Curious About Banning Lead Fishing Weights

WBZ

If you like to fish in Massachusetts lakes and streams, there are big changes coming. The state is banning some of what's in your tackle box, because it can hurt the environment.

Kevin from Reading brought it to our attention when he Declared his Curiosity:

"I'm wondering why sporting good stores can still sell lead fishing weights?"

The short answer is: that won't be the case for much longer.

It's all about the loons. They're endangered in Massachusetts, and one thing that can hurt them is lead fishing weights.

"The concern is that small, lead sinkers and jigs are being ingested by loons, and they can die from lead poisoning," said Marion Larson from Mass. Wildlife.

The state is taking action, banning some lead sinkers and fishing lures. The state says it's something it has to do, but some fishermen aren't so sure. The new regulations mean anglers won't be able to use lead weights and jigs that weigh less than an ounce. The ban will cover fishing in all of the state's inland waters.

Mark Syslo is an avid fisherman who has already switched to non-lead weights.

"I'm a Mass Audubon member. I love the loons," he said.

But he doesn't love the part of the regulation that will ban jigs, a kind of small lure.

"That's going to be a big problem with the guys," Syslo said. He is worried there won't be an alternative available.

"Everyone is going to have to find something that's non-lead, and if they don't make it, what are we going to buy?" he asked.

Mass. Wildlife says not to worry. Tackle manufacturers are aware of the problem, and they are making non-lead sinkers and jigs available.

The ban doesn't go into effect in Massachusetts until January of 2012, but the state is educating anglers now about the coming change.

Lead sinkers and jigs weighing under an ounce have been banned at the Quabbin and Wachusett reservoirs for 10 years, because that is where most of the state's loons are. So the new regulation will expand the prohibition state-wide.

New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and New York already restrict the use of lead fishing tackle.

© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.