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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.
Lead Sinkers
The sale and use of
lead sinkers not meeting the length (2.5 inches) and/or weight (1 ounce)
requirements 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 Department will interpret the definition of lead sinker
to include any tackle that is permanently manufactured to the lead itself. When
measuring for a minimum of 2.5 inches, the manufactured tackle will be included
in the measurement. This will not include any additional items that have been
added to the original manufacturing device.
Please read the manufacturer’s label carefully to determine the weight of the
lead sinker. If the lead is manufactured as part of other fishing tackle, the
entire piece of equipment needs to be more than 1 ounce in weight. The
definition of a lead sinker DOES NOT include artificial lures, weighted line,
weighted flies or jig heads.
Bare Lead Jigs
As of September 2017,
the sale and use of bare lead jigs not meeting the length (2.5 inches)
and/or weight (1 ounce) requirements is prohibited.
For more information, please visit https://fishleadfree.org/
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