Pollack and Mackerel Fishing In Maine
08/29/17
Kayaking the Maine coastline is one of the most beautiful activities to do when visiting the north-eastern section of Maine. One might forget, however, of the abundance of fish in the pristine and cold waters of the Northern Atlantic ocean. Two species of fish: the Pollock and the Atlantic Mackerel, are both abundant during certain times of the year in shallower waters under 50 feet. Mackerel, unlike Pollock, live in the middle to top of the water column, while pollock live in the bottom of water column. Because of this habitat difference, catching either species of fish is very different.
Catching Mackerel:
The Atlantic Mackerel feeds on plankton and small fish, so inshore kayak anglers must rely on the tide to sweep the plankton and small fish into harbors and coves. A small minnow imitation, like a small spoon, retrieved in the top 3' of the water column is very effective; a sabiki rig jigged near the top of the water column produces the effect of a small school of baitfish. Many serious mackerel anglers prefer the sabiki rig to a single hook rig, because Mackerel are a schooling fish, so many mackerel can be caught on one cast. Mackerel have an excellent table fair; however, when not eaten fresh, mackerel can become fishy and odious. Mackerel can be bled out to remove the blood from the meat of the fish. A popular method of preparing mackerel is to smoke or grill the fish whole(without organs).
Catching Pollock:
Pollock, like Mackerel, are a schooling fish; however, unlike mackerel, pollock live on the bottom water column and eat small fish and mollusks(shrimp and various shellfish). A popular way of targeting pollock is to use bait, such as shrimp or clam or chunks of fish like mackerel, on a bottom rig. Remember to target underwater structure for pollock: mussel beds, rocks, and shipwrecks. Pollock are a simply delicious fish to eat. Pollock was, and still is, the fish in the McDonald's fillet o' fish, for pollock is a cheap fish that was abundant because lack of pressure from commercial fishing.
Pollock and Mackerel are easy to catch along the Maine coast, and both are excellent to eat. Remember to follow local regulations, and comply with the conservation standards of the great state of Maine.
Fishing for Mackerel for this blog was done in Bass Harbor, Maine on an incoming tide during the evening.
If vacationing to Maine, especially Mount Desert Island, check out LL Bean's flagship store in Freeport, Maine, as well as, Acadia National Park in Mount Desert Island. Hiking on Penobscot Mountain Trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding scenery of Acadia, and its views are a strenuous reward for anybody willing to climb a ways.
Paul- 09/02/2017
Kayaking the Maine coastline is one of the most beautiful activities to do when visiting the north-eastern section of Maine. One might forget, however, of the abundance of fish in the pristine and cold waters of the Northern Atlantic ocean. Two species of fish: the Pollock and the Atlantic Mackerel, are both abundant during certain times of the year in shallower waters under 50 feet. Mackerel, unlike Pollock, live in the middle to top of the water column, while pollock live in the bottom of water column. Because of this habitat difference, catching either species of fish is very different.
Catching Mackerel:
The Atlantic Mackerel feeds on plankton and small fish, so inshore kayak anglers must rely on the tide to sweep the plankton and small fish into harbors and coves. A small minnow imitation, like a small spoon, retrieved in the top 3' of the water column is very effective; a sabiki rig jigged near the top of the water column produces the effect of a small school of baitfish. Many serious mackerel anglers prefer the sabiki rig to a single hook rig, because Mackerel are a schooling fish, so many mackerel can be caught on one cast. Mackerel have an excellent table fair; however, when not eaten fresh, mackerel can become fishy and odious. Mackerel can be bled out to remove the blood from the meat of the fish. A popular method of preparing mackerel is to smoke or grill the fish whole(without organs).
Catching Pollock:
Pollock, like Mackerel, are a schooling fish; however, unlike mackerel, pollock live on the bottom water column and eat small fish and mollusks(shrimp and various shellfish). A popular way of targeting pollock is to use bait, such as shrimp or clam or chunks of fish like mackerel, on a bottom rig. Remember to target underwater structure for pollock: mussel beds, rocks, and shipwrecks. Pollock are a simply delicious fish to eat. Pollock was, and still is, the fish in the McDonald's fillet o' fish, for pollock is a cheap fish that was abundant because lack of pressure from commercial fishing.
Pollock and Mackerel are easy to catch along the Maine coast, and both are excellent to eat. Remember to follow local regulations, and comply with the conservation standards of the great state of Maine.
Fishing for Mackerel for this blog was done in Bass Harbor, Maine on an incoming tide during the evening.
If vacationing to Maine, especially Mount Desert Island, check out LL Bean's flagship store in Freeport, Maine, as well as, Acadia National Park in Mount Desert Island. Hiking on Penobscot Mountain Trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding scenery of Acadia, and its views are a strenuous reward for anybody willing to climb a ways.
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| This Pollack was caught off a small rock pile on a sabiki rig in 20-30 feet of water |
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