Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
with bunks, wood stoves and even television sets! Because of easy access
to all reaches of a lake, fishing pressure in many places is much higher in
winter than in summer.
Before venturing on unfamiliar ice, check with local residents to find out
where traditional thin spots might lurk. After a light snow, the new layer
of white can hide dangerously thin ice. After a rain, the warm water rush-
ing into holes left by ice fishermen can create a “Swiss cheese” effect,
making any ice travel hazardous.
Pressure ridges are often treacherous, as are
areas around inlets and outlet streams. And,
springs may well up anywhere on a lake bot-
tom, creating an area of thin ice above.
Game Wardens
For the most part, Game Wardens, who are responsible for en-
forcing all fish and wildlife laws, are understanding and will usu-
ally take inexperience into account when considering whether or
not a violation deserves a warning or a summons. The law re-
quires a fishing license to be produced upon the order of a game
warden.
Be courteous. Among the violations for which wardens tradition-
ally have the least tolerance are fishing without a license, ex-
ceeding bag limits or fishing in closed areas.
One tip to keep in mind is that the length of a fish is determined
by the amount of the fish measurable when you are contacted by
the warden. Don't cut the head or tail off a barely-legal length
fish until you are just ready to cook it. If stopped and the body in
your possession is undersized, you could be charged.
Wardens, particularly in Northern Maine, routinely run road-
blocks to search vehicles carrying illegally-caught fish cargo,
catch limit violations, and undersize fish.
Fishing of the Future
Two recent practices may have a profound impact on the future of
Maine's freshwater fisheries. One is the practice of catch and release .
Officials encourage anglers to gently release fish they do not intend to eat
so that they can continue to grow and be sport for people in the future.
Often, the trip up from deeper water on the end of a hook is traumatic for
the fish. Hold it gently just under the surface of the water until it can rest
and swim free from your hand.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search