Look at what the Yanks have to worry about

mountainman · #1 02-09-2010, 07:29 PM

Got this in an email today from Cabelas:

"September 2, 2010

Dear Cabela's Customer:

Occasionally, an issue of such importance arises we feel it necessary to contact our loyal customers. With our fishing rights at stake, this is such an issue.

On August 23, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was petitioned by the Center for Biological Diversity and others to ban lead from ammunition and fishing tackle, including sinkers, jigs, weighted fly lines and components containing lead, such as brass and ballast in lures, spinners, stick baits and other fishing products.

On August 27, the EPA denied the petition regarding ammunition, but let stand the petition to ban lead in fishing tackle and has opened a short period for taking public comment.

Such a ban would cause prices of fishing products to skyrocket. Alternative metals can cost from six to 15 times more than lead, and most do not perform as well. For many, fishing would no longer be the affordable sport it is now."

Hmm. coming soon to an environmental group near you?!! Imagine what this will do to an already GFC stressed American tackle industry - and indeed, here if legislated!

bubba · #2 02-09-2010, 07:36 PM

This has been the cards for years and will find its way here. I dont see a problem with it.
Im certainly not a greenie but lead is a toxic element

mountainman · #3 02-09-2010, 08:10 PM

I don't condone the use of lead either but the tackle industry is so dependent on it I don't see them giving it up lightly in "the land of the free." A costly exercise for both sides if they decide to do some full scale lobbying I would imagine.

Doc_Hollywood · #4 02-09-2010, 08:25 PM

Often a new more appropriate product is more expensive because the existing often inappropriate product has been used for years because alternatives weren't available. Things would rapidly change cost wise if uptake of these new products was far greater.
Funny though as to who has the greater lobby group in the good ol U.S of pay. The shooters prove once again that money talks.

Ben · #5 02-09-2010, 08:35 PM

I'm definitely for banning lead, there's a reason you hav to wear all that safety gear when your melting it up, the stuff will mess with you
Not something nice to be throwing in the water as much as we do

Ian Sewell · #6 02-09-2010, 08:41 PM

In a saltwater environment and freshwater apparently lead produces an outer coating of oxidisation, (rust) this layer then prevents water getting surface contact directly with the lead. Hence the reason you can find sinkers years old still in good condition.

The bottom line is that there is very little if any contamination of water from lead sitting in it. The problem arises when animals eat the lead, if they choose to do so.

So far and as far as I know the only animal deaths from lead (water birds) have induced lead thinking thay were stones which help with their digesting of food.

Problem (for some birds) yes worth the effort of such a massive and costly overhaul, probably not.

Mandurah Marine · #7 03-09-2010, 02:35 AM

I believe the answer is on page 30 of the latest (Sept/Oct 2010) Western Australian Fishing Magazine

Pins · #8 03-09-2010, 05:01 AM

although there are some benefits to doing it, i was thinking what would companies like Do-It moulds do if lead gets banned, is there and alternative product able to be used in say a sinker moulds or a blade or lure mould???

Fisherman#1 · #9 03-09-2010, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Online store

In a saltwater environment and freshwater apparently lead produces an outer coating of oxidisation, (rust) this layer then prevents water getting surface contact directly with the lead. Hence the reason you can find sinkers years old still in good condition.

The bottom line is that there is very little if any contamination of water from lead sitting in it. The problem arises when animals eat the lead, if they choose to do so.

Lead is not that reactive with water. You will have a layer of lead oxide form but it's thin. There would also be some lead hydroxide forming but not much.

Secondly lead oxide (the rust) is extremely poisonous - potentially fatal in fact. Dealing with it in labs we have to wear coats, gloves, masks and goggles and perform all experiments with it underneath a fume cupboard. It's seriously nasty stuff. Fortunately because the ocean is so big and in comparison the amount of lead in the water is so small, you don't see much of an effect. Perhaps it would be a concern in areas like reefs, where you have a lot of people using lead sinkers or jigs in a small area. But in smaller waters or lakes with little to no flow (tidal or freshwater) the accumulation of lead would not doubt be devastating.

I'd be all for a gradual phase out of lead from fishing terminal tackle; namely sinkers.

Mick · #10 03-09-2010, 05:44 AM

Lead will eventually be phased out here as it is a very nasty substance. I dont think it will affect the tackle industry that much as there are a lot of alternatives out there. I quit using lead in my jig heads a while back and use an alloy which is predominantly tin. A slight increase in price but it is well worth the health benifits. If any one is still working with lead I would suggest a very good gas filtering respirator and gloves.

How many fisho's can honestly say they pick up a lead jig head and then wash their hands. I only use lead free products on my boat now, especially where kids are concerned, I dont want lttle hands playing with sinkers, jig heads made of lead.