More anglers are using fishing tackle made from non-poisonous materials such as tin, bismuth, steel, and tungsten.

Most fishing sinkers are made of solid lead. Lead in fishing sinkers can cause lead poisoning. Lead dust from fishing sinkers can contaminate tackle boxes, tables, and other surfaces.

Lead fishing weights are still widely available, but so are weights made of several other metals, as demonstrated by this group of samples. Click any element tile below to get the full entry for that element, or click on the sample picture to go directly to the description of that sample.

The main reason lead tackle is outlawed in some states is because it fatally poisons waterfowl when ingested. The issue is when birds swallow small lead fishing weights found in the water the lead poisons them, resulting in death. In general, the laws prohibit the use of lead jigs and sinkers weighing under one ounce.

But heavier lead fishing weights and tiny dust shot of No. 8 and under are legally used. “Lead is a toxic substance that has been banned for a long time in products such as paint, petrol and children’s toys, yet its use in fishing has continued largely unabated.

Traditionally, sinkers have been made of lead because it is inexpensive, easily molded and dense. Split-shot sinker. There are inexpensive and safer alternatives to lead sinkers available at many fishing equipment stores made from other materials such as tin, bismuth, steel, ceramic and tungsten-nickel alloy.

Non-toxic Sinkers and Jigs The loss of sinkers and lures is a routine part of fishing. New York State passed legislation that will prohibit the sale of certain lead sinkers. Beginning in May 2004, the sale of lead fishing sinkers (including “split shot”) weighing one-half ounce or less will not be permitted.

When the nation shut down in March in reaction to the coronavirus, many states exempted outdoor exercise. Many got out on the water and bought out fishing bait and tackle, creating a shortage that continues as the disease has shut down factories and distributors, according to industry reports.

Lead is just used as a weight. If the lure or hook isn’t weighted, then it probably doesn’t have lead. Lead also used to be used in paint, but I doubt it’s still used.

Lead Wheel Weights Price

Lead Fishing Weights are Toxic to Ocean Life Lead is a toxic metal that, in sufficient quantities, has adverse effects on the nervous and reproductive systems of mammals and birds. When lead fishing sinkers are lost from a broken fishing line or other means, birds and fish can inadvertently eat them.

Lead weighs 11.342 grams per cubic centimeter. Using the conversions above, lead weighs 0.40007727586 ounces per cubic centimeter. And using the other conversion above, lead weighs 6.55609194538 ounces per cubic inch.