The Maine Event.

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Author: Gibbs, Jerry

Down East is the place to go for unparalleled saltwater flyfishing away from the crowds

Maine's inshore fishing is a rich and varied banquet of surprises. Tidal rivers, bays and marshes make up five unique areas where striped bass, bluefish and even smaller bluefin tuna are on tap as their migrations develop from May into early October. If you're a light tackle or fly rod enthusiast looking to escape oppressively hot temperatures and depressingly large crowds, look no further.

The region offers a distinct value for discerning travelers. For those seeking lodging and dining many cuts above the typical motel or chain hotel experience, Maine's south to mid-coast area is studded with vintage inns and B&B's ranging from snug and homey to sumptuous and elegant. Many of the region's best inshore fishing guides are nearby. Some establishments have a list of names, but don't bother to dig; you'll find all the connections you need right here. A good dock is just a walk or a short ride away. Some guides will even pick you up or meet you at the inn's dock in a boat to have you fishing in minutes.

The area also offers a potpourri of activities for non-anglers, from water sports to cultural pursuits. Many of the inns offer fine dining, while others are surrounded by excellent restaurants. Some have fireplaces in the rooms. Heck, the Inn at Bath will even let you bring your well-mannered bird dog.

To plan a trip, check the Web sites of the inns and guides we've listed. Break the coast into five segments: (1) The Piscataqua River at Kittery up to Kennebunkport; (2) the Saco River mouth past the Scarborough River to Cape Elizabeth, including key inns at Prouts Neck and Higgins Beach; (3) Portland to Freeport, along with Casco Bay and the Calendar Islands; (4) the New Meadows and famed Kennebec, with headquarters in Bath and down east to Sebasco; (5) the Sheepscot River and Popham Beach with lodging in Boothbay.

Maine's fabled striped bass run is one great reason to visit the state. Lodge at a B&B or a well-appointed inn to complete the experience.

York Harbor; 888-860-7428; docksidegq.com

Situated on a 7-acre private peninsula bordering York Harbor and the Atlantic, the Maine House is a classic New England cottage with a large wraparound porch complete with wicker rockers. Shoreside restaurant in a yacht-club setting, but very casual. Condo accommodations. Full meeting facilities. (Guide: Dave Gittins)

York Harbor; 800-340-1130; stageneck.com

This resort offers a rill range of facilities. Beach, indoor/outdoor pools, tennis courts, 18-hole golf privileges. Upscale restaurant, bar and grill and terrace or poolside dining. Business conference facilities. (Guide: Dave Gittins)

York Harbor; 800-343-3869; yorkharborinn.com

A series of colonial buildings, each with a unique flavor, housing rooms that range from elegantly appointed smaller quarters to purely posh guest rooms. Dining options include a fine oceanfront restaurant and an intimate pub. Full meeting facilities. (Guide: Dave Gittins)

Prouts Neck; 800-258-0003; blackpointinn.com

A century-old seaside resort in the grand tradition, overlooking the ocean. Elegant dining, pristine grounds, impeccable furnishings and service. Accommodations include 84 guest rooms and four private guest houses. Jackets are required in the formal dining room. Also, a library lounge. Full meeting facilities and catering. (Guides: Scott Howard, Eric Wallace, John Ford, Tim Rafford)

Scarborough; 800-836-2322; higginsbeachinn.com

Housed in a three-story colonial revival building, this inn is located 7 miles south of Portland in a quiet coastal community. It exudes a relaxed atmosphere. A short walk to Higgins Beach for swimming and a variety of fishing from shore. Dining room offers breakfast and dinner, the menu features seafood and Italian fare. Function/meeting room. (Guides: Scott Howard, Eric Wallace, John Ford, Tim Rafford)

Cumberland; 207-846-5155; chebeagueislandinn.com

Restored 1920s hotel on a lovely island. A 15-minute boat ride from Cousin's Island (road-accessible) or a 1 1/2-hour ferry from Portland. Private moorings for boaters. Nine-hole golf course privileges, sand beach, bicycles for loan. Huge fireplace, long porch overlooking Casco Bay for cocktails or dining, full dining room. Restored rooms without phones or television. Meeting room facilities. Guide Eric Wallace will meet you at the dock. (Guides: Eric Wallace, Tim Rafford, John Ford)

Freeport; 800-964-9086; jamesplaceinn.com

Victorian cottage offering B&B, seven rooms with private baths, cable TV. Some rooms with kitchenettes and Jacuzzis. Café-style porch or indoor dining for breakfast. One- or two-day fishing/lodging packages. Walk to L.L. Bean and Freeport stores. (Guides: Eric Wallace, Dave Sherwood)

Bath; 800-423-0964; innatbath.com

This bed and breakfast is housed in an 1810 Greek Revival home with spacious rooms and suites, some with fireplaces (unlimited wood supply) and Jacuzzis. Internet/fax. Located in the quaint historic village of Bath with excellent restaurants, unique shops. One block from the famed Kennebec River and guide docks. Innkeeper formerly owned a Montana flyfishing lodge. Dog-friendly. (Guides: Forrest Faulkingham, Dave Pecci, Dave Sherwood, Robin Thayer)

East Boothbay; 800-451-5048; fivegablesinn.com

Quiet, restored Victorian B&B overlooking Linekin Bay adjacent to Boothbay. Some of the 16 rooms have fireplaces. The wraparound porch is replete with a hammock and comfortable chairs. Multicourse breakfast. Water sports, golf, shopping, art galleries and fine restaurants are all close by. Mooring for boats is offered. (Guide: Barry Gibson)

Sebasco Estates (down east of Bath); 800-225-3819; sebasco.com

Tucked into a harbor on the New Meadows River off Casco Bay, the resort offers rooms in the main lodge, oceanside rooms in a lighthouse or separate cottages. Transient mooring space is available. Among the activities provided are scenic or lobstering cruises and water sports, including kayak fishing. Golf course, swimming pool, two dining options, conference center and business meeting team facilities. The resort also offers several activities for kids and is pet-friendly. (Guide: Dave Sherwood)

Forrest Faulkingham
207-882-6392, 207-841-7973
mesaltwtr@yahoo.com
mainesaltwater.com

John Ford
207-471-5858
captjohn@mainesaltwaterfishing.com
mainesaltwaterfishing.com

Barry Gibson
207-633-5929
barrygibson6@aol.com

Dave Gittins
207-363-3874
maineflyfishing.net

Scott Howard
207-926-5603; 207-329-2940
scott@flyfishmaine.com
flyfishmaine.com

Dave Pecci
207-442-8581
obsessioncharters.com

Tim Rafford
207-749-3383
trafford@gwi.net; calendar-islands.com

Dave Sherwood
207-666-8504
dave@fishcascobay.com
fishcascobay.com

Robin Thayer
866-347-4874
kennebectidewater.com

Eric Wallace
207-671-4330
eric@coastalflyangler.com
coastalflyangler.com

Kittery Trading Post
Route 1, Kittery; 868-587-6246
kitterytradingpost.com

Eldridge Brothers Fly Shop
Route 1 Cape Neddick; 877-427-9345
eldredgeflyshop.com

Saco Bay Tackle
Route 1 Saco; 207-284-4453
sacobaytackle.com

The Tackle Shop
India St., Portland; 207-773-3474
thetackleshop.net

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By Jerry Gibbs