Maine lead ban? 2024

jbmaine reply :

Hi All,

If I understand this correctly, any jig, hook, weighted with lead less than 1 oz. and less than 2 1/2 inches long will be banned from use.

Is this how you read it? If so I'm going to have to replace a lot of my tackle.

Jim

WestBranch reply :

LD 730 bans the sale and use of lead fishing sinkers one ounce or less, as well as bare lead-headed jigs 2.5” long or less. The law is phased-in with first phases beginning this fall (2013) with the ban on the use and sale of lead sinkers and ending September 1, 2017 with the ban on the use of lead headed jigs 2.5” or less in length.

Crestliner2008 reply :

Same as what we have here in Mass.

Will Wetline reply :

Massachusetts enacted the same restriction in 2012 and it is a major inconvenience at considerably greater expense than a lead equivalent.

Do a Google search for "lead free fishing tackle" and follow up on related searches. Also check out what Siebert Outdoors has to offer and get cadman's catalog.

I use tungsten bullet weights for T rigging and mold my own jigs. My source for lead free metals (bismuth, tin and pewter alloys) is:

www.rotometals.com

Master Bait'r reply :

Seatbelt: on

Popcorn: popped

jbmaine reply :

So does this also apply to weighted swim bait hooks etc.?

Jim

frosty reply :

Ah the government... Screwing up your everyday lives since 1776

S. Sass reply :

On 6/27/2016 at 3:15 AM, frosty said:

Ah the government... Screwing up your everyday lives since 1776

Yup can't leave a free country free.

*Hootie reply :

This one is going to go down real quick.

Hootie

frosty reply :

On 6/26/2016 at 10:10 PM, jbmaine said:

So does this also apply to weighted swim bait hooks etc.?

Jim

Sorry for derailing the thread.

I believe, assuming I'm reading it correctly, if it's an uncoated lead weight it will be banned. I'm wondering if a quick coat of paint would make your existing weights "legal"!

Master Bait'r reply :

On 6/27/2016 at 3:31 AM, S. Sass said:

Yup can't leave a free country free.

Lol yeah because America was definitely free before 1776!

S. Sass reply :

On 6/27/2016 at 6:28 AM, Master Bait'r said:

Lol yeah because America was definitely free before 1776!

Compared to today it's not even a question.

jbmaine reply :

On 6/27/2016 at 6:19 AM, frosty said:

Sorry for derailing the thread.

I believe, assuming I'm reading it correctly, if it's an uncoated lead weight it will be banned. I'm wondering if a quick coat of paint would make your existing weights "legal"!

   I wouldn't mind doing that, if it would make my tackle legal.

I'm not trying to start a controversy , Just trying to find out what I can and cannot use.

                           Thanks

                                       Jim

"hamma" reply :

Painted lead is still lead, and illegal,... believe me I checked,..and Im still looking for someone to pour "eco friendly" jigheads in 1/4 oz and specific jigheads like stand-ups, weedless, and darters.

living in lead free states bites if you fish, this ban is all about the loons swallowing pea gravel to aid in their digestion, they will swallow anything this size even the deadly lead,.. if you get caught with a lead based "banned weight/jig" tied on,..you will be dealt with, and yes, they do check if they approach you.

Jaw1 reply :

I really think this is ludicrous. This is just some politicians who got the biggest (contribution) from some organization like PETA or some other poorly informed or dilusional group. Such a shame that good clean pastimes such as fishing will be poisoned by the highest bidders and possibly taken away from our children altogether.

Siebert Outdoors reply :

We do sell Tungsten Jigs and weights. Most of our sales of our Football or Arky jigs do go to the North East due to the lead bans.

roadwarrior reply :

On 6/27/2016 at 9:32 PM, Siebert Outdoors said:

We do sell Tungsten Jigs and weights. Most of our sales of our Football or Arky jigs do go to the North East due to the lead bans.

I might try some just because I like tungsten so much. Can you feel a difference?

Catt reply :

On 6/28/2016 at 1:42 AM, roadwarrior said:

I might try some just because I like tungsten so much. Can you feel a difference?

Times 2!

