Earth Gauge Tip of the Week: Lose the Lead Sinkers

Reader Contribution by Earth Gauge
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Ice fishing is a popular past time for many in the Great Lakes Region.  As you rig your line in hopes of landing that big catch, think twice about what weights your lure.  Lead has been used for weighting fishing tackle for centuries, but this heavy metal poses a hazard to human and wildlife health.  Lead sinkers have been listed as the leading cause of mortality in loons and other water birds.  The sale of lead tackle is banned in some states.

Viewer Tip:  Stock your tackle box with stainless steel sinkers and hooks.  You can find lots of great products at your favorite tackle supply shop.  And, many bait shops and city recycling centers collect and properly dispose of lead products for you – just ask!

For more information about the impacts and replacing lead tackle, visit www.pca.state.mn.us.  And for more weather and environment tips, visit Earth Gauge!

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