Snowmobilers are becoming a nuisance on Maine’s lakes with their high rates of speed and disregard for ice fishermen.

On a recent fishing trip to Cobbosseecontee Lake, I had fishing traps run over and destroyed by four snowmobilers speeding down the lake and driving right through where we were fishing. They hit the traps and kept right on going. They had plenty of room to go on either side but chose to drive right through them.

That is the second time I have had traps destroyed.

Last year, while on a fishing trip upcountry, we had snowmobilers use our traps as an obstacle course.

It’s been suggested that boaters need safety courses. I don’t think so. Perhaps snowmobilers need courses in respect and safety toward ice fishermen while riding on lakes.

It seems there are more accidents and deaths from snowmobiles than from boaters.

Wardens can’t be everywhere and do a fine job protecting wildlife for all to enjoy, but they should fine snowmobilers for speeding or recklessness on the first offense instead of giving them a warning.

It seems wardens don’t have a problem giving a fisherman a fine for a first offense for not checking the trap when they should while cusk fishing.

Blaine Ray, Farmington