Lead Free Fishing - Voice your concern

[Superdad]

I try not to cross post from other fishing boards; BUT, this item must be passed thru the fishing community.

The potential for the ban of lead for fishing tackle has reappeared.

The CWS (Candian Wildlife Service) has begun its process.

The following from Ontario Fishing Net:

http://www.ontariofishing.net/cgi/messa ... 1335.shtml

Its potential is far-ranging.

F Y I

[Bulldog]

I still can't figure out how those loons are able to free my walleye jigs that are stuck between two boulders in 20 ft. of water.

[SkeeterJohn]

Send comments to:

Lead Free Fishing Consultations
3rd floor
351 St. Joseph Blvd.
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0H3

Or by e-mail to: LeadFreeFishingConsultations@ec.gc.ca

Don't ignore this issue and make sure you have your say!

[BASSSTALKER]

Bulldog

[orrsey]

What would the alternative be, and what are the implications of the alternative compared to lead?
p.s. if they dont know how many loons have dies yearly to lead poisoning how do they know that it is more? Just wondering where this estimate comes from?

[JP]

Tungston(spelling) is the replacement for lead in most cases, but tin is also used. Tungston is much more dense and thus is smaller than it's lead comparison by almost half. Because it is more dense it makes more noise when it comes into contact with rock or wood. Great for triggering strikes. Because of it's smaller size for the same weight, it is easier to get through the thicker slop. It is not toxic at all, but does cost about 1/2 more than lead. I use it alot and it works great. It is available in jigs, worm weights, snap on weights and bell sinkers.
The down side of it is the cost and it is so hard it can be brittle, but I haven't had any problems yet.
Hope this helps
JP

[Scum Frog]

Here is the problem with the hole basis of going lead free. As the gov't has no way of truely knowing how much lead is deposited into our waterways via fishing tackle, they went with numbers they have. The gov't is basing the amount of lead lost in waterways on the amount of lead fishing tackle sold each year, including downrigger balls ( ever see a loon try to swallow a 8lb ball ). We all know anglers only buy things to replace what has been lost

[orrsey]

You know, I am usually up on the hot topics but I was unaware of this. Thanks for the info, as I am all for the care of our environment, something just doesnt seem right. I mean I will pay the extra money for the replacement if needed but I would like to see somemore true facts on this study not just assumptions. I just have a hard time believing that lead sinkers are the main cause for loon deaths.

[g unis]

here we go again. now if this passes we will have the lead police. more waterfowl die in gillnets then eating sinkers for sure

[jazman]

Could we breed in lead addiction into Cormorants?

Clean up two problems....

[Caseys Dream]

I posted a bit of background info on this lead issue a few weeks ago, check it out. There is more science to this than you'd think, and downrigger cannonballs do make a difference. They gradually dissolve and contribute to the total lead loading of waterways, leading to lead still being found in fatty tissue of larger predator fish.

This is not just a dying loon problem, it is just that dead loons make people get excited and make a nice headline, the real problem is point-source lead contributions to our waterways, and fishing equipment has been targetted as a large one easily removed.

CD

[Pints]

The latest issue of Outdoor Canada, 2005 Fishing Special Issue, has an article about this very topic. It will not answer everyones questions, and will more than likely cause more controversy. The bottom line seems to be it is an easy and immediate solution to a "problem?". Bismuth is likely to become the substitute metal. All National Parks are already lead free I believe, so be careful when fishing there.

[scuro]

Years ago, people also complained when the government initially wanted to take lead out of gasoline. At that time the extra cost of lead free gas was also an issue and so was the obtrusiveness of our government into our daily affairs.

This is deja vu all over again.

[muskymuskymusky]

ok i am confused as to why it is a big deal. Could someone who is against the lead ban please explain why it is a big issue if the next time you go to a fishing store and you have to buy Bismuth (which ive never heard of)instead of lead. Whats the big problem with banning a poison.(i use lead so im not saying anything about people who do) I am just looking for the negative to banning lead. Is it cost of replacement ? (grandfather clause will take care of that i am sure) Is it that this mental is bigger to get same weight? Is it that the medel is not plyable enough to be use well? Help me understand please



Thanks

[fishforfun]

I agree with Caseys Dream. We removed lead from gas paint etc etc, why not fishing gear? Lead is toxic and will break down in water, as fishermen we don't pollute near what Industry has but why not set an example? After all who has more respect for the environment than us!