BANGOR DAILY NEWS • May 18, 2023
A bill designed to ban more types of lead fishing equipment to reduce further health threats to Maine loons got key approval from the Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Wednesday. The committee voted 8-2 in favor of LD 958. If approved by the Legislature, the bill will make it illegal to sell or offer for sale painted lead jigs weighing one ounce or less or measuring 2 1/2 inches or less in length. The ban would go into effect on Sept. 1, 2024, for sellers and would be expanded to ban the use of the lures beginning on Sept. 1, 2026. Rep. Steven Wood, R-Greene, voted in opposition to the bill based on discussions with anglers who said switching from lead jigs to tungsten steel is going to cost a lot of money. However, under Maine Audubon’s “Fish Lead Free” program, anglers who turn in at least one ounce of lead tackle are provided with a $10 voucher that can be used to buy nontoxic alternatives at tackle shops. Maine Audubon then reimburses the merchants.