The short answer: chumming is legal in Maine, but only under strict conditions that will change in 2026. Anglers may use bait to attract fish in designated offshore waters, yet the state is tightening limits on bait type, quantity, and location to protect native species and reduce by‑catch. Starting July 1 2026, new rules will restrict chumming to a 5‑mile offshore zone, cap the amount of commercial‑grade fish parts at 25 pounds per day, and ban the practice in inland lakes and rivers. Violations can lead to fines up to $1,000 or revocation of fishing licenses. Understanding the current framework and upcoming amendments is essential for anyone who wants to chum responsibly in the Pine Tree State.
Current Legal Framework
Maine’s current fisheries statutes allow chumming in marine environments, provided anglers obtain a “bait use permit” from the Department of Marine Resources (DMR). The permit requires anglers to record the type and weight of bait used and to stay at least 100 feet from shorelines and protected habitats. The law also prohibits the use of live bait in areas designated for conservation of endangered species such as the Atlantic salmon (Maine DMR, 2024).
2026 Rule Changes
Effective July 1 2026, the DMR will implement a revised rule set (Maine DMR, 2025):
- Geographic limits – Chumming will be confined to waters beyond the 5‑mile offshore boundary; all inland waters and bays within this limit will be off‑limits.
- Bait restrictions – Only fish parts derived from non‑invasive species (e.g., herring, sardines) may be used. Commercial‑grade fish parts are capped at 25 pounds per angler per day.
- Reporting requirements – Anglers must submit an electronic log of each chumming session within 24 hours, including GPS coordinates and bait weight.
- Seasonal closure – A mandatory closure will occur from May 1 to June 15 each year to protect spawning periods of key species.
Enforcement and Penalties
The DMR will increase patrols and employ drones to monitor offshore activity. Penalties for non‑compliance include:
- First offense: $250 fine and mandatory education course.
- Second offense: $500 fine and possible suspension of fishing license for 30 days.
- Third or subsequent offenses: $1,000 fine, revocation of permit, and potential criminal charges under Maine’s wildlife protection statutes.
Best Practices for Anglers
To stay compliant, anglers should:
- Register for the bait use permit online and keep a copy aboard.
- Use a calibrated scale to measure bait weight accurately.
- Log all trips using the state’s mobile app, which auto‑captures GPS data.
- Verify that the fishing area lies beyond the 5‑mile offshore line using official charts.
- Attend the annual DMR workshop on sustainable chumming practices.
Is a special permit required for chumming in Maine?
Yes. The DMR requires a bait use permit for any chumming activity in marine waters. The permit is free for residents and can be obtained online after completing a short questionnaire about intended bait type and location.
Can I chum in freshwater lakes or rivers?
No. Since 2022, chumming has been prohibited in all inland waters, and the 2026 rules maintain this ban to protect freshwater ecosystems and native fish populations.
What types of bait are allowed under the 2026 regulations?
Only non‑invasive fish parts such as herring, sardines, and other small pelagic species are permitted. Live bait, dead fish whole, or any bait derived from endangered species is prohibited.
How do I know if I am within the 5‑mile offshore zone?
The DMR’s mobile app includes a built‑in map that shows the 5‑mile boundary. Anglers can also consult NOAA nautical charts that clearly mark the offshore limit.
What are the consequences of violating the new chumming rules?
Violators face escalating fines starting at $250 for a first offense, with potential license suspension or revocation for repeated offenses. In severe cases, the state may pursue criminal charges under the Maine Wildlife Protection Act.