Penobscot River Full Day Smallmouth Adventure
Private Trip
River Fishing
Full day Smallmouth Bass fishing on Penobscot RiverAll equipment and meal included with expert guideSmall group experience accommodating up to two guests
When you're looking for a world-class smallmouth bass fishing experience in Maine, the Penobscot River near Old Town delivers like nowhere else. Jim Neville Outdoors has been putting anglers onto these scrappy bronze-backs for years, and this full-day trip gives you the best shot at hooking into some serious fish. We're talking about productive waters that consistently produce quality smallmouth, and with everything included except your license, you can focus on what matters most – getting your line wet and feeling that telltale smallmouth thump on the other end.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job where you're barely getting warmed up before heading back to the dock. We're spending a full day working the prime smallmouth haunts along the Penobscot, giving you plenty of time to dial in your technique and capitalize on the hot bite windows. Jim knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll position you over rock piles, current breaks, and drop-offs where smallmouth love to ambush baitfish. The river changes character throughout the day, and different sections fish better at different times – that's the beauty of having a full day to explore. You'll cover water efficiently while still taking time to thoroughly work the spots that are holding fish. The boat stays comfortable for two anglers, so you won't be bumping elbows or tangling lines. Plus, when that midday hunger hits, we've got lunch covered so you can stay focused on fishing instead of worrying about meal planning.
The Penobscot River demands versatility, and that's exactly what you'll get with Jim's approach to smallmouth fishing. We're primarily working with spinning gear rigged for the conditions – sometimes that means finesse presentations with soft plastics when the fish are being picky, other times it's throwing reaction baits like spinnerbaits or crankbaits when they're aggressive. The river bottom varies from rocky shelves to gravel bars to deeper pools, so we'll adjust tackle accordingly. Tube jigs are absolute money here, especially around the rocky structure that smallmouth call home. You'll also get comfortable with drop-shotting and ned rigs when the bite gets tough. All the rods, reels, and terminal tackle are provided, but don't hesitate to bring your own setup if you've got a favorite rod you like to fish with. The key is reading the water and matching your presentation to what the fish want that particular day. Current speed, water temperature, and even cloud cover all play into which techniques produce best, and Jim's constantly adjusting the game plan based on what he's seeing and feeling from the fish.
Smallmouth bass are the stars of this show, and for good reason – pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting freshwater fish you'll encounter. The Penobscot River system produces chunky smallmouth that average 12-15 inches, with plenty of fish pushing 16-18 inches and the occasional 20-incher that'll make your day. These fish are incredibly aggressive during their feeding windows, often hitting lures with explosive strikes that'll nearly rip the rod from your hands. Peak smallmouth action typically runs from late spring through early fall, with summer months offering the most consistent bite. What makes Penobscot smallmouth special is their willingness to chase baits in current – they're not the lazy, lethargic bass you might find in still water. They're constantly on the hunt, using current breaks and structure to ambush prey. When you hook one, expect multiple jumps, long runs, and that signature smallmouth head-shaking that makes them so addictive to target. The river's flowing water keeps these fish in prime condition, muscular and healthy with that beautiful bronze coloration that gives them their nickname. Even smaller fish fight well above their weight class, making every hookup a legitimate battle.
A full-day smallmouth trip on the Penobscot River with Jim Neville Outdoors gives you everything you need for a top-rated fishing experience – expert guiding, quality gear, productive waters, and enough time to really get into the zone. With only two spots available per trip, you're getting personalized attention and prime positioning without the crowded boat feel. Just remember to grab your Maine fishing license beforehand and dress for the weather – the river can be a few degrees cooler than you'd expect, especially early and late in the day. This is the kind of trip that creates those customer favorite moments you'll be talking about for years, whether it's your first Maine smallmouth or you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new water. The Penobscot has earned its reputation as one of the region's premier smallmouth destinations, and spending a full day here with a guide who knows every rock pile and current seam is the best way to experience what this renowned fishery has to offer.
Get ready to work the productive waters of the Penobscot River aboard this well-equipped 2018 Alumacraft motorboat. This reliable aluminum hull cuts through Maine's river currents with ease, getting you to those prime smallmouth bass spots without wasting precious fishing time. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while the GPS keeps you on track to the hottest holes along the river. With room for two anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines and land those feisty bronzebacks that make the Penobscot famous. The boat's shallow draft design lets you access those tight spots where big bass love to ambush prey. Jim knows these waters like the back of his hand, and this setup gives you the perfect platform to target smallies all day long. From casting to rocky points to working deeper pools, this Alumacraft handles whatever the Penobscot throws at you.
Orono, ME