Advantages of Using a Lighter Fishing Rod

Posted August 24, 2022 by Angler Inc

When you’re in a fishing slump or rut, sometimes a change of equipment is necessary in order to help you get back on the right track. For example, maybe the rod you’re using isn’t the right one for you. If you’re using too heavy of a rod, it could be weighing you down.

Using a lighter fishing rod comes offers a few advantages that could lead to you having more successful outings. Here are just a few of the reasons:

Accuracy

Perhaps the most important benefit of using a lightweight rod is the improved accuracy you’ll see without having to sacrifice casting distance. Your new rod will be able to cast just as far as your older, heavier one, but it will be significantly more valuable with shorter casts. Unlike you heavier rod and line, it won’t have trouble with shallower rivers where the current isn’t swift. Instead, you can use a lighter line to settle directly on the water in exactly the spot you desire.

Variety of Fish

Using a light rod and line means you’ll also be able to use lighter bait, lures and jigs. These will enhance your ability to catch smaller fish in addition to the large ones. Additionally, they’ll allow you to do well in both shallow waters near the shore or in any other body of water. Large fish have been known to bite on lighter lures, which will give you the fun opportunity to reel one in on a lighter rod, an experience many anglers enjoy.

Easier on You

A lighter rod means lighter parts and a lighter line, necessarily making it easy to transport. Depending on what kind of fishing you’re doing, you could be carrying that rod for a good distance. Any energy you expend hauling a heavy rod is energy you cannot use for fishing. In certain situations, a lighter rod will make for an easier day.

But regardless of what kind of rod you use, it’s always nice to get away for a fishing trip. If you’re looking to head up Northeast before the weather gets too cold, check out Morning Flight Charters in Maine. We offer a variety of fishing charter packages for families, individuals and groups. Call 207-831-2426 today to learn more about our packages!

Why You Should Give Deep Sea Fishing a Try

Posted July 26, 2022 by Angler Inc

Fishing is a relaxing recreational activity that nonetheless requires a fair amount of skill, experience and discipline. It also comes if many different forms from fly fishing to ice fishing in bodies of water as small as backyard ponds and as large as an ocean. So, if you’ve spent your life fishing close to the shore or in shallow water, perhaps it’s time to expand your horizons

Deep sea fishing takes place far away from the shore where the water is roughly 100 feet deep or more. It offers quite a different experience than any other style of fishing you’re used to. Here are some reasons to give it a shot:

The Remote Nature of It

The shore of most major bodies of water tends to be pretty crowded. People swim and hang out at the beach in addition to all the other fishers competing for a limited supply of potential catches. But the further out you go, the more space you have to yourself. Things quiet down quite a bit so you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the open water without much of a distraction.

The Variety of Fish

Sure, you can find peace and quiet at your local pond or small lake, but can you find a wide variety of large fish? Probably not. The ocean will offer you the largest species of fish as well as the widest variety. But you have to get away from the shore and go deep down to find all of them. When fishing off the northern Atlantic coast of the United States, this is where you’ll catch such prizes as stripers, blues, cod, haddock, football tuna and even sharks. You can’t do that in your backyard.

Challenge Yourself

If you’ve spent enough time fishing in small bodies of water or close to the shore, you may have mastered most of the necessary skills and thus could use a new challenge. Compared to other styles of fishing, the deep sea variety requires patience, skill and a good amount of physical strength, due to the larger size of the fish. A successful trip will require more out of you than you’re used to giving.

If you’re looking to go on a chartered deep sea fishing adventure, Morning Flight Charters is the place to go in Maine. We have a number of packages available so you’re sure to find something that matches your budget and interest. Call 207-831-2426 to start planning your ideal fishing getaway.

Tips For Fishing in the Summer Heat

Posted June 21, 2022 by Angler Inc

Summer is among the most popular times to get out on the boat and go fishing. Generally, the weather is more conducive to spending the day outside than other times of year, especially up here in Maine. However, some days the sun just burns a little bit brighter than usual, and some precautions are necessary. Here’s are some tips to stay safe and fish productively on those sweltering summer days:

Hydrate and Prepare

On the hottest of days, it might be tempting to guzzle a soda or a beer, if you’re of age. But those kinds of drinks can make you even more dehydrated. Stick to water or electrolyte-replenishing drinks like Gatorade.

Additionally, it’s important to wear sunscreen if you’re going to be out in the sun and to reapply if you’ll be out for a while. It’s also wise to wear a hat and sunglasses to protect those parts of your body.

