PDF 2023 Maine Saltwater Recreational Fishing Regulations *** Nonresident 15-day fishing license may be exchanged for a nonresident season fishing license upon payment of $17 plus the agent's fee.Fees listed do not include the agent fee.Effective January 1, 2019, Alien licenses will no longer be available. NOAA is seeking comments on the council-recommended measures, and on a 10-fish limit and 17-inch minimum size for both for-hire and private angler modes for Gulf of Maine haddock. That would be prudent when you consider the rarity of the species and its increasing popularity with anglers. A valid Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older, to fish in inland waters or transport fish taken from inland waters. I understand, for the most part, the reasons behind them most of which the general public never really has much exposure to. Maine Person must meet all respective safety course requirements to hunt with individual methods (i.e. During my time as a Maine Game Warden, I was afforded a unique perspective and understanding of our states fish and wildlife laws. Chris passion and appreciation for hunting, processing and preparing wild game has become more January 1 to December 31: Open to ice and open water fishing under general law bag and length limits. If it was, this means there is no outstanding balance to pay on the account. Home Hunting & Trapping Hunting Laws & Rules. A six-inch minimum length limit, as is in place for seven of 10 charr waters open to fishing and harvest, provides minimal protection for what is, by any reasonable definition, a rare fish. Changes to Cod and Haddock Recreational Regulations in the Gulf of Free fishing days are February 18-19, 2023 and June 3-4, 2023. In a recent column,I challenged Maines rare native Arctic charr being lumped in with relatively common brook trout and hatchery-raised hybrid splake as part of the General Fishing Laws and Definitions. Official Maine Saltwater Fishing rules and regulations. (obtained from agent who issued original). Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office Maine Shellfishing locations, regulations, licenses and permits, equipment City of Ellsworth Newsletter. Size: Minimum size 17 inches. These days, it seems a person needs to possess nothing less than a masters degree in order to make sense of some of our fishing rules and regulations. All managed game fish in Maine are covered under general law. Fishing Resources & Helpful Hints - Visit Maine Pass on a Maine tradition and a gift that will last a lifetime. The following Maine saltwater recreational fishing regulations are current as of March 1, 2023. Internet Explorer lacks support for the features of this website. He handed them to me and smiled. Must still apply for antlerless and moose permits each year when applications become available. In the Woods He is also For the most up to date information, please visit our website at mefishwildlife.com. If you need assistance, view our PDF Help page, or email us. Native Fish CoalitionPO Box 10Pownal, ME 04069. Only accounts with amounts due will be available to search. Regardless, even as a warden, I always checked the regulations of each body of water before working it, sometimes spending considerable time deciphering the verbiage or even calling another warden to make sure I was reading it correctly. Regardless, I couldnt help but lose myself while flipping through that old lawbook. When you consider that three waters now have a 10-inch minimum, it would make sense to use this as a new and more protective general law. Maine's Ice Fishing Season Dates - The Fishing Wire Any person or entity that allows a group of persons with disabilities to fish in a location for a period of time as specified on the license (Title 12, SS10853-17). That was frustrating and often led to a much softer hand when enforcing measures while dealing with the average Joe. Home Fishing & Boating Fishing Laws & Rules License Requirements and Fees. August 30, 2022 NOAA Fisheries has set Gulf of Maine (GOM) cod and haddock recreational measures for fishing year 2022. For the best experience, please use a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. For a one-time fee of $8.00, a senior lifetime license entitles the holder to all privileges they are qualified to receive including hunting, trapping, archery, and fishing. For the best experience, please use a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Fishing Ed Lombardo holds up a spring striped bass that he caught in Narrow River, R.I. NOAA Fisheries filed a proposed rule that includes recreational fishing regulation changes for Georges Bank cod, Gulf of Maine cod and haddock in the 2023 fishing year. Any Maine resident who is blind (Title 12, 10853-2); Any Maine resident (or nonresident, if reciprocal privileges exist in the home state of the nonresident) who is suffering from the loss, or loss of use, of both lower extremities (Title 12, 10853-3); Any person with a developmental disability (as defined in Title 5, 19503) (Title 12, 10853-10); Any person with a head injury (as defined in Title 22, 3086) (Title 12, 10853-12); and. First, the general law for brook trout, which presently includes Arctic charr, was designed with brook trout in mind, not charr, nor even splake. Its not to say that todays regulations arent warranted, necessary