MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • April 23, 2023
The most senior of four generations of fishermen in our family, Jon, began fishing in Maine in 1935. The youngest of us, Elliott, five years old, began fishing this past summer but looked every bit the experienced angler as he yanked sunfish out of the water using a worm on a stick rod. Of all the things we’ve learned in our combined decades of fishing the most important lesson might be that the best part of fishing isn’t catching the fish, it’s being outside in Maine. One of the most beloved creatures, the Common Loon, is being accidentally injured by fishermen across the state. Lead poisoning is one of the leading causes of loon mortality. Sponsored by Rep. Allison Hepler, LD 958 would expand existing Maine law to phase out the sale, and eventually the use, of small-sized painted lead fishing tackle and keep these harmful metals out of the water. This is the right change to make to protect one of our most iconic species. ~ Jon Lund, Will Lund, Nick Lund and Elliott Lund