Have you ever wanted to try out ice fishing, but never really knew where to start? Hiring a guide is a great place to start. Most guides cater to beginners and families and we enjoy introducing new anglers to a wintertime tradition in our state. With our insulated shacks with heaters and electronics, it is a far cry from when I was a kid sitting on a bucket on the ice watching my traps, but the excitement and experiences are all the same.
One of my major objectives in bringing out new ice fishing anglers onto the ice is making the experience as easy as possible. If the process is too complicated then the overall experience will be overshadowed. We take care of all of the setup and cooking so all our clients have to do is show up with warm clothing and a valid Maine fishing license and we are good to go. Some of the best species for beginners are pickerel, perch, bass and trout. Many of the bodies of water in Southern Maine are stocked with trout so there are plenty of places to choose from. Perch offer fast action when a school comes through so there is plenty of opportunity for anglers to experience success, which is the main objective for beginners.
Whether the fish cooperate or not, one of the main aspects of any full day ice fishing trip is our food offerings. We make sure that no matter what, there is warm tasty food that will enhance any outdoor experience on the ice. Last year we added a wood pellet fired pizza oven from Ooni that was a huge hit. There’s nothing better than having a fresh pizza on the ice. Other options are soft tacos, cheeseburgers, a variety of soups and stews, and sausage and peppers. We can always offer more serious anglers an adaptation of these types of trips with limited food, but I always find it nice to have a break in the day not just for the clients, but for the guides as well. During the open water season I love cooking over an open fire in Grand Lake Stream as it gives me a change of pace and it is a nice break from being on the water.
So give us a chance this winter for your ice fishing experience. You can email us at guides@petersonguideme.com or give us a call at 207-730-3384. Also make sure that you go to the bottom of the page and sign up for our newsletter. I look forward to being your guide in the future!