Maine’s compromise on North Zone bass tournament bans sets bad precedent

By Bob Mallard

In August, I publicly endorsed the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s proposal to prohibit bass tournaments in the North Zone. Native Fish Coalition, a group I represent, formally supported the proposal as well. As was the case with regard to my personal endorsement, the group thought it was supporting a complete ban. Unfortunately, this is not what we ended up with.

When faced with opposition, as is often the case, DIF&W caved to public pressure. Rather than an outright ban, it grandfathered five North Zone waters where bass tournaments had been held in the recent past. Basically, the state allowed anglers to continue doing what they have…