I'm a hard sell on jigs

MassYak85 reply :

Same ban in mass, it blows. I've never even seen a loon in the state but oh well, got to save the minuscule non-native population we have I guess. I transitioned all my bullet weights to tungsten this year. It sucks though because some things just aren't made in lead-free alternatives. I have yet to find a ned-rig jig in tungsten yet, and stuff like *** jigs are only made out of lead. I'm pretty sure if any bird swallows a 3/4 bass jig with a 5/0 hook on it, whether it is lead or not is not going to matter too much, it's probably going to die. If they wanted to cut down on the lead poisoning issue they should have only targeted sinkers with the ban IMO.

Also, does anyone know how they actually check whether it is lead or not? Pretty much all weights I have, lead or not, are painted. I would assume they would need to damage or destroy the lure/weight in order to test it, and if they are wrong and it wasn't lead....I'm guessing they are not going to reimburse you.

jbmaine reply :

On 6/27/2016 at 9:32 PM, Siebert Outdoors said:

We do sell Tungsten Jigs and weights. Most of our sales of our Football or Arky jigs do go to the North East due to the lead bans.

Looks like I might be giving you an order. Do you sell non lead weighted swim bait hooks?

Jim

boostr reply :

Great, I'm going to Maine in August. Yo Mike I'll be placing an order.

boostr reply :

Can somebody explain this then:

Seems to me you can still use bare lead jigs.

Lead Sinker Law/Interpretation

1) 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.
2) 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.
3) The definition of a lead sinker DOES NOT include artificial lures, weighted line, weighted flies or jig heads.
4) 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.
5) We will interpret the law to mean that it applies to Inland Waters NOT Tidal Waters.
6) If a sinker contains any amount of lead, it will be considered illegal if it doesn’t meet the length and weight requirements.
7) Reminder: Currently the law only prohibits the use and sale of lead sinkers that do not meet the length and/or weight requirements. The sale of bare lead jigs and use of bare lead jigs not meeting the length and/or weight requirements is currently legal but will be prohibited in September of 2016 and September 2017 respectively.
8) If you have additional questions relating to this topic feel free to look at Maine Audubon’s website at: http://maineaudubon.org/wildlife-habitat/legislative-action/loons/

frosty reply :

On 6/27/2016 at 7:58 PM, Keith "Hamma" Hatch said:

Painted lead is still lead, and illegal,... believe me I checked,..and Im still looking for someone to pour "eco friendly" jigheads in 1/4 oz and specific jigheads like stand-ups, weedless, and darters.

living in lead free states bites if you fish, this ban is all about the loons swallowing pea gravel to aid in their digestion, they will swallow anything this size even the deadly lead,.. if you get caught with a lead based "banned weight/jig" tied on,..you will be dealt with, and yes, they do check if they approach you.

Have there been any confirmed cases of lead poisoning in loons? Seems kinda far fetched to me?

Will Wetline reply :

On 6/28/2016 at 6:02 AM, frosty said:

Have there been any confirmed cases of lead poisoning in loons? Seems kinda far fetched to me?

Here are the Massachusetts regulations. There was an extensive study done on loon mortality and you can read about it here:

http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/hunting-fishing-wildlife-watching/fishing/loons-lead-sinkers-and-jigs.html

All the serious fishermen I know were more than a little bit agitated in 2012 about replacing their weights and baits with tackle that's considerably more expensive but there's no other way to comply. I've made the switch and I'm catching fish legally and not noticeably poorer than before.

For those who don't mold their own jigs and weights here, again, are sources of legal supplies:

http://www.siebertoutdoors.com/

http://cadmansjigs.weebly.com/

http://www.leadfreebassjigs.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html (The Ned Head appears to be from the Worm Nose Jig Mold that Do-it Molds manufactures.)

http://www.magslureco.com/about-us.html

You may turn up more if you do a Google search for "lead free fishing tackle."

