BAITFISH AND SMELT INFORMATION 53 female male
Sucker ( White and Longnose )
• Mouth points downward with thick lips
• Large scales
• Adults can be over 22 " in length
Northern Redbelly Dace
• Two black lateral bands down body
• Males may exhibit bright red coloration on bellies
• Similar legal species include blacknose , longnose , pearl , and finescale dace
Golden Shiner
• Deep flattened body with a strongly downward curving lateral line
• Large scales
• Sickle-shaped anal fin
• Fleshy “ keel ” ( lacks scales ) between the pelvic fins and anal fin
Eastern Silvery Minnow
• Silvery sides with some olive coloration on back
• Lower jaw is crescent or banana shaped
• Somewhat similar in appearance to rainbow smelt , but adipose fin absent
Common Shiner
• Deep bodies with a slightly downward curving lateral line ( curved less deeply than the golden shiner )
• Scales on sides near the front of the body are obviously taller than they are wide
• Mature individuals may have red fins ( also known as the “ Redfin Shiner ”)
Lake Chub
• Similar in appearance to Creek Chub , but lacks a dot at the base of the dorsal fin
• Mature adults may have bright orange / red spots where the pectoral fins meet the body
TROUBLE BY THE BUCKETFUL
That ’ s what the illegal introduction of exotic species brings to Maine ’ s waters .
Some thoughtless individuals are attempting to destroy the future of Maine ’ s native fisheries . These nonsportsmen illegally stock the type of fish they prefer to catch , without regard for the environmental havoc they inflict on the resource . Illegal stocking selfishly denies the people of Maine the right to decide what is best for our waters .
Please help fight this serious problem .
• It is illegal to transport live fish without a permit except legal baitfish or smelts .
• It is illegal to dump unused baitfish into any waterway .
• There is a $ 10,000 fine for a conviction of illegal stocking .
• Always keep your ears and eyes open for those who are committing these senseless acts .
• If convicted , the license revocation has increased from 1 to 5 years .
To report information about an illegal introduction please call : 1-800-ALERT- US ( 253-7887 )
BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR AQUATIC INVADERS
Maine Law prohibits the transport or possession of any invasive plant or plant parts on watercraft or equipment ( including baitfish traps and nets ) that could cause the plant or plant parts to enter waters of the state . It ’ s up to you to inspect boats and equipment and ensure Maine ’ s waters are free from all aquatic invaders , including invasive plants . Failure to clean your equipment between waters puts you subject to financial penalties and loss of equipment .
2024 STATE OF MAINE LAWS & RULES FISHING