TAAS Outing on the Saco

The Thornton Academy Anglers' Society was in action this past Sunday (10/7) on the Saco River in Steep Falls continuing to develop our canoe skills and chasing the last bass of the waning season. The fall foliage was beginning to peak along the river which made for a beautiful backdrop. We had some new members on the outing with us today including sophomore, Jake Lowe, who boated the lunker of the trip soon after pushing off from shore.

Jake with his 16" Saco River smallmouth

All in all, the fishing was to be expected for early October, hot in isolated spots and slow in others. Almost everyone had landed a fish or two by the end of the trip. Reigning angler of the year, Tyler Gilbert, earned high hook for the day with 12 fish boated. Tyler caught all of those fish while working solo in his canoe, a testament to his experience on the water.

A pair of TAAS canoes work the shoreline on a misty autumn morning

This trip was extra special as we had my father along chaperoning. He's responsible for instilling and fostering my passion for the outdoors, something I strive to pay forward with my TAAS kids today. We spent countless hours fishing the Saco River together as I was growing up so it was neat to share our old stomping grounds with the club. A big thank you has to also go out to the Dyer family of Steep Falls for granting us permission to access the river through their property. Without gracious landowners like the Dyers, Maine's outdoor heritage would not be the same. Landowner relations and appreciation are another key component in the lessons I work to teach TAAS members. Ensuring that our next generation of outdoorsmen/women are thoughtful stewards of the land is what conservation is all about.

From Left to Right: Julien, Marcus, Nolan, Chloe, Nathan, Matt, Jake, Justin, Xavier, Andrew, and Tyler pose for a group photo after a great morning on the river.