MassBass

It's wind from the east, fishings least.

Chain pickerel react very strongly to an erratic jerkbait, like original rapala, etc. There will always be some shallow but try outside weededges to. In heavy weeds you can get the same kind of bite with a weightless fluke t rig fished erratically.

Wind from the south blows bait into the basses mouth

With New England weather especially this season, the only thing consistent is the instability. Post frontal is prime time to look for inflows/tributaries, even just a little trickle of runoff is enough to position fish around it. I personally like if it is a stalled or extended front, and you can get out in the mist or light drizzle.

Big browns

I used to get big ones in some New Hampshire lakes, well over two pounds. They are a very strong fighting fish at that size. In Winnipesaukee where the state record was caught, they would get as big as the smallmouth, 2-3lbs or more. Sometimes deep crankbaits would get them.

A think a good tip to help with the jump losses, is add another o ring to each treble. Now when a big smallie jumps with an easily leveraged lure like a whopper plopper, it's just gonna get hooked up more.

Can confirm white perch.

Other species from a trip North:

Lol but sadly you will probably encounter such situations along any major urban river in the states. Be aware and watch your back

Bank fishing near other people, whether they are hard veteran poachers, or homeless addicts crawling out of a tent by the bridge, can require other skills unrelated to the actual fishing.

Interesting report, the adult eels probably decided this was their chance to make it downstream and out to the sea to spawn. They have a complicated life.

That's weird

I agree top water baits at dawn is a good idea. But if you find yourself out there mid day on a dog day, I think some deep crankbaits and tube jigs should be ready to throw (or troll).

Every river is different and has its own fishy spots. If I am fishing a river for the first time, I like to cover a lot of water. Go as far as possible and see all the river has to offer. If you see what looks like a good spot, or better yet catch some fish off a spot, make a mental note and move on. Try to understand why there were fish on that spot, how they were related to current, or maybe they were totally out of current. If the river is tidal that adds an important element to make note of when you catch fish. Of course you can only fish when you can fish, but you should at least be aware of what tide you are fishing.

Any sizeable river in Maine should be chock full of smallmouth. Some spots may feel like shooting fish in a barrel. My feeling is the lakes will hold bigger fish, but from shore in summer will be hit or miss.

I would suggest a selection of crankbaits. Maybe some 4-6 ft. Divers. Boat positioning might be hard in a yak, may need multiple drifts on the same target.

Forays into the carp underground

You should also cut a slit in the bags and let the water mix before you release them. If there is a big difference in water parameters like ph, ammonia, etc, that can shock and kill the fish to. Keep in mind if LMB get established you won't have anymore big groups of minnows to look at. I would be curious what catfish is there.

I'll be going north with the 18" glades beast worm in July. For sure big worms work, not just a down south thing. Could imitate American eel.

I think the consensus could be, any number of lures will work for the same river smallie, if they are presented in the right way.

In-line spinner

No one has mentioned common carp..It is a very sporting fight, you will think your getting spooled, and with using small hooks lighter gear is mandatory. But of course nothing tries to jump like a smallie.

A couple recent makes:

They are on my bucket list to. I still remember the hysteria about this new invasive when they were becoming established. I guess now all that is a lost cause. What do you think they prey on mostly?