While Popham Beachgoers dodged rain drops on Wednesday afternoon, rookie fishermen eager to learn more about the sport braved the storm to learn from an expert.
Glenn “Doc” Dochtermann, state park manager at the Fort McClary State Historic Site in Kittery, conducted a surf fishing demonstration, a new program approved by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry in hopes to encourage both locals and travelers to learn more about fishing.
Despite the usual questions that visitors ask about lobsters and lighthouses, Dochtermann says he gets the occasional fishing inquiry. And when he does, he said he encourages travelers to visit some of the local bait shops and fishing spots for them to just “get out there and try it.”
However, even after some obtain a salt water fishing license, Dochtermann noted that many are still in the dark about the basics of fishing.
“They need that help and then they can enjoy going out there,” he said.
After thinking about ways to draw visitors to the parks, Dochtermann suggested holding a fishing program at Ferry Beach in Saco. Other state parks also jumped at the idea and asked him to conduct several demonstrations.
The first one took place at Fort McClary earlier this week, while other programs will take place at Ferry Beach, Crescent Beach and Reid State Park next month.
On Wednesday, about 15 people stopped by to talk to Dochtermann during the program. In addition to advice on fishing lures, rods and lines, he also emphasized the importance of safety, whether it was sun and bug protection or just taking extra care when fishing alone.
“It’s education, recreation and we teach them. It’s also conservation. They understand where fish come from, where they live,” he said. “At the same time they learn a skill that could stay with them all their life. If we can teach them to enjoy it, they can do it on their own
Dochtermann, who has been fishing all his life, has worked at state parks in New York, Connecticut and Maine for 48 years. He hoped that other organizations would encourage fishing programs in the future. Depending on response, he hopes to continue the program in the fall.
And although Dochtermann said he doesn’t get out to fish as much as he used to, he says the program may help him get back into it.
“To learn it, you’ve got to do it,” was his final advice to new fishermen.
Dochtermann will be hosting other fishing demonstrations this month:
— Aug. 5 at Ferry Beach State Park from 1 to 3 p.m.
— Aug. 7 at Crescent Beach/Two Lights State Park from 2 to 4 p.m.
— Aug. 10 at Reid State Park from 4 to 6 p.m.
Admission to state parks are free for the program. Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment.
For more information, call Glenn Dochtermann at (207) 384-5160.
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