"hamma" reply :

Thanks Will, I checked the sites and found cadmans states they have eco friendly products but I couldnt find any in their catalog, Not blaming or complaining to you, just a fyi,.. Thanks again

"hamma" reply :

Boostr, It means any weight under 1 oz, or jig under 2.5 inches in length. Most jigs are smaller than 2.5 inches. I'm not sure about the wording as for when it starts and exact details, but I'd call Maines Fish and Game to be sure, they don't mess around up there, and will not hesitate to fine you

Mass yak, they do have a way to test without ruining the jig/weight. I havent seen it or been tested "yet", but I know a few trout anglers that were checked at local trout ponds. The rangers seem to be checking the trout ponds due to the states funded stocking efforts. And, in the western part of the state there are loon nests on a few water bodies with Quabbin being the most frequented. I used to fish there alot and have seen the nests.

I dont think they allow kayaks out there, but they do rent out aluminium boats, check out their website. If you've never fished out there I recommend that you at least try it once, and if you do, get their topo map, you will need it. Possible state records for most species, I think the rainbow record was just broke there a couple weeks ago. No houses, complete wilderness, super clear water. Plus, the smallies, omg! My biggest smallie from there was 6 lb 2 oz, and theres awesome largemouth as well. I never saw a skinny or beat up or unhealthy fish there. Contact with the shoreline was allowed in only a few spots that they provided portapotty's (at least they did when I was last there in 1999) After 9/11 I understand some rules changed. Its my favorite Mass. water body due to the shear beauty, incredable topography, usual bald eagle sightings, and probably the best freshwater fishing in the state

boostr reply :

Well for what it's worth, just got off the phone with a Maine FWD warden, and Lead jigs bare or painted that are under the size and weight requirement are still legal to use until September of this year. In conclusion my trip to Maine won't be affected... SHWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!

I Better start ordering none lead jigs anyway, just in case I make other trips to non lead states.

KlubbaT reply :

On 6/27/2016 at 9:32 PM, Siebert Outdoors said:

We do sell Tungsten Jigs and weights. Most of our sales of our Football or Arky jigs do go to the North East due to the lead bans.

Would love to see you add to your tungsten offerings. Would like to see a tungsten ned jig. Would also like to see tungsten keel weighted hooks and tungsten tube hooks. Is the Arky jig you have a swim jig?

OkobojiEagle reply :

On 6/29/2016 at 2:48 AM, boostr said:

I Better start ordering none lead jigs anyway, just in case I make other trips to non lead states.

... or make it a point not to fish those non lead states.

fishwizzard reply :

On 7/14/2016 at 5:58 AM, KlubbaT said:

Would love to see you add to your tungsten offerings. Would like to see a tungsten ned jig. Would also like to see tungsten keel weighted hooks and tungsten tube hooks. Is the Arky jig you have a swim jig?

The small Keitech ball head jigs work great for the Ned and I have noticed no difference in action between them and Gopher mushroom head jigs.

Siebert Outdoors reply :

On 7/14/2016 at 5:58 AM, KlubbaT said:

Would love to see you add to your tungsten offerings. Would like to see a tungsten ned jig. Would also like to see tungsten keel weighted hooks and tungsten tube hooks. Is the Arky jig you have a swim jig?

I am adding to the Tungsten line. I have a chatterbait type bait coming real soon. The arky is head isnt a swim jig. It would probably swim fine but not technically a swim jig.

Thanks!

nhpleasantlakebass reply :

On 7/14/2016 at 9:01 PM, Siebert Outdoors said:

I am adding to the Tungsten line. I have a chatterbait type bait coming real soon. The arky is head isnt a swim jig. It would probably swim fine but not technically a swim jig.

Thanks!

This is very exciting news where I live in New Hampshire are lead ban is very tuff. Chatterbox actually don't have to be tungsten, for now that is. They are classified as spinnerbaits. But we can't use and lead jigs under 1 oz regardless of length. I also would like to see a tungsten style Ned jig head, and tungsten tube weights.

Rick Howard reply :

If a loon swallows a jig head, I think the hook will kill it before lead is an issue.

boostr reply :

On 7/14/2016 at 9:58 PM, Rick Howard said:

If a loon swallows a jig head, I think the hook will kill it before lead is an issue.

True, they should just ban using hooks...

On 7/14/2016 at 6:18 AM, OkobojiEagle said:

... or make it a point not to fish those non lead states.

oe

That's another option, but where the wifey wants to go... I don't fish in lead banned states anyway so it's no biggie for me.

