The Penobscot Bay - 9'

At Maine Fly Company, we know there’s something truly special about casting a line in Penobscot Bay. Its rugged coastline, tidal flows, and briny scent make it a pristine paradise for catch-and-release fly fishing. Among the native fish, the striped bass, or “striper,” reigns supreme. These powerful, migratory fish arrive in the summer months, hunting schools of baitfish and offering a thrilling challenge to any angler.

Setting out in the cool morning mist, you’ll find the bay alive with life. Whether you’re wading from shore or casting from a boat, there’s an art to spotting and tracking these fish as they dart through shallows and channels. With each cast, there’s the promise of a hard-fought connection. Stripers are known for their powerful, surging runs, and the moment one strikes, you’ll feel that unmistakable tug—a pulse that feels connected to the ocean itself.

We encourage anglers to embrace catch-and-release here. With a careful hand, you can minimize stress on the fish, ensuring that future generations can experience the same thrill. Cradling a striper as you release it back into the cool waters of Penobscot Bay is a deeply satisfying feeling, knowing you’ve done your part to keep the ecosystem thriving.

Maine Fly Company is committed to the heritage of Maine’s fly fishing and the preservation of its natural wonders. When you fish with us in Penobscot Bay, you’re not just experiencing the thrill of landing a striped bass; you’re engaging with a community that values sustainability, tradition, and the raw beauty of Maine’s coastal waters. We welcome you to join us, cast a line, and feel the pull of Maine’s wild coast.

Fast Action

A fast-action rod is just what the name implies. At the end of the backcast, the tip of the fly rod is slightly bent but the rest of the rod is virtually straight as an arrow.

Fast Action rods are great for casting in the wind and long casts as the stiffness of the rod allows for more power in the cast.

Beginners might struggle learning how to cast with a fast-action rod. The sheer power in the rods makes "getting a feel" for the fly and fly line difficult. Precise casts in particular will be difficult for new anglers.

Always transport and store your new rod in its rod case. Most rods are broken during travel. Nothing ends a fly fishing trip faster than setting a heavy cooler on the top of a fly rod.

Take extra care when stringing your rod. Thread a look of fly line through the guides and tip top and pull the line and leader through without bending the rod.

When using weighted or large flies, adjust to an open casting stroke. (a fly hitting the rod can also damage the blank)

Avoid severe rod angles when fighting and landing fish. Snagged flies should be broken off by pulling on the line with the rod tip pointed directly at the snag.

Take the rod apart when you are done fishing to avoid stuck ferrules.

Completely air dry your rod and place it in a cloth bag and tube before storing. The rod tubes can trap moisture, which can swell reel seats and ruin the rod finish.

Rinse after each use and occasionally clean your rod with warm water and soap and completely dry.

Small Batch Fly Rods, Built in Maine, USA

Small batch fly rods are more personal; their inspiration, their designs, how they are crafted and  the service we provide for the life of the rod. 

We build every fly rod here as if it were our very own. The designs reflect our journeys and are personal to us. Our builders not only hand craft every rod, but they are also the very same people you can find along the river fishing them.

Small batch production allows for greater attention to detail and unique customization welcoming special requests to be sure your fly rod feels as personal to you as it was for us to build it. You and your fly rod aren’t just a number here. Your rod is carefully crafted with you in mind. That’s small batch.

We believe a fly rod should be as unique as the angler who uses it. 

We are proud to stand behind all of our graphite and carbon fiber fly rods. All of our rods are backed by a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the original owner with proof of purchase.

Read More...