Proposed Federal Ban on Lead in Fishing Tackle

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The Situation

On August 23, 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was petitioned by the Center for Biological Diversity and four other organizations to ban all lead in fishing tackle under the Toxic Substances Control Act. This includes sinkers, jigs, weighted fly line, and components that contain lead such as brass and ballast in a wide variety of lures, including spinners, stick baits and more.

The petition was presented with the aim of reducing bird deaths caused by the ingestion of lead sinkers and jig heads; however, a study conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that less than one percent of all waterfowl and other birds such as eagles are killed by lead sinker ingestion.  Remember too that the petition wants to also ban your sink tip fly line and weighted flies.

Minnesota Steelheader will watch this closely and do our best to keep you up to date.  In the mean time you can find out more information on what you can do at: KeepAmericaFishing.org

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