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Anglers, Do Your Part to Protect our Waters
You must immediately kill fish you keep (§12611; §10902)
- Up to 6 months incarceration and $1,000 fine
- 10 year suspension of fishing license
The only live fish that may be transported within the state without special permits are legal live baitfish and smelt (§12512; §10902)
- Up to 6 months incarceration
- $1,000 minimum and $10,000 maximum fine
- 10 year suspension of fishing license
Live baitfish and smelt must be purchased from, and sold by, licensed retailers (§12551; §12552)
- $100-500 fine for purchasing smelt from an unlicensed retailer
- Up to 6 months incarceration and $1,000 fine for selling without a license
It is illegal to bring live fish or fish eggs into Maine without special permits requiring disease certification (§12509; §10902)
- Up to 6 months incarceration
- $1,000 minimum and $10,000 maximum fine
- 10 year suspension of fishing license
It is illegal to dispose of live baitfish and smelt into inland waters (§12557)*
- $100-500 fine
- If 3 or more violations within last 5 years then up to 6 months incarceration and $1,000 fine
* More severe penalties apply if considered an illegal introduction ((§12510; §10902)
It is illegal to introduce fish into Maine waters without a permit (§12510; §10902)
- Up to 6 months incarceration
- $1,000 minimum and $10,000 maximum fine
- Costs associated with mitigating the introduction (e.g., labor, chemicals, equipment)
- 10 year suspension of fishing license
Watercraft and equipment must be free of aquatic plant fragments (§419-C)
- Up to a $500 fine for first violation
- Forfeiture of up to $2,500 for violations