Maine’s painted-lead jig use ban is now in force on inland water

Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s lead-tackle page and the state’s fishing-law summary say the last step of the painted-jig phase-out took effect Sept. 1, 2026. It is now unlawful to use painted lead jigs that weigh one ounce or less or measure 2.5 inches or less on inland waters. Sale of those painted jigs was already illegal. Unpainted lead jigs and lead sinkers in that size range were already banned for both sale and use.

A lead jig, in Maine statute, is a hook with a lead weight molded to it — painted, coated, or dressed with skirts. Spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, spoons, poppers, plugs, flies, and lead-core line are written out of that definition. Sale rules are statewide. Use rules apply on inland water, not the coast. A first offense is a civil fine of $100 to $500.

If you are traveling with a Midwest or West Coast box, pull the small painted lead heads before you fish a Maine lake. Tungsten, steel, and tin replacements are what the state is pushing so loons stop eating lost lead.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Use of Lead Fishing Tackle on Inland Waters and General Fishing Laws and Definitions. Statute: 12 M.R.S. §12664 (use) and §12663-B (sale).