or applicable. I flipped to page 4, titled More for the sportsman, and was struck by the first paragraph, which read, Fishing laws were first framed to answer the demands of the sportsmen. If we cant protect wild native brook trout and Arctic charr, what can we protect? A person is required to keep their fishing license with them at all times while fishing or transporting fish and must exhibit their license for inspection by any warden, department employee, guide, or landowner upon request. Share this: . Augusta, ME 04333-0041, Phone: (207) 287-8000 NOAA Fisheries Approves Changes to Cod and Haddock Recreational there were two vintage pocket-sized pamphlets titled "Maine Inland Fishing Laws," specifically, the . There are two native Arctic charr waters in the South Zone: Floods Pond and Green Lake. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Christine Kircun, Agency Approach to Saltwater Recreational Fishing Has Changed, Progressed through Partnership, President Signs New Executive Order Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal, Climate, Ecosystems & Fisheries Initiative, Recreational Fishing Regulations by Species, Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office. Last updated by Fishing Derbies: Licenses & Permits: Fishing: Fishing & Boating - Maine Minimum size: 17 inches. Their spouse and any dependent children residing with them are also entitled to discounted rates. Recreational Fishing Regulations by Species | NOAA Fisheries It also includes one free chance in the moose lottery and entry into a special category in the antlerless deer permit lottery. It also includes one free chance in the moose lottery and entry into a special category in the antlerless deer permit lottery. 41 State House Station While the general law daily bag limit for brook trout in the North Zone is five fish, eight of the 10 native Arctic charr waters in the zone have a two-fish limit. In cases where no water-specific law is in place, the daily bag limit and minimum length limit revert to general law. Possession of fishing tackle in the fields or forests or on the waters or ice of this State without a fishing license is prima facie evidence of fishing in violation of the law.The commissioner may allow a licensee who has received a complimentary fishing license (See General Fishing Laws and Definitions) to have a person accompany and assist that licensee in fishing. August 30, 2022 - New England/Mid-Atlantic Now as a purely consumptive recreational user of the resource, I often spend several frustrating minutes reading, re-reading and flipping this page to that page in our lawbooks, trying to make sure I have things correct. On these days, any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) may fish without a license. Disabled Veterans:Maine resident and nonresident veterans (if reciprocal privileges exist in their home state) who have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces or the National Guard and have a service-connected disability of 50% or more will be issued, upon application, a complimentary license to fish, trap, or hunt (including all necessary permits and other permissions, and upon meeting qualifications, a guide's license) as well as one expanded archery either sex permit and one expanded archery antlerless deer permit. If the account you are looking up has a zero balance or a credit balance you will see the below message. CALL 207 287-8000 2021-22 MAINE HUNTING SEASONS 2021-22 MAINE HUNTING SEASONS 2021-22 MAINE . Monday-Friday 8AM to 5PM, Notifications One, Black Pond, has an only one may exceed 14 inches special clause, likely done to protect large brook trout, as charr over 14 inches are not common. After consultation with the New England Fishery Management Council, NOAA Fisheries is proposing changes to Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank cod as recommended by the council. The revenues generated by the sale of these licenses will be deposited in a special trust fund that will provide longterm financial support for Maine's fish and wildlife. As a basic rule, all anglers and fishers, both resident and non-resident, and are 16 years old and older, are required to purchase the necessary licenses and permits to be allowed to fish in inland waters or transport fish taken from inland waters. Possession of fishing tackle in the fields or forests or on the waters or ice of this State without a fishing license is prima facie evidence of fishing in violation of the law.The commissioner may allow a licensee who has received a complimentary fishing license (See General Fishing Laws and Definitions) to have a person accompany and assist th. Last updated by on 04/19/2023, Louis Forristall, Fishery Management Specialist, (978) 281-9321. All other laws and regulations apply on these days. Forward fishing news and photos to dmontifish@verison.net or visit noflukefishing.com. Possession limit 6 fish or 5 pounds, absent any articulation of species. The next page included tips on what to do in the event you became lost, all of which are still sound today. Feb 13, 2023 1 of 3 The charter fishing boat Mistie C. heads out of Newburyport. Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office Note: Not all town clerks issue nonresident licenses. Exchange Students:Any citizen of a foreign nation under age 21 who is living with a family in Maine for a cultural or educational exchange program may purchase a resident license to hunt or fish. Home States Maine's Ice Fishing Season Dates. Check out this article to learn How to Fly Fish for Brown Trout. 353 Water Street Its also not to say that they arent completely understandable to anyone if the proper amount of attention is paid. More by Chris Sargent, Outdoors Contributor, Man drowns while trying to save his daughters on midcoast pond, 3 dead, 1 injured in multi-vehicle crash in Paris, Photos: Chris Stapleton draws country fans to Bangor waterfront, 21-year-old seriously injured in fiery I-295 crash, Watch this huge Maine snapping turtle visit a fisherman, 25 new US citizens sworn in during Bangor naturalization ceremony, Soldier Pond man charged with attempted murder in shooting, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. We have had a few nice tautog caught in deeper water off wrecks with some nice cod mixed in as they seem to be close too, said Cahill. Hunting Laws & Rules - Maine Any resident 16 or 17 years old in the custody of the Dept. Brook Trout Does crystal clear water sound good to you? A large package representing consisting of a years worth of changes, the MDIFW Advisory Council must now vote the entire package either up or down. Dinner is available at 5:30 p.m. with the seminar starting at 7 p.m. Non-members invited to attend with a $10 donation to the RISAA Scholarship Fund, members attend free. It is also a State Heritage Fish water, and a trophy recreational fishery of . Assume once our water warms a bit (now about 47 degrees) the tautog bite will improve, Wade said. Residents and nonresidents may obtain fishing licenses from agents throughout the State (sporting goods stores, many convenience stores, town clerks and turnpike service centers, online or from our Department office in Augusta. The person accompanying and assisting the holder of a complimentary fishing license may do so without obtaining a separate fishing license. Those in NFC most familiar with the regulatory process and history, see this as arguably the worse proposal in recent history. Note: Not all town clerks issue nonresident licenses. PDF 2022 Maine Sea Run Rainbow Smelt Regulations Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. Ed Stahowicak has worked as a freelancer, staff designer and photographer for numerous companies. Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. Under the new law, retailers will be prohibited from selling painted lead fishing jigs beginning Sept. 1, 2024, while users will be banned from casting such tackle into state waters beginning Sept . Possession of fishing tackle in the fields or forests or on the waters or ice of this State without a fishing license is prima facie evidence of fishing in violation of the law.The commissioner may allow a licensee who has received a complimentary fishing license (See General Fishing Laws and Definitions) to have a person accompany and assist th. I would suggest that Arctic charr should be protected under general law by a 10-inch minimum length requirement and a two-fish daily bag and possession limit. Fax: (207) 287-8094 or (207) 287-6395 In general, it is unclear what MDIFW is doing and why. A person is required to keep their fishing license with them at all times while fishing or transporting fish and must exhibit their license for inspection by any warden, department employee, guide, or landowner upon request. Wadleigh Pond has a post-reclamation catch-and-release regulation and Wassataquoik Lake in Baxter State Park has a five-fish limit. 353 Water Street Residents and nonresidents may obtain fishing licenses from agents throughout the State (sporting goods stores, many convenience stores, town clerks and turnpike service centers, online or from our Department office in Augusta. Point of Contact Louis Forristall, Fishery Management Specialist, (978) 281-9321 Summary NOAA Fisheries announces the closure of the Northern Gulf of Maine Scallop Management Area for the remainder of the 2023 fishing year for Limited Access General Category vessels, effective April 21, 2023. Outdoors contributor May 23, 2023 May 23, 2023. Thank you for reading! by Chris Sargent, Outdoors Contributor February 12, 2023 February 11, 2023. Customer Jeff Spicer has been landing some nice trout at Shippee Sawmill Pond, Foster using Power Bait, said Henault of Ocean State Tackle. The laws and regulations will protect your rights and those of others and insure perpetual fishing. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife just published their proposed regulations changes for 2023. States. 