Well, another CTF Maine trip is in the books. We missed a few regulars, such as trip leader Ray Z (who is on the mend), but Tim picked up the organizational duties and newcomer Stormshadow joined the fold.
Bummed Scott and I had to cut our stay short and we missed seeing Me_Fisherman at the end of the trip (hope you got into some fish!).
As usual, a good time with fun, fish ... and of course fire pit laughs at the end of each day.
We fished a variety of lakes in the Sebago Lake area. Water temps were 60 to 65. Some fish were on beds, some off, and I assume some yet to spawn. We caught fish on a variety of hard and soft plastic jerk baits, as well as soft plastic baits. I couldn't get anything going on topwater (but maybe somebody else did?).
Here are a few pics. The others might have more to add. Already missing the trip and looking forward to next year!
My first good fish on the first morning. Since Scott and I were going to be fishing less days, we drove overnight from CT to get on the water at dawn. The largie bite was a bit off for this lake, but we still had a fun start and it felt great to officially kick off the trip.
Next we moved on to a smallie lake to meet Husky and Ralph, where we enjoyed some good numbers of solid Maine smallies.
One of the highlights of this trip has been small water bassin' out of 2-man portable boat with Huskybass. He really has the smallies and largies dialed in, in two lakes.
In the smallie lake, Husky and I got eight fish over 4 pounds, with the largest going 4-13. We got a total of 20 solid fish. Just sick fishing. They did even better last year.
Below are some pics of just some of the fish we got into.
My favorite pic of the trip. Can you say BEAST?!
4-13.
Just a ton of fun chasing these fish out of a small boat.
Roadside lobstah roll during a lunch break between lakes. After lunch, Husky and I explored an unknown little lake and enjoyed some decent largie fishing. Always fun to put in, in new place, never knowing what's in store.
Whit with a tank personal best smallie he got when he and Mike hit the smallie lake!
Some of the nice largies that Mike and Scott got into ...
On the third day, I had the pleasure of getting out with fellow G3 owner, Ralph, who comes all the way from MD for this trip. Been a few years since Ralph made the trek up, so it was great to get out with him!
Does it get any prettier than Maine?
Captain Ralph at the helm.
We got into a good mix of smallies, largies ... and bugs!
Half the fun of the trip are the shenanigans that go on after a hard day of fishing. Nothing like sitting back by the fire, enjoying some adult beverages, good tunes and laughs with the boys!
Tim representing!
The week's meal plan & crew sheet.
Whit cooking up a storm in the kitchen.
Another trip tradition has become Whit's homemade salsa. The stuff seriously kicks ass and is a big hit!
On our final day's fishing, Scott and I got some nice sun in the morning with a decent mix of largies and smallies on our last lake.
Just an all-around good time and one of my favorite trips of the year. Can't wait for next year's adventure!
Great trip once again! Thanks for the live Pictures! Some year I swear I will make it. Stars haven't aligned but will. Great scenery with gorgeous fish, well done boyzzzzz!
CHANGE IS SCARY BUT IT IS REWARDING ON THE OTHER SIDE!
SURELY MISS MY CTF FRIENDS BUT ALWAYS WILL BE HERE TO GIVE ALL A HARD TIME!
It was very nice to finally join the crew, even if it was just for a couple of days and most had left. It was just nice to meet a few more new fisherman, fish with one of them, and fish some new Maine waters.
Thanks for taking me out Rich.
Here are a few of my pictures. Not many because the wind was bad and on Moose we didn't really catch anything worth photographing.
Gotta say this was an equally enjoyable outing, just as fun and relaxing as previous years. And what would a CTF Maine trip be without ole Whit having boat trouble. This year my trip was delayed a day and half due to laziness on my part, needed a shift seal on the Mercury, should have been found it last fall, not 5 days before I leave for Maine!! Got onto Kezar and motor doesn't turn over, troll over to the marina and pop a new battery in, Kezar will be my first spot on all upcoming trips to the Harrison area! Thanks Lee! Always helping out.
Fishing is always fantastic up there in Maine, caught a fair amount of fish, stellar weights fishing with Huskybass! We all know that he'll put ya on big fish though, thankful I was able to fish with him again this trip. Finally got out on that small plastic 2 man bug and killed them, Mike...I still have your blindfold in my truck! Fished with Ryan on Sat for a couple hours on Moose, Eagles and scenery makes it less humbling when you don't slam them there. Upset I got up there so late and had to leave so early, but was good regardless. Sorry I didn't get a chance to fish with Mitch or Scott, we always have a blast on the water and getting to the water too!
Food was good, booze was better..ha! Salsa was smoking good...heheh. Someone say smokin? Nice to see brother Ralph and Uncle Tim! Miss Ray, Bob and the rest, maybe next year! Thanks for making this happen this year!