Lead-Free Fishing
Lead in Our Waterways
According to the Government of Canada, the average Canadian angler can lose between 11-15 jigs and sinkers per year. They estimate that this adds up to about 460 tonnes of lead being added to lakes and waterways across Canada, every year!
It is largely known that lead can be highly toxic to both humans and wildlife alike, affecting nervous and reproductive systems. While there is a widespread concern, a particularly susceptible species with regards to lead poisoning is the Loon.
Loons and Lead
Loons can ingest lead lures and tackle a number of ways. They can ingest a fish that contains the lead tackle, or mistake the lead tackle for food. Once ingested, the lead tackle is broken down by the digestive tract and released into the bloodstream, regardless if it has a topcoat. It is estimated that a single small lead split shot sinker will be fatal after only 2-4 weeks post-ingestion.
Lead-Free Solution
Luckily there is an easy solution to the lead poisoning problem, switch to lead-free tackle! There are a variety of non-toxic alternatives on the market: bismuth, tin, tungsten, steel, brass, etc.
Let’s all do our part to keep our waterways clean, and start the conversation about lead-free fishing alternatives!
All Dead End Lures jigs and tackle are handmade from a bismuth alloy, completely lead-free and non-toxic!
References:
Government of Canada
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service