Boating and Fishing Info!

BOATING AND FISHING INFO

Click here for Stand-Up Paddleboard regulations

LEAD FISHING TACKLE INFO

Use of Lead Fishing Tackle (PDF) Fishing lead free is better for our lakes and our wildlife. Ingested lead fishing tackle is the leading cause of death for adult Common Loons of which there are around 4,500 adults across the state. Keeping lead sinkers out of Maine waters will increase the survival of these birds and will allow for continued population growth of this species across the northeast.

The sale and use of lead sinkers less than 2.5 inches in length and/or less than 1 ounce in weight is prohibited. If a lead sinker is over 2.5 inches in length or it weighs over 1 ounce or both it is legal to use and sell or offer for sale. If a sinker contains ANY amount of lead, it will be considered illegal if it doesn’t meet the length and weight requirements.

The definition of a lead sinker DOES NOT include artificial lures, weighted line, weighted flies or jig heads.

Bare Lead Jigs

As of September 2016 the sale of bare lead jigs not meeting the length (2.5 inches) and/or weight (1 ounce) requirements is prohibited. NOTE: Effective September 2017, the use of bare lead jigs not meeting the length (2.5 inches) and/or weight (1 ounce) requirements will be prohibited.