In the latest attempt to burden anglers with unnecessary restrictions on traditional fishing tackle, on January 3, New Hampshire State Senator Jeannie Forrester introduced a bill, SB 89, that would prohibit anglers from using any lead sinker or jig weighing one ounce or less. If this bill should pass, virtually all small fishing lures owned by anglers in the state would instantly become illegal.
• This bill would expand an already restrictive policy on the use of lead jigs with no scientific data to back up such a ban.
• The ban would have a significant negative impact on the state’s economy and fisheries conservation, but a negligible impact on the waterfowl populations it seeks to protect. In fact, New Hampshire’s loon population is increasing.
• This ban is more restrictive than the Consumer Products Safety Commission’s levels for lead in paint, children’s toys, plumbing fixtures and non-toxic shot for waterfowl hunting.
• Technology does not permit manufacturers to supply alternative metals 100 percent free of lead so the practical impact of the legislation is to ban all sinkers and jigs less one ounce or less.
• This size range represents the most commonly used sinkers.
By banning lead completely the state is effectively banning fishing!
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–– Source: Keep America Fishing
