including informative columns and articles, great letters to the editor, and the best cartoons in print.
Questions? Contact the editor at Will@MaineSportsman.com or the office manager at Carol@MaineSportsman.com.
Summer’s here – so get out and enjoy it!!
Will Lund, Editor
The Maine Sportsman magazine
