- Maine seafood is more than Lobster and Clams. Experience a true variety of Maine seafoodwhile visiting Acadia and surrounding villages!
- Enjoy a wide selection of recipes in a number of local atmospheres or cook up your own catch of the day
- Fishing the Coastal waters do not require a Maine Fishing license but may require free registration
- Fishing is allowed in Acadia National Park and information is available about where and what to catch
- Check with the park service and local Municipalities for any fishing restrictions
Seafood Dinning
Fishing has always been one of Maine’s largest industries. The village of Bar Harbor offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy many dishes directly from the ocean. From the famous Maine lobster, to local mussels, and clams, or freshly caught fish, the restaurants of Bar Harbor offer varied and exciting seafood options. Many of the restaurants are directly on, or near the seashore, providing a unique and enjoyable dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a quaint hideaway, an entertaining night spot, seaside dining, mountain views, or a flavor specialty, the variety of choices in Bar Harbor and surrounding communities are bountiful.
Maine Lobster
Just as bountiful is the Maine lobster. Famous around the world, almost every restaurant in Bar Harbor can offer its patrons a standard lobster dinner. Some dinning advise, Soft shell lobsters are easier to eat than hard shell lobsters because they have shed their old shell and the new one has not yet hardened. Another important fact is that smaller lobsters are more tender and sweet than larger lobsters. Visitors can also try many varieties of lobster dishes including lobster rolls, lobster bisque, and even lobster ice cream. By buying Maine seafood, visitors can also support local fishermen and a cultural livelihood.
Other Maine Flavours
If you wish to try something else, many places offer local clams, both hard and soft shell, or steamers. Most people agree that Maine clams are different and more tastier than the small necks from southern New England. Mussels are also prepared in a variety of ways. Mussels are slightly tougher than clams, but full of flavour. Other local seafood recipes include Salmon, Halibut, Striped Bass, Shrimp, Cod, Haddock, Pollack, Flounder, and Mackerel. Famous in Maine is the traditional New England clam chowder and New England style Fish Chowder, a hearty mix of complimentary fish flavours.
Catch your own meal
Find these at varied locales or try a home cooked version. Maine offers the possibility to catch the catch yourself. Salt water fishing does not require a license in Maine, however, new in 2010, a salt water fishing registry is being implemented. Anyone recreationally fishing in salt water in Maine should check to see whether they must register with the National Saltwater Angler Registry. Registering is free and can be done online. Fishing is allowed in Acadia National Park. Some suggested areas are Sargent Drive, Somes Sound, Frazer Point and the Schoodic Peninsula. It is advised to be cautious while fishing along the coastline as large waves can unexpectedly hit the shore and the coastal rocks are extremely slippery. Pier fishing in Bar Harbor is also an option. Always check with the park service, or local municipalities for seasonal restrictions.
