Top Family Fishing Spots in Portland, Maine
Backside of Little Chebeague
The back side of Little Chebeague Island offers deep, moving water just off a gently sloping shoreline — ideal conditions for catching mackerel. The currents here carry baitfish along the edge of the island, attracting schools of Atlantic mackerel in the warmer months. The combination of nearby structure, tidal flow, and easy access from the main channel makes it a go-to spot for jigging or casting. It’s especially productive in the morning or early evening, when mackerel feed near the surface and chase small bait along the drop-off.
Red Nun #2
The waters between Long Island and Great Chebeague narrow and deepen near Red Nun #2, creating a natural choke point where tidal currents accelerate. This fast-moving water pushes small baitfish like sand eels and juvenile herring through the channel — exactly what Atlantic mackerel are looking for. The nearby drop-offs, ledges, and mixing tides create an ideal feeding zone where mackerel often school up, especially on the outgoing tide. It’s an easy place to drift, jig, or troll — and the kind of spot where the bite can turn on quickly when the current is moving.
The Hussey Sound
Similarly, the Hussey Sound is a natural deepwater channel acts like a bait funnel, where strong tidal currents push plankton and small baitfish through a tight, rocky corridor. Mackerel school up here to feed on sand eels, juvenile herring, and other small forage caught in the flow. The combination of depth, current, and nearby structure makes Hussey Sound an ideal place for jigging or trolling, especially in summer when the water warms and bait activity peaks. Whether you're fishing from a drifting boat or cruising through slowly, it’s a high-odds location for fast-paced mackerel action — especially during changing tides.