Avoid the Worst of the Heat

The afternoon tends to be the hottest and sunniest part of the day. If you’re planning on fishing on a day where the temperature is expected to be quite higher than normal, aim to arrive very early in the morning or in the late afternoon. Not only will you avoid the heat, but the fish will likely be more active as well.

Find the Right Spot

When the temperature is hot enough to affect you, it’s likely bothering the fish as well. They will likely look for an area to cool off, and that’s where you’ll find them. If there is any shade in the lake or river you’re fishing in, there’s a good chance some fish have congregated there. You should also look for a current as that’s essentially the equivalent to a fan for fish. It’s also worth remembering that the water will get cooler the further away it is from the surface. Consider dropping your line lower to find fish that have migrated down.

If you’re looking for a fishing adventure this summer, Morning Flight Charters in Portland, Maine is perfect for you. We offer guided fishing trips, including deep sea fishing, family fishing, shark fishing and more. Call us at 207-831-2426 to set up your dream fishing trip.

What to Know Before You Go Shark Fishing

Posted May 24, 2022 by Angler Inc

Fishing is a rewarding experience that millions of people look forward to each year. Shark fishing is one of the more exciting and challenging ways to spend a day out on the water.

Here in Maine, we’re visited in the summer and early fall by eight different species of shark, some of which can grow to 20 feet long and more than 1,000 pounds. It’s not quite the same thing as reeling in herring and cod, so it’s important to be prepared before you set out. Here are some ways to be ready for your sharking fishing adventure.

Make Sure You Have the Right Bait

Large adult sharks aren’t going to be attracted to the small amount of bait you’d use to catch smaller fish. You’re likely going to need to use whole fish such as Bluefish or Mackerel You might also consider building a chum line to lure sharks to your boat before hooking them.

Ensure You’re Properly Equipped

If you plan to catch a shark, you’re going to have to use larger equipment than you would for a regular fishing outing. This means at least a size 8000 reel and a six-foot rod, but this will depend on the size of the shark you are after.

Plan For the Catch (and Release)

You’ve lured a shark, hooked it and reeled it in, now what? It’s important to be careful – this likely isn’t an animal to be taken lightly. It’s important that everyone knows what they’re doing ahead of time so that there are no unnecessary injuries. If you are going to release the shark back into the water, plan for the safest way to do that as well.

Consider a Guided Trip

If you’re new to shark fishing, it’s not a bad idea to consider a guided trip to learn from professionals before you set off on your own. This will allow you to get hands-on experience from those in the know, ensuring you’re that much more prepared for your own trip.

If you’re considering a guided shark fishing trip here in Maine, Morning Flight Charters is the way to go. This eight-hour charter will allow you the chance to catch sharks from the four major species in Maine. Call 207-831-2426 to schedule your trip today.

3 Tips for Spring Fishing Charters

Posted February 22, 2022 by Angler Inc

Should you be considering heading out on a fishing charter this spring, you’ll want to make sure you’re as prepared as possible to have a successful time on the water.

Whether it be choosing the right dates for your trip, knowing the best time of day to fish, or getting in a few days of practice, there are several tips that you can follow that will help ensure you have a time you won’t soon forget.

Get in a few days of practice

One of the more important things you can do when readying for a spring fishing charter is getting a few days of practice in on the water. Since you haven’t fished since last fall, you may be a little rusty.

Getting practice at a nearby body of water will get you back into the swing of things and will also ensure that your pole and gear are “de-winterized” and ready to be used on your trip.

Go a few weeks into the spring

While you may be tempted to go out on the water on one of the first few weeks of spring, it is suggested to wait a bit, as the water is still pretty cold.

Take some time for the temperatures to rise to where it will be warm enough for the fish to start coming out. If you go out too early you will more than likely be spending your trip waiting around for a fish to bite.

Head out in the afternoon

As mentioned above, it is important to go out when the water is at its warmest. Waters in the spring are typically warmer in the afternoon or early evening, making it the perfect time to head out on your charter.

While the captain of your charter should undoubtedly be aware of this, it is important to make sure you are given the opportunity to fish at peak times of day.

As an added bonus, the afternoon is also the time when fish are feeding, furthering your odds of reeling in that prized catch.

If you feel you’ll be well prepared for a spring charter after reading through this blog, and would like to book a trip along the beautiful Maine coastline, we ask that you think of us at Morning Flight Charters.

Captain Stephen Richard will be happy to guide you on our 25′ Steiger craft, Bobber Down, and will make sure you have a trip you’ll remember fondly for years to come.