2023 Closure of the Northern Gulf of Maine | NOAA Fisheries Fax: (207) 667-4908, City Hall Hours: Under this proposal, all Arctic charr waters open to fishing, except Wadleigh Pond, would fall under the new proposed general law (two fish, 10-inch minimum length). Arctic charr are notably rarer and less frequently targeted by anglers than brook trout, which are Maines most common salmonid and most popular game fish. TTY: Maine Relay 711 The tautog bite is good along the Canal where anglers are catching 20-inch fish, with larger fish being taken in Buzzards Bay at places like the Southwest Ledge, said Swartz. Mills signs bill to protect Maine's loon population from painted lead of Health and Human Services (Title 12, 10853-16). Be aware of rules for clamming, including time limits (usually daytime only) and limits on catch size and the size of the animal. The most common questions were how it could be done from a fishing law book standpoint and what would be appropriate in regard to a specific general law for Arctic charr. ** Maine resident permanently stationed outside the state of Maine. Its recommended that you are familiar with the Fishing Regulations in the State of Maine. This license must be obtained at the main office in Augusta. Continue on to Check a Balance or Make a Payment, Frenchman Bay Regional Shellfish Conservation, Transfer Station, Trash Collection & Recycling, State of Maine Online Sportsmans Electronic System MOSES, 023 Maine Saltwater Recreational Fishing Regulations (PDF Info Sheet), Board of Appeals Meeting Notice and Agenda for Monday July 24th, 2023, City Council Special Meeting Notice for Friday, June 30th, 2023, Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting Notice and Agenda for Monday June 26th, 2023. for 30 days, Free Fax: (207) 287-8094 or (207) 287-6395 Maine lobster industry wins reprieve but environmentalists say whales The license also includes the following: bear hunt, bear trap, migratory waterfowl, pheasant, spring and fall turkey, coyote night hunt, crossbow, muzzleloader, one expanded archery antlerless deer permit, and one expanded archery either-sex permit (allows either an antlered or antlerless deer but not both). Many special regulations for a specific body of water simply stated, Fly fishing only. Nonresident anglers visiting Maine are reminded that it is illegal to bring baitfish into the state of Maine, and those who do are subject to a $10,000 fine. No more than two treble hooks per lure. Planning Board Notices Note : Filleting at sea is allowed. The Plan provides the Regional Administrator authority, in consultation with the New England Fishery Management Council, to develop recreational management measures to ensure that the recreational catch limits for these stocks are achieved, but not exceeded. Pass on a Maine tradition and a gift that will last a lifetime. Continuing what has been a disturbing trend of liberalizing regulations on wild native fish over the last couple of years, MDIFW is proposing notable changes to many wild native trout waters, including State Heritage Fish waters, and rare wild native Arctic charr waters. Military Currently Stationed in Maine: Anyone serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and permanently stationed at a military base in Maine (including spouse and dependent children if they permanently reside with that person) may purchase a resident license to hunt, trap, or fish. There were three magazines, all in excellent condition: a January 1962 edition of Fur-Fish-Game and the May and October 1961 editions of Field and Stream. Bob Mallard has fly fished for 40 years. We welcome the five NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office interns for summer 2023! The person accompanying and assisting the licensee must remain within the imme-diate proximity of the licensee while that licensee is fishing. A person who resides outside of the country will purchase a non-resident license at the non-resident license fee. Releasing a sandbar shark on a shark survey. Welcome! The general law minimum length for brook trout in both the North and South Zones is six inches. Physical Address: The use of all legal forms of bait, artificial lures, and artificial flies are permitted. In Maine, fishing regulations are implemented for many reasons, including: To protect native resources To enhance fishing quality To maintain healthy ecosystems To control exotic species in certain waters For public safety reasons (e.g. 6001 13-C and (20). This rulemaking proposes fishing year 2023 recreational management measures for Georges Bank cod, Gulf of Maine cod, and Gulf of Maine haddock. We have updated Gulf of Maine cod and haddock recreational management measures, as recommended by the New England Council. License Requirements and Fees: Laws & Rules: Fishing: Fishing - Maine Maine Saltwater Fishing Seasons & Rules | eRegulations Free Fishing Days: Will take place on February 18-19, 2023 and June 3-4, 2023. Bulletin | New England/Mid-Atlantic | New England The recreational fishery for Gulf of Maine cod and haddock is managed under the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. Their spouse and any dependent children residing with them are also entitled todiscounted rates. In 2016, we printed over 700,000 law books. However, possession limits were far more liberal and werent always limited to the number of fish but also pounds of fish caught. Towns may occasionally close shellfish beds for conservation of the resource or because of polluted waters. LAWS MAINE INLAND FISHING Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife | Information contained within this publication is subject to change after printing and is not valid after December 31, 2021. City Council Notices Regulations require this action once we project that 100 percent of the Limited Access General Category set-aside for the Northern Gulf of Maine Scallop Management Area will be harvested. On these days, any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) may fish without a license.