Using lead weights: Law or Choice?

By Tim Callahan

The question that I wish to propose is should the use of lead products be used for fishing in our water ways.  Should the law ban such uses or should those who recreate there be responsible to make the right choices (what ever they may be).  Such legislations have already been passed in the states of New York, Hew Hampshire, Maine and Vermont that ban the use of lead weights in water ways that are smaller than 1/2oz to 1oz (depending on state).  Canada is also seeking to pass similar laws on all of their water sheds.

The Environmental protection Agency banned the use of lead buck shot nation wide for water foul hunting and made it mandatory that steel shot be used instead.  This cost me a few extra bucks a day to go duck hunting and at the time and being that was I a poor youngster I was a bit upset.  What I was unaware at that time was that lead shot was being blamed for the deaths of millions upon millions of waterfowl.  Popular hunting waters were also being found to have highly toxic levels of lead in the water.  The fact is that lead eventually breaks down in water over time.

The problem with lead and animals

Lead is a natural element one that is found on every periodic table in every school in the United States.  Because it is “Natural” does not mean it is safe.  In fact lead is a highly toxic.  Water foul such as loons, geese and ducks  accidentally ingest lead buckshot and small lead fishing weights mistaking them for pebbles and small stones which aide the birds in their natural digestive process.  The stones are used to help grind food into chime.  Other birds mistake the shiny weights as prey.  Ingesting lead often results in the death of the bird as well as the inability to reproduce.  When ingested, toxins are often stored in the part of a mammal which has the highest fat concentration.  Eggs being primarily fat will store chemicals elements such as lead.  The eggs often loose their ability to become fertilized or have weakened shells which are easily broken when the birds attempt to warm them.  Birth defects are also common.

The problem with lead and people

                  Lead poisoning in humans also has serious physical consequences including serious brain damage, loss of hair, blood poisoning, liver and kidney failure, birth defects, and stunting growth in children both physically and mentally.  Lead paint one popular in the U.S was to blame for numerous physical aliments.  Paint chips were often eaten by children.  Lead dust which occurs when it breaks down can also be inhaled.  In fact some historians and theorists believe that part of the reason the once great and almighty Roman Empire fell partially due to mass lead poisoning.  The pipes leading from their aqueducts were a rough lead.  Eventually everyone went bananas.

Perhaps you fish a small pond, maybe a stream or river that feeds a reservoir or maybe you are fishing directly in your drinking water.  Water treatment facilities do not filter out lead.  It ends right in your children’s drinking glasses.  Even if all of us use lead weight just once in a blue moon eventually it ends up in dissolving in our water in astronomical levels hurting our children and killing the wildlife that add to the aesthetics of our beautiful sport.  If the law does not doesn’t stop it than it is up to us to protect our resources to the best of our ability.  It’s the small steps that matter.

         At bleedingbaits.com you can find world class custom jigs tied exclusively on LEAD FREE bleeding Mustad    Ultra Point jig heads one of the sharpest hooks ever made.  We are dedicated to preserving our water sheds for future generations.

      The cost of having your drinking water tested for lead and other contaminants usually costs between 75-100 dollars.  You should always know what is in your glass.  The Lead Based Pain Disclosure Regulation Act was a law passed that entitles home purchaser the right to know if there is still lead pipes or lead based paint on the walls in a home they wish to buy or rent.  Regardless not everyone is informed.  If you live in an older house believe it or not there is a chance you still have lead pipes.  Always let the water run for a few minutes before using.  Never, ever bite lead weights. You will have lead into your system.

Feel Free to visit Tim's website: www.bleedingbaits.com for all your hand tied lures.