Are Your Fishing Lures Illegal?

Did you know that soon the contents of your tackle box might be considered “illegal” because some people think they are too toxic to use?! The Environmental Protection Agency is not to blame. The EPA has actually come to the conclusion that “Lead Bans” are not necessary. That has not stopped several states from placing a ban on countless fishing lures and fishing supplies used by recreational fishermen across our country.

According to Keep America Fishing, (found here: http://www.keepamericafishing.org) at least 6 states have already passed laws that restrict either the sale of or use of (sometimes both) lead sinkers, lead jigs, and the like. The trend may continue, too, because right now there are other states attempting to pass similar laws. Plus, the National Parks Service has announced its intention to ban certain lead-based fishing gear.

The idea behind this movement is that the lead found in fishing equipment is ending up at the bottom of America’s lakes, rivers, and ponds. Lead, as you probably know, can be toxic in high enough levels. Therefore, several states have decided to ban the use of lead fishing gear in order to keep their waters as clean as possible, keeping the wildlife healthy. There is a big problem with this movement – it is not backed by the EPA or the CPSC (Consumer Products Safety Commission). To complicate matters even more, the price to purchase alternatives to these lead-based products is costly and these costs will be passed directly to you.

The most recent attempt on placing these restrictions on lead fishing tackle is being put forth by NH State Senator Jeannie Forrester. She introduced a bill that would not allow fisherman to use any lead sinker or jig weighing 1 ounce or less. How many fishing lures and weights do you have that fit this description? Well, it might be time to head back to your Bait & Tackle shop to restock if this bill passes!

Keep America Fishing states, “This ban is more restrictive than the Consumer Products Safety Commission’s levels for lead in paint, children’s toys, plumbing fixtures and non-toxic shot for waterfowl hunting. Technology does not permit manufacturers to supply alternative metals 100 percent free of lead so the practical impact of the legislation is to ban all sinkers and jigs one ounce and less.” If this is true, this could conceivably put a major halt on traditional fishing as we know it.

That’s where you come in. You can take action to put a stop to this proposed bill in New Hampshire. Keep America Fishing has set up a petition for folks like you to quickly and easily voice their beliefs. If you agree that these bans are out of line and could potentially end the traditions of fishing, then take action and complete the fast, convenient petition.

For more information regarding lead in tackle or to sign the petition, please click here.