To Save Maine Loons Painted Lead Fishing Jigs To Be Banned

Who among us doesn’t want to save Loons?

If this is what it takes to keep these beautiful creatures alive in Maine, let us do it. The state continues to move to do just that.

Representative Alison Hepler (D) of Woolwich has put forward a bill that essentially bans the selling or offer for sale of painted lead fishing jigs in an effort to help save loons.

What is the problem with painted lead fishing jigs?

Sadly, loons eat them. And that poisons them. Painted lead fishing jigs are the culprit.

So to keep loons in Maine from eating those jigs, come next year, painted lead fishing jigs weighting one ounce or less, or measuring 2 and a half inches or less in length will be banned.

The Maine Audubon would set up a trade in program for anglers to turn in at least one ounce of lead tackle in exchange for a $10 voucher to buy tungsten steel tackle.

Win – Win

Here is a link to the actual bill for the legal types.

For the rest of us, the summary at the end of the bill says it all

This bill makes 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 beginning September 1, 2024 and illegal  to use them beginning September 1, 2026.