Anglers get the lead out at exchange events this year - Minnesota

St. Paul, Minnesota, June 2 — This summer, the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance (OEA) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are partnering with retailers, lake associations, and conservation and outdoors groups to offer lead tackle exchanges across the state. Over 30 lead tackle exchange events are scheduled to begin this month and run through August. The exchanges are designed to be educational and give anglers a chance to try out the growing variety of non-toxic tackle and compare these new products against lead versions. There is no charge to exchange tackle.

How it works. Depending on what anglers turn in, lead tackle will be swapped out for non-lead jigs, split shot, walking sinkers, bullet/worm slip and bell swivel weights in various sizes and colors. Anglers who swap lead tackle will also receive a sample packet of the new Dr. Drop tungsten composite weights, as well as Bullet Weights stainless steel tackle.

Strategy of education and partnerships. Although restrictions on lead tackle are becoming more common in the United States and other countries, here in Minnesota there are no bans on the sale or use of lead weights and jigs. Perhaps the biggest recent development is Canada’s nationwide proposal to ban the manufacture, import, and use of lead sinkers and jigs. “By educating the general public and partnering with tackle makers and retailers, we’ve made great progress in moving toward lead-free fishing tackle,” said Kevin McDonald, coordinator of the OEA’s non-lead tackle program. “More anglers are excited about lead-free fishing products, and manufacturers and retailers are responding,” said McDonald.

This year, the OEA will also offer a “Get the Lead Out” tool kit to the more than 550 individual lake associations in Minnesota. “Lake association meetings are an ideal venue for spreading the word about environmentally friendly tackle,” says Paula West, Executive Director of the Minnesota Lakes Association.

Minnesota tackle makers respond. Fishing tackle is big business, and Minnesota is known for its innovative tackle companies. In Minnesota today over half a dozen tackle makers are now offering non-toxic product lines. “Transitioning away from lead in producing tackle not only makes sense for the environment and wildlife, but keeps this important industry strong right here in Minnesota,” points out McDonald.

Non-lead tackle continues to drop in price and is increasingly competitive with lead counterparts. For example, the new tungsten composite weights by Gravity Heikkila are comparatively priced to lead split shot and offer superior performance. These new weights “snap on,” an innovative feature drawing interest from anglers. Another promising new product is the tungsten composite sinkers produced by Eagan-based Dr Drop, Inc. The weights, introduced earlier this year, feature an exclusive “friction grip” process that allows for fast attachment and retrieval.

Carrol Henderson, supervisor of the DNR’s Nongame Wildlife Program, is enthusiastic about Minnesota’s approach to increasing the use of lead-free tackle. “Minnesota’s “Get the Lead Out” program is a great model of educating citizens about the impact of purchasing decisions on wildlife and stimulating the creative energies of the private sector,” said Henderson.