A Day on the Androscoggin: Fly Fishing, Smallmouth, and a Crestliner Pro Tiller
There’s something about the Androscoggin River that just feels remote and wild despite how close it is to civilization. When you’ve got the right guide, the right gear, and a welded aluminum boat that’s built for this kind of work, it becomes more than just a river. It becomes the perfect classroom, the perfect adventure, and the perfect story to take home.
Recently, we spent a day on the water with Jon Peterson — one of our trusted Crestliner Guides — to experience what a guided smallmouth fly fishing trip looks like when everything comes together just right.
Launching in Lisbon
We won’t give away Jon’s secret spots (a good fishing buddy never does), but we launched in Lisbon and drifted into some truly special water. It was quiet, overcast, and the occasional raindrop rippled across the surface. We had the river entirely to ourselves, save for the distant call of a bird or the splash of a smallmouth breaking the surface — subtle signs that the fish were moving.
The goal for the day? For Amy to learn how to fly fish, catch some smallmouth bass, and get a feel for Jon’s 2025 Crestliner Pro Tiller — a boat designed for serious anglers, but intuitive enough for beginners.
Learning to Fly Fish (For Real This Time)
Fly fishing can be intimidating. There’s a lot of gear, a lot of technique, and — if we’re being honest — a lot of people who make it seem more complicated than it needs to be. That’s where Jon shines. He’s calm, patient, and deeply knowledgeable, but never condescending. He explains things clearly, gives you room to make mistakes, and celebrates every little win.
Within the first hour of the day, Amy had our first smallmouth on the line — caught on the fly by someone who had never held a fly rod with any real success before. That’s a testament to Jon’s skill as a teacher and his ability to read both the water and his clients.
The Fish Were Biting
It was one of those good days. The kind you don’t want to jinx by talking about how good it is while it’s happening. The smallmouth were biting, the casts were getting better with every attempt, and the boat was steady and predictable — a huge factor when you’re learning to cast or trying to bring in a strong, head-shaking smallmouth on a light setup.
Why the Crestliner Pro Tiller Matters
If you haven’t fished from a Crestliner Pro Tiller, here’s the quick rundown: this boat is a beast. The 2025 model we were on had everything you’d want for a day of fishing — a wide, open deck with minimal obstructions, smartly placed storage, and the rock-solid stability of Crestliner’s legendary welded hull.
For fly fishing, especially for beginners, the clean layout is a game-changer. There’s nothing to snag on. You’re not worrying about line management or tripping over gear. It just works.
The low profile of the boat also makes landing fish easier — especially when you’re trying to bring one in quickly to reduce stress before releasing. And with Jon at the tiller, the maneuverability and control made it easy to hold position in tricky current or sneak up on likely spots without spooking the fish.
Lunch on an Island
Midday, we tied up to a small island — just one of many perks of having a welded aluminum boat that can take a little abuse. Jon, who also happens to be a great camp cook, made a hot lunch while we stretched our legs and swapped fish stories.
This isn’t your average guide trip. With Jon, it’s clear the goal isn’t just to put fish in the boat. It’s to create a full experience — peaceful, educational, and a little bit wild.
Who Should Book a Trip With Jon?
In short: anyone.
Jon guides freshwater and saltwater trips all across the state of Maine. He works with total beginners, seasoned anglers, couples, families, and everyone in between. If you want to learn how to fly fish, he’s your guy. If you want to get better at reading water, choosing flies, or handling fish, he’s still your guy. If you just want to spend a day on the water with someone who knows his stuff and makes you feel at ease, Jon’s the real deal.
The Clark Marine Connection
Jon is part of our Crestliner Guide Program — meaning he runs his trips out of the very boats we sell. Boats we stand behind. Boats we fish from ourselves.
And here’s the kicker: if you book a trip with Jon and fall in love with the boat (which is very likely), we’ll credit the cost of your one-day guide trip toward the purchase of your new Crestliner.
It’s our way of letting you try before you buy — and of supporting great guides who make boating and fishing in Maine better for everyone.
Check Out Our Crestliner Inventory
We’ve got a full lineup of Crestliner models in stock — from the Pro Tiller to the Fish Hawk and everything in between. Whether you’re looking for your first fishing boat or upgrading to something with a little more grit, we’re happy to walk you through your options.
View in-stock models here: https://www.clarkmarinemaine.com/new-crestliner-boats
Ready to Book?
Reach Jon at https://petersonguideme.com/. Whether you’re looking for a quiet solo day, a couples’ fishing adventure, or a full-on learning experience, we can’t recommend him enough.
See you on the water.
Check out the rest of the photos from the guide trip here!
Photos taken by Amy Gingras. Contact us at sales@clarkmarinemaine.com for permission to use these photos for marketing use.