Lead Ban on Fishing Tackle Fails to Pass

[fishfordollars]

You can read it here: www.theoutdoorwire.com/story/128893684969s8qnyhrbx

[J Francho]

I knew this wouldn't go through, but wrote a ton letters protesting it anyway.  Good to know there was some common sense applied here.  A lead ban would literally kill the tackle industry and completely change fishing as we know it.

[flippin and pitchin]

My local paper has a weekly outdoors section and this A. P. story was a feature. Even though " the EPA said the petition did not demonstrate that a ban on lead in fishing tackle was necessary to protect against unreasonable risk of injury to health or environment, as required by the Toxic Substances Control Act" does not mean this issue will go away. The EPA recognizes limited restrictions already in place on federal lands and by the states. We as anglers need to take this issue seriously. Environmentalists will not stop to limit sporting activities on any and all bodies of water and that includes fishing. As bass anglers, I hope we set the example as leaders in responsible, caring, comprehensive use of all waters.

Have a safe and happy holiday season all.

[islandbass]

I saw this on other local forums and was about to post about this but you beat me to it. I agree with you 100%. We need to remain vigilant and represent our love for bassin' in a positive way. 

[pudmunk]

Good lord, some people have nothing to do but try and bring others down

[Jigfishn10]

Pudmunk, we still have to deal with this in 2012.

[Skeeter Man]

Agreed

[Glenn]

[postsmovedhere1] 3 [postsmovedhere2] General Bass Fishing Forum [move by] Glenn.

[Fishing Rhino]

Don't get too comfortable.  It is already banned in Massachusetts beginning in 2011.  I do believe it's also banned in other states, and other states are considering it.

The environmental groups carry a lot of clout, and they will never quit trying to impose their agenda on everyone else.

[Lund Explorer]

Let the Fickle Fingers of Fate fly, but as a person who grew up surrounded by real life stories of companies dumping who knows what into our waters, I can fully understand why some people feel it is their best interest to see a total ban of lead someday.

I've seen the effects of Lead poisoning.  I've also witnessed the impact that PCB's, PBB's, DDT,   Mercury, Dioxin, and many other chemicals and elements have on our daily lives.

Perhaps these environmentalists might be going a bit too far, but we as boaters, fishermen, and hunters have adjusted to other lead bans in the past.  It is always worse when it is your ox that is getting gored, but the problem is not insurmountable.  What old timer can't remember the fear that came with the ban of lead in gasoline and what it would do to outboard motors.  Duck hunters are still bagging their share of birds after many years since lead was banned from waterfowl loads.  Our best bet is to spend our time trying to figure out how to adapt, rahter than fight a ban that will happen sooner or later.

In my honest opinion of course.

[Nibbles]

If lead does eventually get banned, we can only hope that it will prompt tackle manufacturers to find more efficient methods to produce tungsten fishing tackle and lower prices on them. I wouldn't mind fishing tungsten jigs, spinnerbaits and dropshots - the reduced profile imo works better for spooked fish. My only problem atm is that tungsten jigheads are roughly twice the price of lead ones. If they ever drop down to around 120-140% the price of lead tackle, I'd completely switch over.

[WRB]

Lead is banned in California in shotgun pellets and rifle/hand gun bullets in several regional areas.

Restriction of hazardous substances known as RoHS is a factor we will be living with and lead is near the top of the list.

Lead used in steel and brass is disappearing and the cost of lead is going up. The deep cycle battery industry relies on the lead to make our batteries.

The environmental impact of mining and foundry operations to make lead alternatives like tungsten products is another issue to consider; tungsten melt temperature is over 6,000 degrees F.

Lead is a common element and found nearly everywhere on the planet, however harmful when it gets into our blood stream.

This fight is far from over, it was good to see common sense prevail this time; big thanks to everyone who responded.

WRB

[NBR]

Does anyone know who or what organization started the petition?

[Kevinator1]

I have worked with lead in the past and do understand the possible damaging effects that it can have but to consider this a danger to our lakes and birds is nonsense. It is kind of like PETA who says hunting and fishing should be banned while each PETA member is driving their automobiles which accounts for more animal deaths per year than anything else out there.

[Scorcher214]

I didn't think this would pass, but there is always that bit that thought it would. I too wrote an e-mail. Whew, good thing it didn't! Got my email today and came to post it here but see somebody beat me too it!

[Gatorbassman]

Does anyone know who or what organization started the petition?

The Center for Biological Diversity, the American Bird Conservancy, the Association of Avian Veteranarians, Project Gutpile and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility

[WRB]

Does anyone know who or what organization started the petition?

The Center for Biological Diversity, the American Bird Conservancy, the Association of Avian Veteranarians, Project Gutpile and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility

The lead ban started back in 1992 and has been successful banning lead shot and bullets in some states.

Our continued vigilance is needed, these people are far from stopping their efforts to ban lead.

WRB

[River Rat316]

Banning lead is not going to make the cost of Tungsten or any other alternative substance go down. If anything it will drive prices up, most of the worlds tungsten is owned by China. Tungsten also has a 6000+ degree melting temperature, which means you need special presses and molds just to work with it. Tin and Bismuth are also alternatives but they also cost significantly more than lead ($17 per lb versus $1 per lb) and have lower melting points and are lighter.

I personally will drop out of the tackle biz if lead is banned, its already a hard enough business to be in, It wont be worth it if I am having extra costs heaped on top of what is already there

[CoBass]

Don't these people have anything better to do than try to ban something that isn't a problem? I'm sure there's a seal being clubbed somewhere that they could save instead.

[fishingfreak50]

I am thankful this ban did not go thru.