Like myself, generations of Wisconsin anglers have been using lead tackle. Tons of lead annually have been deposited on Wisconsin land and water-ways. Lead, when deposited in the environment will exist forever and does not break down over time into less-toxic compounds.

As many as 25 different species of water birds have been found with lead poisoning. Lead toxicity can have disastrous reproductive consequences as well as cause sub-lethal physical and behavioral changes to wildlife. Even this partial list of consequences is shocking: loss of escape response, lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of muscle control, convulsions and anemia.

Some scientists and activists have decided enough is enough and have launched an innovative campaign called “Get the Lead Out.” The main goal is to make Wisconsin anglers informed and educated concerning the lead poisoning of wildlife from the ingestion of lead tackle and how they can be instrumental in helping alleviate this problem.

Anglers can find alternatives for lead tackle. Non-Poisonous materials such as tin, pewter, bismuth, steel, ceramic, densified plastic, glass and tungsten-nickel alloy are replacing lead. The cost of replacing lead tackle with sound alternatives is only cents on the dollar.

One of the best ways to turn this problem around is to teach our youth good stewardship in not using lead tackle. Start them out young by outfitting their tackle boxes with non-lead weights. You will be helping to “Keep The Lead Out” of our Wisconsin rivers and lakes!