Rick Howard reply :

I should say I do not disagree with trying to minimize our negative impact on the environment. I am a conservationist at heart. I have no issue with using lead alternatives when I can. I use steel slips. If tungsten jig prices come down I would like to use them and spinners too. I fish jigs and spinners a lot and lose to many to afford tungsten.

Further North reply :

The problem with tungsten isn't how well it works...it works better than lead.

The problem is the cost.

When I shoot shotgun shells..tungsten matrix is the best shot out there...but it's $25 for a box of 10...

Same thing for fishing...get a reasonably priced non-lead alternative into the the market and this is no problem.

All my current bullet weights are steel, and they work fine. Bigget than lead, but thay get the job done...

iceintheveins reply :

These regulations should never be passed and are pure garbage. Those who pass them should be kicked out of office. This is the problem with giving state wildlife agencies so much power. In most cases un - elected bureaucrats that are the ones passing "laws", and there is no accountability. They can almost rule by decree. It's sick.

Mshutta reply :

I was planning on doing some fishing in Maine this year so I stumbled on this thread.. useful.

I know it's not worth anything now since all the lead bans are already in effect, but I wrote an article for a friends website years ago after doing some in-depth research on why the NE states have enacted these lead bans.. It's worth a read if you're interested in the facts. It also sites the research papers that were done that state's used to support their actions.

My synopsis: Small lead weights do most of the damage, they could have banned 1/4 OZ and lower and saved anglers a lot of hassle of replacing majority of the weights and jigs we use.

http://s480269097.onlinehome.us/Massachusetts_Lead_Bans.html

CTBassin860 reply :

On 6/26/2016 at 8:21 PM, Crestliner2008 said:

Same as what we have here in Mass.

Except we can still buy lead jigs under 1oz.Go figure,its all you can find Thats decent in the store.

Crestliner2008 reply :

On 3/9/2017 at 1:12 AM, MassBassin508 said:

Except we can still buy lead jigs under 1oz.Go figure,its all you can find Thats decent in the store.

Yes, you can buy them, but you cannot use them to fish with in MA (under 1-oz.). The main reason the stores still carry them is for the use of fishermen that go out of state to fish, yet buy their stuff here.

Crestliner2008 reply :

By the way, not to derail this interesting thread, but what iceintheveins is saying is somewhat bolstered by the fact that a small group of individuals - who claim to be environmentalists - are now proposing to stock rattlesnakes in the Quabbin. To "preserve" an endangered species. And, of course, at taxpayer's expense. I'm sure nothing can go wrong with that notion!

gimruis reply :

Wouldn't surprise me if every state eventually banned the use of lead in fishing tackle at some point. Lead shot has been federally banned to hunt waterfowl for years now and some states ban it on public land when hunting other game (deer, turkey, pheasants, etc) too.

boostr reply :

Looks like in Maine you can still use led jigs, ned, halfmoon, shakey for example. but not in September... I guess maybe that's when the Loon population explodes maybe.

WRB reply :

Secretary Ryan Zinke just lifted the lead ban in frederal lands and national parks, might want to check that out.

Tom

Crestliner2008 reply :

Another point of view: Although I'm convinced that lead in, or around, a water supply is not a good thing, I can say that I've raised 4 wonderful children (+6 grandkids), all of whom went on to higher learning and degrees. Raised them in this old 1902 "handyman special" home, fully plumbed with copper pipes, smelted with lead. And I've even done some this as well. All, with no ill effects. So, while the contemporary thought is that lead in or near our water supply is not a good thing and which is petty much accepted universally, I still have some reservations. JMO.

frosty reply :

On 3/10/2017 at 2:13 AM, Crestliner2008 said:

Another point of view: Although I'm convinced that lead in, or around, a water supply is not a good thing, I can say that I've raised 4 wonderful children (+6 grandkids), all of whom went on to higher learning and degrees. Raised them in this old 1902 "handyman special" home, fully plumbed with copper pipes, smelted with lead. And I've even done some this as well. All, with no ill effects. So, while the contemporary thought is that lead in or near our water supply is not a good thing and which is petty much accepted universally, I still have some reservations. JMO.

Just don't chew on the pipes

6688

Maine lead ban? 2024

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