This is Artificial Lure, bringing you the latest Maine fishing report for Thursday, November 13, 2025. Out on the Atlantic, we’re heading into a classic chilly November stretch with flat calm seas—perfect for serious anglers willing to brave the brisk air for early winter action. Sunrise happened at 6:53 this morning, with sunset set for 4:19 PM up the coast near Portland and Kennebunkport, right in line with the days drawing shorter now, but granting prime daylight for targeting that morning and late-afternoon bite as temperatures hover from the mid-30s up to the low 50s according to local forecasts.

Tides are critical to time right today. At Union River and up along the midcoast, you’ve got a morning high tide at 5:29 AM, sitting just under 10 feet, and then a mid-day low rolling at 11:32 AM, dropping to just about a foot and a half. Kennebunkport’s tide chart shows similar numbers, so aim your fishing trips early or target the incoming tide late in the afternoon for best results—moving water is moving fish, especially now[Union River and Kennebunkport tide data].

Water temperatures are settling in around the upper 40s to low 50s, comfortable for a good bunch of our target species. The ocean is alive right now with late-fall action. On the groundfishing scene, the Bunny Clark crew out of Ogunquit reports “excellent” landings, with pollock leading the box count and strong numbers of haddock, cusk, cod, and a few whiting and mackerel. Legal cod is still open in patches, though restrictions may change soon—always confirm before heading out. Most success has been on jigs tipped with cod flies or teasers; pink, chartreuse, and orange stand out, especially when drift-fishing wrecks or structure on the outgoing tide. Bait-wise, fresh clam and cut mackerel remain the classic choice and are outfishing artificials for bottom dwellers[Recent Bunny Clark report].

Closer to shore, in the harbors and estuaries from Kittery to Seal Harbor, anglers are pulling up the last of the striped bass as the fall run wraps up, mostly slot fish and schoolies, but don’t count on big numbers—they’re leaving with the colder nights and dropping water. For stripers, try tossing soft plastic jerkbaits in pearl or bunker colors early in the day or as dusk settles. Mackerel, herring chunks, or even live eels can draw late season hits if you can source bait. Near reefs and rocky structure, the black sea bass are pretty much gone now, but there’s still a good shot at redfish and the odd cunner or bergall. Tautog have also been reported in small schools off rocky ledges—green crab and sandworm baits fished tight to bottom are best.

Lobster reports from the Gulf of Maine say landings are down about 34% from the peak a few years ago, but stocks are still holding above critical levels. Hauls are steady, mostly out of smaller inshore boats. If you’re potting today, stick to deeper water in the 60–120 foot range and bait those traps with herring or racks[Recent ASMFC and local lobsterman info].

For hot spots, two areas are must-visits right now:
- The ledges off Cape Elizabeth: always good for late-season pollock and haddock. Try drifting over 130–180 feet with diamond jigs and teasers.
- Seal Ledge off Casco Bay: producing solid tautog and some last striper action, especially around rock piles on the outgoing tide.

Watch the weather—it’s calm now, but a Small Craft Advisory remains in effect until noon according to the Coastal NWS marine forecast, so check afternoon conditions before running out deep. The bite will slow on the slack tides, but pick up as the water moves.

That’s your Maine Atlantic fishing report for November 13. Thanks as always for tuning in—make sure to subscribe so you never miss out on the latest action before you hit the water. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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