Maine Custom Fishing & Paddle Trips

Licensed and active since 1999
Insured

Cold Shore Guide Service offers custom fishing and paddle trips in Penobscot, Hancock and Washington Counties. Full and half day trips within 1-2 hours of Bangor provide angling opportunities for northern pike, smallmouth bass, white perch and brook trout. Most destinations are in the Penobscot River watershed and are within 1 hour of Bangor. Fishing is done out of 17’ Old Town canoes. Propulsion may include an outboard motor, electric motor, paddle, oars or pole.

Day trips include waters, snacks and lunch. Coolers and ice are provided. Personal flotation devices are also included. Fishing rods, tackle and bait can be provided by previous arrangement. Transportation to the launch site is dependent upon where the clients are traveling from and the location to be fished.

Fishing licenses are not provided. You can purchase your Maine Fishing License here. Additionally, personal items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear etc. are to be brought by the client(s).

Winter ice fishing trips are in conjunction with a traditional ice fishing “shack” or pop-up, portable shelter. A snowmobile may or may not be used, depending upon the circumstances and conditions. Ice fishing tip ups/traps can be provided by previous arrangement. Bait is included.

Cold weather clothing , hand warmers, etc., are to be brought by the client. Cleaning/filleting/care of any fish kept for eating or preparation for taxidermy will be taken care of by us.

The pictures on this website were all taken since January of 2020 and are exclusively of Cold Shore Guide Service clients. You may notice the same people, on different days, or in different seasons. Repeat business and client referrals are at the core of Cold Shore Guide Service. We aim to please and take the “service” in “guide service” to heart.

Target Species:

Northern Pike can be an aggressive fish and a challenge to land. 20-25” fish are common. Some 25-30” pike are caught. Occasional 30-35” fish are successfully hooked and landed.

Smallmouth bass caught on light tackle in a river environment offer a good fight. River bass generally range from 10-16”, with occasional bigger fish landed.

White perch are preferred table fare for many Maine people. Boneless, battered fillets make an excellent meal.

Brook trout fishing trips are generally limited to May and June. Some fish are kept to eat but more are released. Trout can be a sensitive resource and we do not overfish a body of water.

Paddle trips:

There are numerous waterways and options for full and half day canoe trips. The Penobscot River in particular has multiple access points between Old Town and Howland. Canoes, paddles and personal flotation devices are included. Generally party size is limited to 3 canoes. We can also provide a vehicle shuttle service for people paddling on their own.

Cold Shore Guide Service is owned and operated by Registered Maine Guides Jim and Shelley Fahey. Jim is a licensed Maine Master guide, which includes the classifications of fishing, recreation and hunting. Shelley is a licensed Maine fishing and recreation guide.