Maine is a great place to fish, whether you’re at the ocean, on a lake, or in a river.
And if we all take a few simple steps this summer, we can keep it that way. To help support our native fish populations as well as wildlife like the iconic loon, Maine Audubon has created public service announcements to encourage people to fish with wildlife in mind this season.
View the PSAs below. To download and share these PSAs on any of your networks or channels use this link.
Fishing with wildlife in mind (75 sec)
Help protect Maine’s native fish (30 sec)
Help Maine native fish and loons by using lead-free tackle (30 sec)
According to Maine Audubon Conservation Director Sally Stockwell, Maine is the last true stronghold in the East for wild Brook Trout and the only state in the continental US with wild populations of Arctic Char and Atlantic Salmon. Just taking these basic steps can help protect Maine’s native fish populations.
Make sure you’re following the most up to date fishing rules for each place you fish, which you can find at mefishwildlife.com.
Leave your live bait fish at home before heading out to fish for Brook Trout or Arctic Charr in most of the North Zone or in designated Heritage Fish Waters in the South Zone.
Fish in early spring and summer or late fall. Give wild salmon and trout a break during midsummer when they are struggling to find cool, oxygen-rich waters. Or target warm water species such as small and largemouth bass—which can be just as much fun to catch.
Always handle fish with care. Keep both the fish and your hands wet at all times; hold the fish carefully under the belly and around the tail, rather than by the gills; and hold the fish gently in the water to revive it before releasing.
Finally, remember: lead tackle less than two and a half inches long or weighing less than one ounce is not allowed in Maine. Discarded lead tackle is picked up and ingested by loons—it’s one of the leading causes of death for adult loons. Help Maine’s fish and loon populations thrive by making the pledge to only use lead-free tackle. Visit fishleadfree.org/me to learn where you can turn in your old tackle.
Our wild trout and salmon are precious. Let’s keep fishing in Maine good for everyone – including the fish.
