Top 10 Saltwater Fish to Catch in Maine
Top 10 Species
These are the fish that get noticed by FishyAF anglers. Click any species to deep dive and learn more.
1
Striped Bass (Striper)
Verified
World Record
81 lb 14 oz
Gregory Myerson / 2011
Long Island Sound, Connecticut
Gregory Myerson / 2011
Long Island Sound, Connecticut
Signature Fact
Their eggs must stay drifting for about 48 hours-sink once, and the entire spawn suffocates.
2
Redfish
Verified
World Record
94 lb 2 oz
David R. Deuel / 1984
Hatteras, North Carolina
David R. Deuel / 1984
Hatteras, North Carolina
Signature Fact
Males literally drum-low booms you can feel through the hull on calm spawning nights.
3
Bluefish
Verified
World Record
31 lb 12 oz
James Hussey / 1972
Hatteras, North Carolina
James Hussey / 1972
Hatteras, North Carolina
Signature Fact
They practice brutal "surplus killing": slashing dozens of baitfish even with bellies bulging to the gills.
4
Atlantic Cod
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
98 lb 0 oz
Michael A. Desormeaux / 1969
Petty Harbour, Newfoundland
Michael A. Desormeaux / 1969
Petty Harbour, Newfoundland
Signature Fact
Genetically rebellious, Atlantic cod ditched MHC class II and helper T cells, rewriting immunity with beefed-up alternatives.
5
Bluefin Tuna
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
1,496 lb 0 oz
Ken Fraser / 1979
Aulds Cove, Nova Scotia
Ken Fraser / 1979
Aulds Cove, Nova Scotia
Signature Fact
Bluefin run a built‑in furnace, keeping muscles, eyes, and brain up to 20°C warmer than seawater.
6
North Atlantic Cusk
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
37 lb 11 oz
David A. Robinson / 1992
Jeffreys Ledge, Gulf of Maine
David A. Robinson / 1992
Jeffreys Ledge, Gulf of Maine
Signature Fact
The only North Atlantic codfish sporting a single, unbroken dorsal fin running almost nose-to-tail.
7
Wolfish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
52 lb 5 oz
Sigurður H. Magnússon / 1978
Iceland
Sigurður H. Magnússon / 1978
Iceland
Signature Fact
Its blood carries natural antifreeze, letting it swim in water cold enough to slush your guides.
8
Golden Tilefish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
63 lb 4 oz
R. D. Cummings / 1966
Ocean City, Maryland
R. D. Cummings / 1966
Ocean City, Maryland
Signature Fact
Underwater masons, they build shell-lined, rock-fortified burrows so dense they form "tilefish towns" visible on sonar.
9
Ribbon Fish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
11 lb 0 oz
Antonio J. Rodrigues / 2005
Portugal
Antonio J. Rodrigues / 2005
Portugal
Signature Fact
At up to 2.5 meters yet belt‑thin, it sometimes hovers vertically, powered by a scarlet‑crested dorsal ribbon.
10
Bluntnose Stingray
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
374 lb 0 oz
Ivan L. Pate / 1992
Chesapeake Bay, Virginia
Ivan L. Pate / 1992
Chesapeake Bay, Virginia
Signature Fact
In Hypanus say, males seasonally grow spiky, gripping teeth for mating, then switch back to flat shell-crushers afterward.
FAQs
What fish can you catch in Maine?
In Maine saltwater, you’ll find striped bass, redfish, bluefish, Atlantic cod, bluefin tuna, and a handful of other serious species.
What is the best time of year to fish in Maine?
The prime saltwater fishing in Maine usually kicks off in late spring and runs through early fall.
Where are the best places to fish in Maine?
Stick to Maine’s rocky coastlines, harbors, and deeper offshore waters. The real action happens where saltwater meets structure.
What gear do you need for fishing in Maine?
Bring heavy spinning or conventional setups for striped bass and bluefish, and step up to offshore gear if you’re chasing cod or tuna.
What are the easiest fish to catch in Maine?
Redfish and striped bass usually give you the best shot at quick action in Maine’s saltwater.
