Welcome Aboard!
Here we will lay out any information you may need to ensure a great experience with Travel Creel in Maine!
This information can also be found in the printable planner using the link below.
TRAVEL INFO
Maine!
We will be staying in Southern Maine, Just outside of Portland, fishing the waters of Casco Bay.
- The nearest airport Portland, Maine (PMW) is only 15-20 minutes from the lodge.
- There is a shuttle from the Boston Airport (BOS) to the Portland Airport (PMW) These shuttles run back and forth between Portland and Boston several times throughout the day. Please see the link below for more information,
https://concordcoachlines.com/route/portland-me-to-from-boston-logan-airport/
When making travel arrangements, please try to arrive to Portland as close to 3pm as possible. If you will be driving, please arrive anytime after 3pm on your scheduled arrival day. Please make sure to provide your travel details in the form that we emailed you
We will be able to make a few pit stops during the shuttle to stop for booze and any other treats you may want to bring back to the lodge.
PLEASE USE THE CLIENT INTAKE FORM TO INFORM US OF ANY FOOD ALLERGIES OR RESTRICTIONS SO WE CAN ENSURE YOU HAVE THE BEST POSSIBLE EXPERIENCE!
Arrival -
Arrive to the lodge and settle into your rooms. Freshen up after a day of travel and dinner is served around 6PM.
Because we are fishing with a charter, no fishing licenses are required in Maine
The Fishing -
Mornings come early in Maine! Our friend Captain Ben Whalley has pulled together a great crew of guides for our trip. We will be fishing off of skiffs around Casco Bay. The day might include anything from poling shallow water mud flats with tailing stripers, casting flies in breaking waves on the rocky coast, working quiet back estuaries, or poling the Southern Maine beaches sight fishing for cruising striped bass.
Practice your cast before you get to Maine!
Being able to throw a 9wt/10wt all day is important to your success on the water. Hitting your target of 50-60+ ft will help make your fishing experience much more enjoyable.
- Gear -
We always suggest bringing your own equipment. However, your guides will provide rods/reels if needed. Be sure to note your need for gear to be provided on your Travel Details form, too!
Flies and terminal tackle are included.
8/9wt rods with floating line (SA titan long is a favorite)
10wt rods with sinking line (SA 3d custom sink tip) And appropriately sized reels.
Be sure to inspect your reels and ensure they are properly functioning well before your trip!
Have at least 250 yards of backing attached to the fly-line with a bimini knot.
Travel Insurance
TCH highly recommends travel insurance for all your adventures.
Please reach out to us if you need assistance choosing travel insurance.
- The Lodge/Food Program -
Travel Creel will be taking care of all of your meals!
- Typical Day in Maine -
4:00AM - Coffee will be served
4:30AM - Breakfast is served continental style. Selections change daily based on what the local market offers. Be sure to check the whiteboard for your boat assignments.
5:30AM - Grab your lunch bag and top it off with snacks for the day. Make sure to bring it with you!
5:45AM - Head to boat ramp to meet the guides
6:00AM - Load up and get ready to fish. Expect to be on the water for about 8 hours.
3:00PM - Meet back at the boat ramp, and head to the house to wind down from the day
5:00PM - Appetizers and Cocktails
5:30PM - Dinner is served family style
After Dinner feel free to hang out, take a stroll by the water, have a nightcap…
just remember… the morning comes quick!
- Departure -
We provide a “Grab & Go” breakfast on the morning of your departure.
Please try to book departing flights from the Portland airport or shuttles departing to Boston around 9am. We will run shuttles to the airport based on when you need to leave. If you have made other arrangements to extend your trip in the area or have any questions or concerns on flight plans, please reach out prior to the trip.
- What is included -
- 5 nights of accommodations at our amazing lodge
- 4 days of guided fishing excursions
- Meals provided by our Creel Crew Chefs
- Airport Shuttles
- Terminal Tackle - guides will provide flies, leader and tippet. If you need to borrow rods/reels please let us know in advance on your Travel Details form so we can make the arrangements for you.
- What is not included -
- Airfare and travel expenses
- Booze
- Gratuity
*Gratuity amounts are a personal decision, based on the service you feel we provided.
It is customary to tip your guide in cash at the end of each day of fishing and the Creel Crew lodge staff at the end of your stay. On the morning of your departure day, we will send an email with a link to our Cashless Creel Crew page if you prefer an alternative method for tipping the lodge staff*
Typical gratuity
- Guides: $200 cash per day - per boat (split with boat mate)
- Creel Crew lodge staff: $200-$250 per angler for your stay
