Our legislators have just passed a new law, requiring the banning of all lead sinkers, jigs, and baits containing lead in any way, shape or form, starting 2011. This means that tube jigs, bass jigs, crappie jigs, walking sinkers and a plethora of other forms of lures (blade baits, tail spinners, spinnerbaits, etc.) will not be allowed for fishing in any MA waters very soon.  

Now I (we fisherman in MA) need you help! I need to know where I can buy replacements for the thousands of jig heads, Silver Buddies, Lindy rigs, etc., etc.. Is there any company that makes non-lead crappie jigs!? This is unbelievable folks and I'm really beside myself. Don't anyone ever think about moving to this state if you enjoy fishing! Sorry for the rant.

    I think Tru-Tungsten has Tungsten jig and jig head.

  Sorry to hear 'bout that :-/ While I'm not sure about the jig question, I know BPS makes tungsten spinnerbaits and buzzbaits, and both BPS and Cabelas market Ultra-Steel sinkers such as egg and splitshot weights. Also, you could check into brass weights for t-rigs. Hope this helps!!!

there are people that make non lead lures besides the big guys you see in BPS and Cabelas.  Most are tin/bismuth mixes.  

What type of head are you looking for?

Dont feel bad.  Eventually every state will be like that.  Some already are and some streams/lakes are like that.  Its a matter of time.

Crest, do you have any online info about this?  I only know of the ban on Quabbin and Wachusetts.

At any rate, this is serious.  Its pretty easy to find lead free big jigs, and I in fact use Outkast jigs.  All the smaller jigs are going to be trouble to replace, as are the specialty items like Road Runners, spinnerbaits and blades.

Not to mention expensive

Crest, do you have any online info about this? I only know of the ban on Quabbin and Wachusetts.

At any rate, this is serious. Its pretty easy to find lead free big jigs, and I in fact use Outkast jigs. All the smaller jigs are going to be trouble to replace, as are the specialty items like Road Runners, spinnerbaits and blades.

I may have jumped a little too fast on this....maybe not though. With all the rest of the impositions this state has been putting on us, it doesn't surprise me.

From my investigations, it's the Fish & Wildlife that are passing this law, not the state legislature. Regardless, it will still impact the majority of Bay Staters who fish. I will try to find the source of this ridiculous measure.

i checked out the ultra steel sinkers...for the weight, they're humongous  :'(

Brendan posted this on the other site, but it applies here: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/calendar/hearings/lead_sinker_hearing.htm.

I'd say you Mass guys have an opportunity to get organized and fight this.

If this passes that means CA will be next  :'(  They are already trying to close our coast to fishing.

Eh, certain areas of Wyoming already have this law in place.

Additionally, the NFS is recommending that big game hunters use non-leaded bullets here. (Leaded shot is banned for bird & duck hunting already).

I agree it's a hassle, but at the same time, it is better for the birds who may ingest fish or leaded gear by accident.

I agree it's a hassle, but at the same time, it is better for the birds who may ingest fish or leaded gear by accident.

From the bottom of a lake?

From the bottom of a lake?

Many ducks feed in the shallows on forage at the bottom of lakes not on the banks. In fact, on almost all of my trips, I'm fishing with ducks who spend the entire time with their rear in the air while their head is under water feeding on the shallow grass/bugs/minnows/ etc.

Paul

I agree it's a hassle, but at the same time, it is better for the birds who may ingest fish or leaded gear by accident.

From the bottom of a lake?

My lake is about 100 ft down. Last year it was even lower. Also fish might die and float to the top after breaking off a lead jig, and get eaten by a bird or just get eaten by other fish or human. Lead isn't healthy for humans or wildlife.

I still use lead, but I have been thinking about switching. It's a good idea to have this debate, and make sure we are protecting our fishing waters and resources.