Definitions of Maine Fishing Rules And Regulations

Artificial Lure means any fishing lure constructed by humans as an imitation or substitute for natural bait or fish forage and includes, but is not limited to artificial flies, spinners, spoons, poppers, plugs, jigs and plastic, rubber or other artificial imitations of natural bait. An artificial lures only rule prohibits the use of any live, dead or chemically preserved natural or organic bait or food.

Dip Net except when taking smelts in a tributary or within 100 feet of the mouth of a tributary, a device consisting of a rigid frame filled with netting, firmly attached to a rigid handle and manually operated by a single person; and when used to take smelts in a tributary or within 100 feet of the mouth of a tribuarty, a device consisting of a rigid circular frame that is not more than 24 inches in diameter as measured at any point on the hoop, filled with netting, firmly attached to a rigid handle and manually operated by a single person. (Title 12, §10001)

To Fish means to take, catch, kill, molest or destroy, or attempt to take, catch, kill, molest, or destroy any fish.

Fly means a single-pointed hook dressed with feathers, hair, thread, tinsel, or any similar material to which no additional hook, spinner, spoon or similar device is added.

FLY FISHING means casting upon water and retrieving in a manner in which the weight of the fly line propels the fly. No more than 3 unbaited artificial flies individually attached to a line may be used. (NOTE: It is unlawful to troll a fly in waters restricted to fly fishing only).

HOOK means a single fishhook constructed with 1, 2 or 3 points.

MINIMUM LEGAL LENGTH is the total length of a fish measured from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail with the lobes of the tail squeezed together.

SALMON means the same as landlocked salmon.

SET LINE means a line extending into the water and rigged to catch fish that has one end secured to the shore or to a fixed or buoyant object and that is not personally attended.

SINGLE-BAITED HOOK means a single baited apparatus designed to catch only one fish at a time.

SNAGGING means to fish by manipulating a hook or hooks in such a manner as to pierce or snag the fish in a part of the body other than the mouth.

TRIBUTARY means a brook, stream, or river flowing directly or indirectly into a lake, pond, or another brook, stream, or river. A lake or great pond shall not be construed to mean tributary. The tributary to a great pond shall not be considered a tributary to the outlet of that great pond.

TROLL means to fish by trailing a line rigged to catch fish behind a watercraft being propelled by mechanical, wind, or manual power. (Tandem flies are allowed when trolling.)