The Pilot-Independent
It's time to clean out your tackle box, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) want to help. The MPCA and the DNR are partnering with retailers and others to offer more than 30 lead tackle exchanges across the state this summer. The exchanges offer anglers a chance to try out non-toxic tackle and compare these new products against lead versions. There is no charge to exchange tackle.
Depending on what anglers turn in, lead tackle will be swapped for non-lead jigs, split shot, walking sinkers, bullet/worm slip sinkers and bell swivel weights in various sizes and colors.
"New at this year's exchanges are an array of the popular tungsten-composite weights," said Kevin McDonald, Get the Lead Out! program coordinator.
Lead is a toxic metal that has adverse effects on the nervous and reproductive systems of mammals and birds. Traditionally used in fishing jigs and sinkers, this metal has been found to poison wildlife such as loons and eagles that inadvertently swallow tackle made from lead. Specifically, loons dive to the bottom of lakes in search of stones to grind their food, where they mistakenly swallow lead sinkers. Eagles can ingest lead by swallowing fish that have a lead sinker or jig still in them.
Several events will take place in northern Minnesota.
July 7: Swanson's Bait Shop & Gas in Hackensack, 1 to 6 p.m.
July 14: Bluewater Bait & Sport in Bemidji, 1 to 6 p.m.
July 21: God's Country Outfitters in Grand Rapids, noon to 5 p.m.
Aug. 4: Gander Mountain in Baxter, 1 to 6 p.m.
Aug. 11: One Stop Convenience Store in Longville, 1 to 5 p.m.
For more information about lead-free tackle and the complete list of exchange locations, visit www .reduce.org.
