Frequently Asked Questions

Unfortunately, the answer is NO - lead fishing tackle is only banned in Canadian National Parks and in certain National Wildlife Areas. Everywhere else in the country, it is currently legal to use.  

Absolutely NOT! We are only concerned with stopping the accumulation of lead in our waterways and with preventing lead poisoning in our wildlife. Many of our supporters are avid anglers, including recognized tournament anglers who are already using tungsten tackle (as witnessed at various local fishing derbies in Ontario over the past few years). 

 Scientific studies have shown that more than 95% of lead tackle ingested by wildlife is of this size & weight, and smaller. 

Absolutely! In the State of Maine for example, when they enacted lead fishing tackle restrictions, Common Loon deaths went from the #1 cause of death to now the #3 causes of death. It very much helped stabilize the loon population there.  

Yes! - there are ½ dozen States in the U.S. that have some type of lead tackle restriction, with the State of Maine being the benchmark. The country of Denmark has banned the use of lead in sport fishing tackle and ammunition since 2002, making Denmark a global leader in reducing lead pollution in fishing & hunting activities. Also, the European Union is very close to enacting strict regulations on both lead hunting ammunition and lead fishing tackle. 

Studies have confirmed lead poisoning deaths in Eagles, Swans, Herons, Gulls & Terns, most Waterfowl (including the Common merganser, Mallard Duck, American Black Duck, Canada Goose), plus semi-aquatic mammals (River Otter & American Mink) - all from ingesting lead fishing tackle. There are many more wildlife species with documented proof of having ingested lead fishing tackle. See a more complete list here.

a) You can help by becoming a volunteer to collect petition signatures. Simply download and print the Petition PDF & the Factsheet PDF, collect the signatures, and mail the completed Petition Forms back to us. You can find all the information you need on this website; for any other questions or comments, please feel free to email us. 

b) You can also help by starting to switch your tackle box to lead-free. Begin by removing lead split shot, sinkers, weights, and jig-heads weighing one ounce and under, but bear in mind that eventually weights are expected to be banned for all lead tackle 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and under. You can also volunteer to help your neighbours switch to a lead-free tackle box. 

See a more complete list here:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6675807/ 

• Check packaging – if it doesn’t specifically say “lead-free”, likely it has lead
• Look for California's Proposition 65 Warning – this label means your tackle is made with lead - Lead is a carcinogen and harmful to reproductive health.
• It is made with lead if you can make a mark on paper with it or if you can dent it easily with pliers or your fingernail 
• Lead is dull-looking versus metals such as steel (which are shiny) 

You can learn more on

No! Even when lead is painted or surrounded by plastic, it is dangerous because the powerful grinding action of a loon's gizzard and high acidity in its stomach quickly break down paints, plastics, and even some metals (including hooks), exposing the toxic lead. Also, some paints found on tackle manufactured overseas still contain lead.  

Currently, the best alternatives are sinkers and jig heads made from tungsten, bismuth, ceramic, stainless steel, brass, and tin. 

Along with lead, it is also recommended NOT to use zinc, nickel, and galvanized steel - all four of these metals are also toxic when ingested. 

Tungsten 

• Outperforms lead in numerous ways
• Most widely used lead substitute 
• Non-toxic metal 
• Denser, harder, and more sensitive than lead, helps anglers interpret changes in the bottom and better detect bites
• Components are smaller and more compact than lead tackle of identical weight
• Attractive for anglers who finesse fish, ice fish, or use small jigs for panfish 
• The heavy weight can help punch through vegetation better than bass fishing 
• Tungsten is easier to see on Fish Finders than traditional lead-based tackle
• Costlier than lead 
• Typically require alloying with secondary metals and a much higher temperature to pour, making the manufacturing process more challenging.  

 Bismuth and Tin 

• Less expensive than tungsten 
• Relatively low melting temperature – easier to melt down and make various tackle items 
• 20% less dense than lead – so tackle will be larger than lead counterparts - lighter lures have a more natural appearance and presentation 

Stainless Steel and Brass  

• Used for decades, mostly for metallic rattles 
• Used for heavy spoons for both jigging and trolling – sinkers and jigs can also be found made with these metals 
• Sounds produced by these metals when contacting the bottom is different from the noise lead makes and can be an effective attractant for fish 
• Brass and glass is a great combo for making noise by putting a glass or plastic bead between a swivel and a sinker 

Here is a list compiled by the Wolfe Lake Association.

Here is another list compiled by the State of Minnesota.

Other options are big box stores such as Canadian Tire or Cabela’s, or online options such as Amazon.ca. When shopping online, make sure to read the product specifications before purchasing - if you cannot easily determine that the product is lead-free, best to avoid buying it. 

Also, when you do shop in physical stores, encourage retailers to stock more lead-free tackle. This includes "mom and pop" bait stores as well as larger box stores. 

Yes, it is a good idea to wear disposable gloves while handling lead sinkers and lead jigs so that there is no possibility of accidentally ingesting minute amounts of lead residue. 

It is important to note that children are especially very vulnerable to the effects from any type of lead exposure. Letting children handle lead fishing tackle - whether it be during regular fishing outings or from sorting out a tackle box - is a very bad idea. Plus, individuals (of all ages) who consume large amounts of fish and wild game are also particularly susceptible to lead poisoning (eg, Indigenous people).