In the world of landlocked salmon fishing, there are a handful of lures that stand tall above the rest, and today the Cecil’s Smelt is rubbing shoulders with the elite. However, this well-groomed lure didn’t climb the ladder of success by chance, its presence has become known among fishermen through its success on the water.

Up until the late ’80s, its attributes were only recognized in very limited areas of the state, such as East Grand Lake. That’s where the late Cecil Garcelon first put his homemade lure to the test, mainly because Garcelon designed his lure to resemble the smelt in this Lake, said Dave Garcelon, his son.

In 1987, Cecil Garcelon decided to introduce his lure onto the open market; however, most tackle shops were skeptical, and refused to carry it in their inventory, said Dave Garcelon. They viewed it as just a piece of plastic with a hook through it, something that showed no promise to anglers was the general consensus, added Garcelon. However, each time this so-called uninviting lure was given a fair shake among doubting fishermen, it caught rave reviews, and area tackle shops were quick to add it to their arsenal.

By 1995 Cecil’s Smelt was holding residence in nearly every tackle shop in the state. Much of New England and areas of New York were reaping the benefits as well. It was a task that was accomplished with very limited advertising, said Garcelon as the lure plainly sold on its on merits.

“When my dad passed away in 1995, he was satisfied at the current status of success, and never intended to push his lure any farther,” said Garcelon.

“He wasn’t about to let it become a full-time job, after all anyone who knew Dad understood his true love was fishing, and the revenues from this lure were aimed at supplementing the family income, and keeping fuel in the outboard,” said Garcelon.

“Since taking over the business, I’ve taken the same approach, in order to remain employed at a job I enjoy,” said Garcelon. “However, once I retire I’m not beyond trying to broaden the horizon for this lure.”

Up until now Cecil’s Smelt has pretty much sold itself, but with a little boost from its manufacturer the lure could possibly keep a fleet of fishing boats on the water.

Brook trout weigh in

Reports from trout ponds in Baxter Park have been very promising, according to fisheries biologist Nels Kramer. According to anglers there have been an abundance of hatches, and some of these waters are releasing brook trout between 3 and 5 pounds, added Kramer.

Big news from Mooselookmeguntic Lake over in the western mountains recently is two brook trout were caught just a few ounces shy of 6 pounds, said fisheries biologist Forrest Bonney. Next door at Rangeley Lake the fishing remains favorable for anglers and fishermen are latching onto a fair amount of sizeable landlocked salmon.

The windy, rainy weather this past weekend kept a vast number of fishing boats sidelined at Moosehead Lake, according to fisheries biologist Stephen Seeback. However, the weather wasn’t fierce enough to discourage some anglers fishing from shore, which proved fairly successful to some as salmon, togue, and brook trout made up the catch.

Largemouth bass are on the take at Cobbossee Lake in the Augusta area, said fisheries biologist William L. Woodward. A husband and wife recently latched onto a pair of overweight largemouth bass. The bass weighed 6 and 9 pounds, said Woodward.

In southern Maine, the Upper Androscoggin and Lower Little Androscoggin Rivers are giving up a fair amount of rainbow and brown trout 8-13 inches in length, according to fisheries biologist Francis Brautigam. However, the Upper Androscoggin River has delivered a few trout 18 inches in length.

East Grand action varying

Last Sunday afternoon, East Grand Lake gave us just a taste of what it’s capable of. During the closing two hours of the day, our fishing party of five experienced about half a dozen strikes fishing with streamer flies and Cecil’s Smelt. One angler latched onto a sassy 181/2-inch salmon that put on an impressive show.

The Joe’s Smelt takes much of the credit as it was trolled on the surface. Monday we hit the lake hard, but the action was less favorable for the time we invested. There were a few salmon taken on a Mooselook Wobbler, but nothing that carried a lot of weight. A small number of bass got in on the action as well.

Question of the week

What is the name for rainbow trout that migrate to the sea?

Answer to last week’s question: Is the blueback trout native to Maine? Yes

Outdoor Calendar

Mark your calendars for June 23-24 as the Hermon Skeet Club will host the 2001 NSCA State Championship shoot. Everyone is welcome whether you intend to shoot or view the event. For more information, contact Henry or Joan Trial at 394-2655 or by e-mail at tblitz@midmaine.com.

Terry Farren’s Outdoor Report is published each Friday. He can be reached at 990-8067 or by e-mail at outdoorreport@bangordailynews.net