Things That Happen When a Mainer Fishes for the 1st Time

Fishing is a hugely popular activity in Maine, but it can be intimidating the first time you do it.

Despite a Maine Grandfather Who Always Fished, I Resisted Learning How

I have some experience in this area. I grew up with a grandfather who fished and hunted all the time. He took me fishing as a girl in Aroostook County, and I hated it. Didn't catch anything except a lot of blackfly bites.

The next time the 'boys' went fishing, I went shopping with my mother and grandmother.

Maine Fishing Was Taught to Me By My Husband From New Jersey

Photo by Jim Yocius

When I met my husband, Jim, I quickly learned that fishing is one of his greatest passions. He'd rather be fishing than doing just about anything else. So I would often accompany him to the pond near our house, where I would take pictures while he fished.

Jim kept insisting that if I let him teach me, he guaranteed I'd catch a fish. Determined to prove him wrong, I said okay. I'll happily admit that he was right, and the above picture is proof. Third cast into Swett's Pond in Orrington, and I hooked a good-sized bass. And, more importantly, I was hooked on fishing.

Learning How to Fish in Maine is a Fun and Often Funny Process

Now, several years later, I've seen Jim teach many newcomers how to fish, and certain things always seem to happen. Some are good and some are just funny.

If you've never had the experience of sinking a line in the water and reeling slowly, hoping a fish chomps on your bait, I strongly suggest doing it. With all the stress in the world today, a slow day of fishing on a sparkling pond is better than any therapist.