Stripers
by Day - Lobster by Night, Rain, thick fog, bright sunshine, humidity, coolness, lighthouses, history, fine-dining, belted cows, lobsters, bird-watching, seals, celebrity watching… oh and “ayuh”, fishing. What happens along the Kennebec and St. George Rivers of Maine, as the full moon raises the waters to higher levels? Maine has always been one of my favorite states. As much as Neal and I have visited Maine, this was the first time I was in Maine to fly fish for stripers. Our superb host Bonnie has given us a special opportunity to walk the life of a local, to roam the rivers with the lobstermen and fishing community, to observe nature “off the beaten track”, to partake in some history, relax with smart, funny and talented fishing friends, to enjoy fabulous food. As a lobster lover, truly incredible was indulging in lobster that was freshly pulled from the traps and brought back home to cook within a half hour’s time. We arose very, very early in the morning on our fishing days, to find ourselves thick in mist and fog and wondering where along the rivers we were. Peacefulness overtakes you as you sip your coffee, peer through the mist, listen for splashes, casting here and there. The river knowledge of our fishing guides was quite impressive - even as the fog was thick enough to challenge the sense of direction for even one of the more experienced locals. As the mist lifted, the scenery and river life expanded (and the layers of clothing lessened!) I was getting a more intimate view of a river world that I had previously only seen while driving along the highways and bridges getting to somewhere else. We watched a lobsterman show us the gadgetry that helped him lift his lobster traps. He held up and measured a lobster that was the perfect 1 ¾ pounder that I would normally order!!! The lobster and fishing life is clearly challenging and they all look out for each other on these waters. While meandering along the rivers in pursuit of the elusive stripers we passed where Kevin Costner stayed and fly fished with his sons while filming a movie (apparently he is quite a good fly fisherman!) Late one day, we spied an esteemed Wyeth grandson who snuck in from his island and artistic endeavors to casually dine alongside of us at a picnic table at a dock. Jamie’s sighting reminded us of our visit to the Olson house right down the road from Bonnie in Cushing and the richness of the artistic community surrounding us. These rivers are the homes of the Great Blue Heron, Ospreys, Bald Eagles, numerous FISH of course and many fabulous sea critters. I was intrigued by the seal whose big round eyes kept peering at me above the water at several times while on the Kennebec – splashing loudly as it dove underwater and reappeared elsewhere. Its curiosity was triggered by my casting and the hopes that I would hook a fish that would become this seal’s dinner should he steal it from me! I’ll never look at those cute seals the same again! Our folks caught a striper, Pollock, and all-in-all enjoyed time to unwind, try our hand at striper casting, dine very well and certainly cherish the scenery and friendships that make us glad to be a part of DVWFFA. |