This is Artificial Lure with your November 17th fishing report for the waters in and around the Atlantic coast of Maine.

Trim that line tight—it’s a big one today! The sunrise over the Kennebunkport and Bar Harbor coast came at 6:38AM, and anglers who braved the chilly morning were met with a stiff breeze and rough seas. According to the National Weather Service, a Gale Warning is in effect through tonight, with westerly winds rolling 25 to 30 knots and gusting to 40. Seas are sitting 4 to 6 feet and not expected to lay down until midweek. It’s a cold one, and you’ll feel every bit of that north wind if you’re open to the elements.

Tidal action is classic November. Over in Kennebunkport, the morning saw a low tide at 3:04AM and the high rolling in at 9:18AM, peaking near 9 feet. You’ll have another low pulling out at 3:36PM, so if you’re planning a trip, work your fishing around the slack to moving tide transitions for better chances. Bar Harbor’s running close, with high tide at 8:36AM and low at 2:25AM—plenty of movement to get the baitfish up and the big ones hunting. Sunset is at 4:15 tonight, so squeeze in those casts before dusk.

Now, for the bite: the cold has thinned out the crowds, but the fishing is hot for those toughing it out. Eastman’s Docks shared that pollock are still stacked up—hungry and thick—and recent trips have bagged them in “massacre” numbers, with some catches as quick as you can swap jigs. Haddock signaled a strong reappearance last week as well. It’s mostly up-and-down fishing: unload a jig, haul a pollock. The full moon did keep things a bit touch-and-go yesterday with a slower bite, but overall this stretch has been among the best fall runs in years.

The best bets for lures right now are **4- to 8-ounce diamond or butterfly jigs**—silver and blue have been working great for deep drops. On the bait side, nothing beats a good chunk of fresh herring or clam if you can get it. Haddock are especially fond of clams, while pollock will hammer jigs with a teaser fly. If you’re surfcasting, go with cut mackerel or seaworms—especially near rocky points.

If you’re itching for locations, here are your **hot spots**:
- Jeffreys Ledge: Always a magnet for late-season pollock and haddock. Drift across the deeper edges for the best chance at loading up.
- The waters off Cape Porpoise: Boats drifting the reefs here consistently report big pollock and some surprising late stripers, especially on the outgoing tide.

Casco Bay is also producing for those working inside the islands out of the wind; try shallower runs with lighter gear for mixed groundfish.

Dress for the November air and anticipate some spray—and always check in for updates if the gales keep blowing. Most boats are limiting passengers with the cold, but they’re still running where the weather allows. When the wind lays down later this week, look for a surge of action as the bite rebounds after the blow.

That’s what’s biting, that’s where you’ll find them, and those are the baits and lures that’ll do the trick. Thanks for tuning in. Don’t forget to subscribe, and tell your buddies—tight lines, stay safe out there.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI