Protect the Use of Traditional Tackle

In recent years, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced plans to prohibit the use of lead tackle in several national wildlife refuges. Banning lead tackle will deter fishing participation and, given the lack of scientific basis for the ban, sets the stage for future unwarranted restrictions.

While we are working in consultation with USFWS, recent legislation was also introduced in Congress to address this issue. The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act would prohibit federal land management agencies from banning the use of traditional lead tackle and ammunition on public lands unless the best available science supports such action and has state wildlife and fish agency approval.

However, efforts to ban the use of traditional tackle at the state level persist. For example, as of September 1, anglers in Maine are prohibited from using painted lead jigs or sinkers that weigh one ounce or less or measure less than 2.5 inches in length to fish in inland waters. In 2023, Maine enacted legislation banning the sale and use of these jigs and sinkers; the ban on the sale of coated lead tackle took effect in 2024. Bans on the sale and use of bare, unpainted jigs have been in place since 2017.

New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont and New York have similar restrictions on the sale and use of lead jigs and sinkers, despite significant cost and performance tradeoffs with alternative metals.

The recreational fishing community fully supports conservation, and we have a long record of making changes and sacrifices that help the environment. However, conservation must be rooted in sound science. The USFWS provides no evidence that lead fishing tackle is harming any specific wildlife populations in the proposed areas. This proposal is a proverbial “camel’s nose under the tent” that could escalate to much broader and equally baseless restrictions that restrict access and puts undue burden on the sportfishing industry.

Anglers and hunters are America’s original conservationists and our nation depends on their continued ability to fish and hunt to maintain access to public lands and waters.

Anglers around the country depend on the performance and affordability of lead, especially in sinkers and jigs. While alternatives exist, they come with tradeoffs in cost and/or performance. Protecting traditional tackle from unwarranted bans is critical for ensuring that anglers can enjoy the sport. Banning lead will also potentially impact fishing license sales and ultimately reduce funding available for conservation. It is important that our industry makes a compelling case to the USFWS that anglers should be able to continue the use of traditional tackle.

In addition to the hard work of the ASA Government Affairs team, ASA has been engaging KAF supporters nationwide. During the 118th Congress, we asked supporters to write letters to their Members in support of the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act. In addition, we are actively promoting the issue widely through podcasts and social media.

On June 22, 2023, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) made an announcement to proceed with prohibitions on lead fishing tackle throughout several national wildlife refuges in which hunting and fishing opportunities are being expanded. ASA issued a statement in response the USFWS announcement.

On August 22, 2023, ASA submitted a letter on the 2023-2024 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations for the National Wildlife Refuge System, expressing our concerns with the proposed bans on lead fishing tackle in seven refuges.

• Image for social media: