{"data":{"id":"us-me/12-m.r.s.-12664","jurisdiction":"us-me","citation":"12 M.R.S. §12664","heading":"Unlawful use of lead sinkers and lead jigs","body":"1.  Definitions.  As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.\nA.\nB.  \"Lead sinker\" means a device that contains lead that is designed to be attached to a fishing line and intended to sink the line and does not include artificial lures, ice‑fishing sounders, weighted line, weighted flies or jig heads.\nC.\nD.  \"Lead jig\" means a hook with a lead weight molded to it, regardless of whether it is painted, coated or covered by some other substance or by attached skirts.  \"Lead jig\" does not include a fishing-related lead item, including, but not limited to, a lead core line, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, spoons, poppers, plugs or flies.\n2.  Unlawful use.  This subsection governs the use of lead sinkers and lead jigs.\nA.  A person may not:\n(3)  Beginning September 1, 2026, use a painted lead jig.\nA-1.  A person may not use a lead sinker or unpainted lead jig that:\n(1)  Weighs one ounce or less; or\n(2)  Measures 2 1/2 inches or less in length.\nB.  A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged.\nC.  A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime.","path":["TITLE 12: CONSERVATION","PART 13: INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE","CHAPTER 923: FISH: FISHING SEASONS AND RESTRICTIONS","SUBCHAPTER 5: UNLAWFUL FISHING METHODS"],"source_url":"https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/12/title12sec12664.html","current_through":"October 1, 2025","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-04T15:12:25Z","sha256":"cb518ce7cbcb78b97dc625d373299a82b27d9377b64473def35643122dcff9d9","source_id":"us-me","stale":false,"prev":"us-me/12-m.r.s.-12663-b","next":"us-me/12-m.r.s.-12701"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}