Anglers, please, get the lead out

   Some time ago the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) learned of a serious problem affecting wildlife in our state, especially our beloved state bird, the common loon.  X-rays of prematurely dead loons revealed that 15% to 50% of them had ingested lead fishing tackle (mainly split shots, other small sinkers and jig heads) and as a result had succumbed to lead poisoning.  While many of the dead loons had consumed several lead tackle items, a single sinker is enough to kill a loon.

   Examinations of other deceased waterfowl (swans, ducks, and geese) found lead poisoning in many cases.  Furthermore, scavengers further up the food chain (eagles, coyotes, foxes) were also suffering the same fate after eating the contaminated waterfowl.

   How do the waterfowl, especially loons, become contaminated in the first place? Research shows that they are most likely to take in lead tackle when swallowing fish that have ingested it or searching a lake or river bottom for the grit their digestive systems require.

   To help reduce these easily preventable deaths, the MPCA launched the “Get the Lead Out” of our tackle boxes campaign, urging us to use tackle made from materials such as tin, tungsten-nickel alloy, steel, ceramic, stone or glass.  While these may be ingested by wildlife too, they are not usually deadly.  And they work just as well at catching fish.

   While some lead-free tackle is a bit more expensive, prices have been coming down and are likely to decline more as demand increases. Even with somewhat higher prices, the cost of lead-free sinkers and jigs pales in comparison to what we spend on other equipment we use to chase fish. Many local tackle shops, including Full Stringer and The One Stop in Longville, Swanson’s in Hackensack, Reeds in Walker and The Corner Store in Backus, are now carrying at least some lead-free tackle. Ask for it when you visit these stores or shop on-line. Go to www.pca.state.mn.us/living-green/lead-free-fishing-tackle-get-lead-out for more information.

   You might be surprised by the amount of lead tackle you have. Recently, two people went through their tackle boxes (there were many, with contents accumulated over 60 years or so) and found over 15 pounds of lead! 

   To encourage us anglers to switch to lead-free tackle, MPCA has made non-toxic tackle sample kits available to local groups and organizations for distribution to the public in exchange for some of the toxic lead tackle from your tackle box.  The Minnesota Division of the Izaak Walton League of America (IKES) Is a participant in this initiative.  They have, in turn, challenged local IKES chapters to host lead-free for lead tackle exchange events.

   The Cass County Chapter of the IKES has taken the challenge and has been and will be holding events offering samples of lead-free tackle in exchange for lead from your tackle box.  Watch news from your lake association for an event held in conjunction with your 2021 annual meeting.  If your lake association has already had its annual meeting this year, watch for an event next year. 

   A tackle exchange event open to the public will be held August 10 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Rendezvous Brewing on First Street in Hackensack.  This one has a special incentive for participation.  Turn in at least 4 ounces of lead from your tackle box and receive a lead-free tackle sample kit from the MPCA and a coupon for a free beverage (1 pint or less, alcoholic or non-alcoholic) from Rendezvous Brewing and the Cass County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League.  No more than one coupon per person per day.  Supplies of the coupon are limited.  Other limits apply.  Come early.

   Co-sponsors of these events are the MPCA, the MN Division and the Cass County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America and, in the case of the August 10 event, Rendezvous Brewing. For more information, contact Jack Fitzgerald 218-682-2941.

   A final word:  If you decide to make the switch to lead-free tackle – and we hope you will, for the sake of our waters and loons and other wildlife – the MPCA asks us to remember that lead is a toxic substance.  People, especially children, should wash their hands after handling lead tackle.  And please do not dispose of your lead tackle in the trash.  Instead, take it to your nearest hazardous waste disposal site.  The whole ecosystem will thank you!