With over 20 years of Maine fishing charter experience and all the appropriate licenses, we are the team to choose for a fishing adventure this spring season. We invite you to call us today at 207-831-2426 to learn more or explore our site for further trip information.

3 Reasons to Choose a Professional Fishing Charter

Posted February 10, 2022 by Angler Inc

If you’re in the initial stages of planning an upcoming fishing trip and are unsure where to begin, it may be in your best interest to consider a fishing charter.

Fishing charters are a great option as all of your needs will be taken care of, from your transportation to sturdy reels and rods, a fully equipped boat with a licensed and professional captain and more.

Should you be unsure if a fishing charter is right for you and your party, we encourage you to read on to see why so many people select this convenient and thrilling option.

You’ll have an experienced guide

Whether it’s your first time going out on the water or you’ve been fishing since you were young, it’s never a bad idea to have a professional guide on hand during your trip.

When you choose a fishing charter you will be getting an experienced captain that knows the waters extremely well. This will not only be beneficial when it comes to reeling in fish, but it also means you will be safe on the water at all times.

All your needs will be taken care of

Another reason to choose a fishing charter is for all of the perks you will receive. If you are coming in for your fishing charter from a cruise, many charter captains offer free pickup service from your port drop off point.

From there you will be taken on an inshore or offshore charter based on your preferences that will allow you to catch a wide array of fish.

These charters are fully rigged to fish with outriggers and a fine selection of rods and reels that are professionally set up to handle nearly any fish species, no matter the size.

Even better, most charters are spacious and are equipped with a bathroom to make your trip a comfortable one.

It’s fun for the whole family

Should you be bringing your family along for their first charter, there are several options available with kids in mind.

Family fishing trips are typically a bit shorter so your kiddos aren’t out on the water all day, but it will still be long enough for them to gain an appreciation of the sport while taking in the beautiful scenery.

Should you feel that a fishing charter is right for you and your family and you’re considering taking it along the beautiful Maine coastline, we ask that you think of us at Morning Flight Charters.

Captain Stephen Richard will be happy to guide you on our 25′ Steiger craft, Bobber Down, and will do everything in his power to make sure that you have a memorable and successful fishing experience.

With over 20 years of Maine fishing charter experience and all the appropriate licenses, we are the team to choose for a fishing adventure you won’t soon forget. We invite you to call us at today 207-831-2426 to learn more or to book your charter.

How to Get Your Kids Interested in Fishing

Posted December 8, 2021 by Angler Inc

Relaxing yet challenging, fishing is a great hobby to have. But with many things, starting a new hobby is easiest when you’re young. You may remember how your parents took you out for your first fishing trip, but what about your own kids? How do you instill in them the same love of fishing that you have? Here are a few tips to get you started.

Keep your fishing trips short

When you take your child fishing for the first time, this is not the opportunity to go out at 4am for an all-day trip. Kids don’t like waking up early. Plus, they have shorter attention spans. It’s better to keep your first few fishing trips short, such as for an hour, for the first few times. As your child becomes older and more experienced, you can lengthen your fishing trips.

Plan other activities

Even if you keep your fishing trip short, your kids might still get bored waiting for their first catch. Instead, keep things fun by letting them enjoy other activities. They can skip rocks, play in the water, and chew on some snacks if they get tired of standing by their rod. The important thing is that you keep them entertained so that they associated fishing with fun trips with their parents rather than something long and boring.

Check the weather

No one wants to fish in bad weather, but especially not your kids. Be sure that the weather is near perfect before you head up. Check the forecast in the days leading up to your trip, and then check it again the day-of.

Morning Flight Charters offers family fishing packages that are sure to help your kids fall in love with fishing. Contact us today to learn more!

The Basics of Striper Fishing

Posted October 4, 2021 by Morning Flight Charters

Striper fishing is a fun and lively sport for fishermen of all experience levels! Maybe you’ve always wanted to try it but haven’t had the chance, or maybe you’ve never even heard of striper fishing; either way we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for some basic information about striper fishing so you’re ready to dive right in with an outing of your own!

What is a striper fish?

A striper fish—also known as stripers or rockfish—are striped bass native to the East Coast of the U.S. Typically striper fish that are caught range from five to eight pounds but have been known to exceed 70 pounds! The bigger they are, the deeper they swim. Because they do get pretty hefty, they tend to be a popular trophy fish and as a result have been planted in lakes all around the country for people to fish recreationally. For this reason, they’ve since become native to California.

Where do they live?

