Anglers: Know the Law

Maine law bans the sale and use of bare (unpainted) lead jigs and sinkers containing any amount of lead that weigh 1 ounce or less or measure 2 1/2 inches long or less. Click here to view Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Lead Tackle Law.

Recent Addition: As of September 1, 2024, the sale of painted lead jigs within the small size range is prohibited. Starting September 1, 2026, the use of painted lead jigs within the small size range is prohibited.

Why Fish Lead Free?

Fishing lead free is better for our wildlife and the health of our lakes. Lead poisoning is a leading cause of death for adult Common Loons in Maine. These deaths are completely preventable by using non-lead fishing tackle. Keeping lead sinkers out of Maine waters will increase loon survival and allow the state’s population to thrive.

Angler’s Guide to Lead-Free Fishing

Non-toxic tackle comes in many metal choices and modern metal alloys offer the angler a number of advantages:

• They are environmentally safe
• They have more sound producing qualities to call in those fish and up your catch
• Tungsten is denser and harder than lead, which allows the angler to “feel” the bait more effectively and, consequently, helps the angler feel the bite
• Tackle made from tin, bismuth, and steel alloys are lighter than lead, but many anglers have reported good success using lighter baits and lures because they have a more natural appearance and presentation.
• Any fishing tackle containing zinc is not recommended because it is also toxic to wildlife.

Tackle Exchange Events

Would you like to host a lead exchange in your community?
Please contact us if you are attending a public event, like a lake association or civic group meeting, if you spend time at a local boat ramp, or if you have a location where fisherman can exchange lead tackle for lead-free samples.

We can provide you with everything you need to publicize the exchange event, collect lead tackle and distribute lead-free samples. Our lead-free kits come with an assortment of lead-free tackle, outreach materials such as rack cards, posters, stickers and business cards outlining the lead law.

Have you gotten lead-free tackle from a tackle exchange? Click here to see where we got the tackle from and check out the other options they have! Where is my lead-free tackle from?

Lead Tackle & Monofilament Line Collection Bins

Would you like to set up a lead tackle collection site in your town?
We currently have funding to support lead tackle and monofilament line collection bins at a number of Maine lakes and ponds. Please contact us if you are interested in setting up a lead tackle collection bin at a boat ramp, public beach, or lake access area. Let us know if you have an organization or business in mind which might be interested in serving as an ongoing lead tackle collection site. Unlike one-time exchange events, ongoing collection sites require someone to construct and install a collection bin, check regularly for deposited tackle, and dispose of the lead tackle at a designated lead collection facility. Lead can also be mailed to us at Maine Audubon/Fish Lead Free, 20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, ME 04105. If you want to set up a collection bin at a state launch be sure to contact MDIFW first before doing so – unsure whether your launch is state or private, click here.

How to make PVC collection bins for lead tackle and monofilament line – see our construction plans on how to build your own tackle collection bin! We can also provide you with stickers to label each bin:

Contact Us

If you want more information on Fish Lead Free, host a tackle exchange, post a collection bin, or become one of our tackle buy-back participating retailers, please email us at Maine Audubon, conserve@maineaudubon.org .

Lead Tackle Collection/Disposal Sites