Mass lead sinkers

[champ187]

I have looked for the information on if LEAD spinner baits and [painted skirted jigs are legal  and cant find a definite answer. Also what is the fine for LEAD worm slip weights? If I have a loose one in my compartment what would I be charged? Or if my fishing partner is using it what would the fine be?

Just heard it is $500.00 per line. I hope that isn't true!

[je1946]

 "MA fishing laws pertaining to lead".  I typed it in and it came right up.

[NHBull]

The laws for lead in the North East was largely intended to restrict shops from selling them.  Enforcement is virtually no exit. Truth be told,Fish and Game was told not to bother in NH

[DogBone_384]

This is copied off Mass’ website:

 

”Lead Sinkers, Lead Weights, and Lead Jigs Weighing Less Than an Ounce. Any sinker or weight made from lead that weighs less than 1 ounce, and any lead jig (meaning any lead-weighted hook) that weighs less than 1 ounce, is prohibited for use in all inland waters of the Commonwealth. The term lead sinker shall not include any other sinkers, weights, fishing lures or fishing tackle including, but not limited to, artificial lures, hooks, weighted flies, and lead-core or other weighted fishing lines.”

 

Here’s the regulations link: https://www.mass.gov/guides/massachusetts-freshwater-fishing-regulations

[MassYak85]

The law is vague and poorly written, virtually unenforcable for anything other than sinkers and clearly lead jigs by themselves. The way I interpret the law, anything that gets attached to a lead weight outside of a hook or feather disqualifies it from the law. So spinner baits, buzz baits, underpins etc are fine in my mind but I have not confirmed it with anyone. 

 

The spirit of the law was to prevent loons from swallowing small sinkers and dying of lead poisoning.