Striped bass migrate between fresh and salt water. They spawn in freshwater but spend most of their adult life in bodies of saltwater. They can adapt to both environments. The striper fish is luscious, savory and minerally in taste. As they increase in size, they tend to be more metallic as well.

How to catch a striper fish

Move quickly

The best way to catch striper fish is to move quickly and adjust your strategy to the conditions. These guys are speedy and unpredictable so the faster you retrieve your lure, the more likely you are to catch one. Make use of your fish finder to locate a good spot before you cast your line.

Lures and baits

If you’re using an artificial lure, try to grab something that mimics real swimming action rather than spinning out quickly. For live bait, it just depends on what’s native to your location; if you’re not sure you can always consult with local fishing shops (or book a trip with Morning Flight Charters and catch your own bait first!) Standard types of bait such as herring, menhaden, squid, sandworm, etc. will usually suffice. Be sure to store your bait in optimal conditions.

Check deep waters

When the weather is hot and sunny, stripers swim in deeper water so you might want to have a sinker on hand too—or if you’re looking for a bigger catch. Another thing to consider if you’re trying to snag a bigger bass is using live eel as your bait; it may be more appealing to the larger fish that dive deeper.

Striper fishing can be as challenging as you’d like it to be, and we can guarantee it’s always fun! Don’t miss out and book your charter today so you can put some bass on the table for dinner tonight!

How to Choose the Right Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

Posted August 2, 2021 by Angler Inc

There are many ways to fish, but one of the most popular is fishing on a boat. Boat fishing offers you greater access to different locations and fish. However, it doesn’t come without its risks. A personal flotation device is essential when going out on a boat, but it will only be useful if you find the right one. Below we discuss the most common types of PFDs and which one would be right for you.

Off-Shore Life Jacket

Off-shore life jackets are, as the suggests, designed for offshore or remote waters. They’re best when you’ll be an area where rescue may take some time to reach you. As such, they’re bulkier than other PFDs, but they can turn someone unconscious face-up from the water.

Near-Shore Vest

If you don’t plan on venturing out too far from shore, then a near-shore vest will be your best bet. They are less bulky that off-shore life jackets, but keep in mind they won’t keep you floating for a long period of time. They’re designed with the expectation that rescue would be immediate.

Flotation Aid

Flotation aids should only be used in calm waters where rescue is quick. They are more form-fitting than other PFDS which is why they’re often used by wakeboarders, surfers, kayakers, or water skiers.

Throwable Device

While everyone on a boat should be wearing a life jacket or vest, you should also have a throwable device handy just in case. These are right-shaped or flat cushions that you can throw to someone who has fallen into the water.

At Morning Flight Charters, we take all necessary precautions to keep our guests safe while on their fishing trip. To learn more, contact us today!

Why Choose a Guided Fishing Trip?

Posted July 8, 2021 by Angler Inc

Inexperienced, or even moderately experienced fisherman can vastly improve their knowledge and skill by going on a guided fishing trip.

These trips allow you to get personalized, one-on-one instruction from a licensed guide that can teach you everything from where to fish to the techniques that work best, which bait and tackle to use and more.

If you have children, a guided trip can also be a bonding experience they won’t soon forget.

You’ll be fishing in the best waters

A benefit of going along with an experienced guide is that they know the best places to catch fish. Whether it be their years of fishing the area or the specialized equipment they have onboard, you’ll be in an advantageous position to reel in something special.

Many guided trips focus on deep sea fishing, which allows you to explore waters you normally don’t go into and catch fish that you’ve only dreamed about.

You’ll learn valuable fishing techniques

While it’s nice to fish in areas of high activity, you still need to know how to get the fish to bite. Your fishing guide will be able to give you a variety of tips and tricks that have been proven to reel in some of the most sought-after fish in those waters.

You’ll not only have a better chance to catch something on this trip, but you’ll also be able to use these techniques for years to come.

Bait and tackle may be provided

As mentioned above, you’re fishing guide will teach you important techniques if you’re a bit on the inexperienced side. They should also have a selection of bait and tackle that you can use.

Even if you feel like bringing your favorite fishing supplies, you may want to try out the different bait and tackle they have available to see what works best.

When you take a fishing trip with a guide, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime. No matter if it’s your first or tenth time going on a guided trip, we ask that you choose our team at Morning Flight Charters. Based directly on the Maine coast in Portland, ME, we promise to provide you with a unique deep-sea fishing experience you won’t soon forget. Our licensed fishing guides bring more than 20 years of experience to each trip and will have everything you need right on board. When you want to book a trip with us, we ask that you reach out at 207-831-2426.