Earlier this week I had what I suspect will be the last family fishing trip of the season. The leaves are definitely beginning to change and frost is in the forecast for a morning or two in the next several days. I am sure that the pickerel panic will start next week. This is still the season where I have almost all of my equipment out in use because of the variety of trips that I offer in a short period of time.
Hurricane Irene brought several days of cancellations for me. Pretty much as you would expect folks either need to stay put or get home and it was simply unsafe to be on the water for a couple of days. No complaints here at all, it got me to thinking about cancellations I have had over the years. As a licensed Maine Guide I am required by law to show up if I tell you I will meet you, not to mention a strong desire to deliver on any promise I have made.
In Maine state government fish and wildlife conservation is supported exclusively by hunting and fishing license fees. A recent effort to secure part of the sales tax to fund natural resources failed and there is no other tax money applied to this important work. So unless you purchase a hunting or fishing license you have not done anything!
