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Go Fishing, Maine Wildlife Officials Say, But Stay 'A Rod Length' Apart

Robert F. Bukaty
/
Associated Press
n this Aug. 7, 2017, file photo, a visitor to the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument near Patten, Maine, casts for brook trout in a small pond.

The Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife department is encouraging Mainers to try fishing - one of the outdoor activities under Gov. Janet Mills' order aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19."Right now the waters are still a little bit cool, but people are having success going for cold water species such as brook trout - that's always a Maine favorite, one of the most popular fish in Maine," says Mark Latti with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Until the end of the month, Latti says, fishing in the state is free with no license required. Boat license renewals have also been exempted.

Latti says anglers can find places recommended by state biologists on the IF&W website, but should avoid dangerous or unfamiliar terrain. "We do encourage you to stay near home and continue to apply those social distancing rules. A rod length is always a good distance to keep apart."

The department urges anglers and others to follow physical distancing guidelines while outdoors. And, under the governor's order, only members of the same household may carpool together.