MONMOUTH – Ice fishermen will get a chance to hear about two proposed changes in laws that govern their sport during a public forum at 7 tonight. The session is set for the Monmouth Fish and Game Club on Route 202.

Club Vice President Ron Moody said he expects a possible overflow crowd to attend the session. Besides the Fish and Game Club, representatives from the Sportman’s Alliance of Maine, the Ice Fishers and Anglers Association, Trout Unlimited and businesses that cater to ice fishermen are expected to speak.

Moody said two proposals have prompted the most interest. One would ban the use of live bait on a set of specified ponds known for their native trout.

The second would ban the use of certain types of live bait, such as golden shiners, that have been traditionally legal to use on most waters in Maine.

Regarding the first measure, Moody said he recognizes the need to protect native brook trout, what he termed as “Maine’s heritage.”

However, he said most people he’s spoken with also have concerns that the law, if enacted, would put too many traditional ice fishing waters off limits to the sport.

The second measure that would ban certain types of live baitfish “needs clarification,” he said.

Area lawmakers have been asked to attend the meeting, Moody said, and he’s promised officials at the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to take minutes and send them a report on whatever consensus people reach at the meeting.