Maine Loses an Outdoor Icon

George Smith on Maine’s Kennebec River. (Bob Mallard)

George Smith, Maine's most influential outdoor sporting figure, recently passed away. George was a friend of NFC, and a strong ally for native fish. He was a member of Maine NFC’s Advisory Council since soon after NFC was formed, and right up until he passed.

George headed up Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine (SAM), for nearly two decades. He turned SAM into a political powerhouse that influenced all things outdoors in the state. It was once said that you could not win an election in Maine without a SAM endorsement.

Under the direction of George, SAM’s Fishing Initiative Committee (FIC) gained critically important protections for wild native brook trout, including the heralded State Heritage Fish law. After retiring from SAM, George spearheaded legislation that led to the equally important North Zone live fish as bait prohibition by rule not exception.

The Smith led SAM was also responsible for the Land for Maine’s Future program as well as the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund. The former helped purchase Maine’s latest public land, Cold Stream Forest. The latter helped fund Maine NFC’s State Heritage Fish Sign initiative.

George will be missed, and his influence likely never eclipsed. Few have done as much for Maine’s wild native fish as George. And for that we are eternally grateful. Maine sportsmen and conservationists owe a great debt to George. Rest in peace Mr. Smith, and NFC thanks you for the support.