March fishing tough to beat

Saturday, March 12, 2005

In March, winter begins to break its hold on Maine. The nights are still cold, but the days are longer, the sun brighter. For the first time, you feel the warmth against your back -- even on the ice.

It's a great time to be outdoors in central Maine.

Maine ice fishermen have always debated whether the fishing is better early in the season, or late, but one thing is for sure -- nothing beats a warm, sunny day on the ice in March.

Fishing reports have been outstanding this winter.

"I can't remember when the bass fishing has been as good as this winter," said Jim Lucas, assistant fisheries biologist in Central Maine. "Not only are anglers reporting large numbers of bass caught, but the size quality is also impressive."

Over the winter, he's checked nine largemouth bass over five pounds, and one true lunker of eight pounds. He'd also seen eight smallmouth bass over three pounds -- all from central Maine waters.

Roger Pelletier, of Nicki's Bait and Tackle in Belgrade, agreed.

"The bass fishing has been tremendous for both large and smallmouth bass. Especially on Great and East Pond. We've seen lots of 3-4 pound bass come out of Great," he said. " I saw one six- pound bass that was so big you could put your fist right in his mouth."

Gary Hamilton, at Nielson's in Farmingdale, also spoke highly of the trout fishing on Cobossee Lake, and in Upper Narrow's Pond. He also recommended Sabbattus Lake, in Lewiston, for fast action on pike.

"It's nothing to catch 15 to 20 three to eight pound pike down there in an afternoon. Not huge fish, but it's fun," he said.

Everyone agrees that the pike fishing is sure to heat up with the weather. Pike move toward the shallow coves of lakes like Great Pond, Messalonskee and Sabattus this time of year, offering outstanding fishing.

Pelletier said to look for pike in shallower water, with lots of rocks, particularly after a stretch of warm, sunny days.

"They're looking for feed, and for places to spawn. Shallow coves offer both," he said.

He recommends suckers or shiners for bait, an 18-inch steel leader and 4/0 to 7/0 hooks.

His pick for the biggest pike of the season?

Messalonskee in March.

Reports compiled byOutdoors Writer Dave Sherwood