FISHLEADFREE.CA Let's Get The Lead Out

  Unfortunately, the answer is “NO” - lead fishing tackle is only banned in Canadian Natural Parks and in certain National Wildlife Areas. Everywhere else in the country it is currently legal to use.

 ● Check packaging – if it doesn’t specifically say “lead-free”, likely it has lead

● Look for California's Proposition 65 Warning – this label means your tackle is made with lead - Lead is a carcinogen and harmful to reproductive health.

● It is made with lead if you can make a mark on paper with it or if you can dent it easily with pliers or your fingernail

● Lead is dull-looking versus metals such as steel (which are shiny)

  - Lead is a dull gray colour & it is a soft metal that’s easily dented with pliers

- If you rub lead on paper, it will leave a gray mark

- If a magnet sticks to it, then it is steel

- Read the packaging/product specifications if available

- Use a lead testing kit if unsure - some painted lead-headed jigs are 

more difficult to identify (economical kits can be bought on-line - just make sure the testing product reads “Suitable for all surfaces”) 

  No! Even when lead is painted or surrounded by plastic, it is dangerous because the powerful grinding action of a loon's gizzard and high acidity in its stomach quickly break down paints, plastics, and even some metals (including hooks), exposing the toxic lead. Also, some paints found on tackle manufactured overseas still contain lead.

Yes, it is a good idea to wear disposable gloves while handling lead sinkers and lead jigs so that there is no possibility of accidentally ingesting minute amounts of lead residue via hand-to-mouth contact.

It is important to note that children are especially very vulnerable to the effects from any type of lead exposure. Letting children handle lead fishing tackle - whether it be during regular fishing outings or from sorting out a tackle box - is a very bad idea.

Plus, individuals (of all ages) who consume large amounts of fish and wild game are also particularly susceptible to lead poisoning (eg, Indigenous people).Add an answer to this item.