Howdy all,

 

Later this week, the family and I fly up to Acadia NP for the start of the family vacation.  We’ll spend a few days there before driving down to Boston and Cape Cod.  
 

I’m bringing a travel rod and a small tackle box in the hopes of catching my first smallie in 2 decades.  I’m thinking a pack of senkos, a pack of flukes, some 3-4 in swimbaits, a popper and a walking bait. Any other “must haves”?  Packing light is the priority.  I’ve got no concrete locations planned, as these would likely be quick excursions off the side of the road or in a park.

 

Thanks in advance!

@ol'crickety ?

You're on the right track. Add in a Green Pumkin or PB&J TRD on a Ned head and you're in.

As far as spots... @ol'crickety has some gems I'm sure.

I'll tell ya though, I'm due for an outing on my home lake that has a good mix of LM and SM. I'd be happy to take you, you and a family member or 2, out on my boat and just about guarantee a bunch of SM and LM on either weekend day; really, I'd be honored to take you out and put you on some fish.

Without naming the lake, it would be the Augusta area.

My wife and I were on it today and just blind casting between paddling I caught 6 Sm and 2 LM in about 2 hrs. We'd double that on my boat.

PM me if you can make it; I understand if not though; family trips can be tough to plan ahead.

Either way, I hope you have a great, safe trip to Maine!

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.

1 hour ago, Chris at Tech said:

Howdy all,

 

Later this week, the family and I fly up to Acadia NP for the start of the family vacation.  We’ll spend a few days there before driving down to Boston and Cape Cod.  
 

I’m bringing a travel rod and a small tackle box in the hopes of catching my first smallie in 2 decades.  I’m thinking a pack of senkos, a pack of flukes, some 3-4 in swimbaits, a popper and a walking bait. Any other “must haves”?  Packing light is the priority.  I’ve got no concrete locations planned, as these would likely be quick excursions off the side of the road or in a park.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

I'd also be happy to take you fishing, but I read "quick excursions off the side of the road" and it would take you four-plus hours just to reach me and return to Acadia. Maine is full of bass. I've had my best luck casting in the overlooked water, i.e. a swamp here and stream there. You're more likely to land a smallie in the stream than swamp. 

Appreciate the offer, @Smokinal and @ol'crickety but I’m fairly certain my wife would fit me with a pair of concrete shoes and sink me in the bay if I scheduled a fishing trip like you’re offering.  We’ve got a full itinerary and I wouldn’t dare mess with Mama’s plan!  ?

 

Will add some neds for good measure.  Thanks for the intel!

You should be good bait wise. Just a matter of finding the fish. ?

Must have:  Rage Menace

@Smokinal@ol'crickety  Nice gestures by both of you.??

Cape Cod has ponds with nice smallies