The Casco Bay - 9'

Fly fishing for striped bass in Casco Bay, Maine, is an experience that captures the heart of New England’s rugged coast and the spirit of sport fishing at its finest. At Maine Fly Company, we know the Bay intimately—the rocky shoreline, hidden coves, and vast tidal flats create an ideal environment for stripers, attracting both novice and seasoned anglers alike. Striped bass, known for their powerful fight and impressive size, migrate along the coast from late spring through early fall, with peak fishing typically from June to October. Their presence turns Casco Bay into a playground for fly fishers in search of a challenge and some of Maine’s most prized catches.

Our guides and local experts recommend fishing the tide changes when striped bass are most active, chasing schools of baitfish swept in and out by the powerful tides. Shallow flats around islands such as Peaks, Great Diamond, and Chebeague create the perfect spots to sight fish for stripers as they hunt the edges. With a properly balanced fly rod, intermediate fly line, and a well-selected fly, anglers can cast toward these silvery predators, watching for that thrilling tug as the line goes tight.

When fly fishing for stripers in Casco Bay, a selection of local patterns like the Clouser Minnow, deceivers, and gurglers can be particularly effective. These mimic the baitfish stripers pursue, such as mackerel, herring, and pollock. And since the Maine coast is as unpredictable as it is beautiful, it’s essential to be prepared for changing conditions. As the sun sets over the bay, the experience becomes more than just catching fish—it’s about the salt air, scenic island views, and the satisfaction that comes with challenging one of Maine’s finest game fish.

Medium or Moderate Action

Medium action fly rods are the most versatile of the rods available. They perform well in a wide variety of conditions. They are also easier to learn with than with a fast-action rod. On the backcast with a medium action fly rod, the rod will be bent beginning from about halfway down the rod - thus falling in-between fast and slow action rods.

Overall, if an angler will only own one fly rod for freshwater trout fishing, then it should be a medium action fly rod unless the fishing situation falls into one of the other categories above or below.

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...