Hey Folks, MA just passed a law prohibiting the use of lead jigs and/or fishing lures, weighing less than 1 ounce for all waters. I am in need of finding a good source for plain and dressed crappie jigs, as well as bass jigs. I am especially interested in non-tungsten jigs, in order to keep the cost down on replacing my arsenal. Appreciate your input, THANKS!

I know your probably looking for someone specific, but...some options. Glass (jobberlures) they have an unusual look to them but should easily be crappie worthy. Tin, aluminite...Its lighter than lead instead of heavier, but i believe its also a little cheaper. If you could have someone find a mold that hides a lot of the mass under the skirt and on the shank (like some spinnerbait makers do) then you could get a 1/2ounce cast to weigh around 3/8. It may make things a little more difficult, but its not entirely impossible to get these things. Brass, steel, are other options that weigh closer to lead, but also cost a little more to get.

just go with tungsten and get keitech jigs, they are awesome. every other alternitive sucks compared tungsten

just go with tungsten and get keitech jigs, they are awesome. every other alternitive sucks compared tungsten

I would if I could afford it; but think about this: if you have to replace ALL your jigs, lures, hooks, sinkers and spinnerbaits - all at the drop of a hat - could you do it? I can't afford to do this, especially with the costly tungsten material. Besides, in a couple of years, they'll figure out that tungsten is 10X more toxic than lead, I'm betting that market will go kapoot in a hurry as well. JMO!

The alloy used to make tungsten weighted baits is Tungsten Carbide and is non toxic. It's even used to make men's jewelry. Unless you have the machinery to grind it to dust, which is carcinogenic. Kind of like having the ability to actually burn lead for toxic fumes. No one at home can do this.

The alloy used to make tungsten weighted baits is Tungsten Carbide and is non toxic. It's even used to make men's jewelry. Unless you have the machinery to grind it to dust, which is carcinogenic. Kind of like having the ability to actually burn lead for toxic fumes. No one at home can do this.

Thanks for putting that out there!

Lindy makes some kind of Xchange jig head where you can switch the weights and sizes of the head but I am not sure if it is lead or not?

http://www.overstockbait.com/Lindy_X_Change_System_p/mx2.htm

More crappie based

I would if I could afford it; but think about this: if you have to replace ALL your jigs, lures, hooks, sinkers and spinnerbaits - all at the drop of a hat - could you do it? I can't afford to do this, especially with the costly tungsten material. Besides, in a couple of years, they'll figure out that tungsten is 10X more toxic than lead, I'm betting that market will go kapoot in a hurry as well. JMO!

Just jigs & sinkers Crestliner. I have an e-mail from MA Wildlife confirming that and can forwrd to you if you want it.

Just jigs & sinkers Crestliner. I have an e-mail from MA Wildlife confirming that and can forwrd to you if you want it.

This is true. I spoke with MA F & W this morning. Jigs and sinkers are included in the ban, but spinners and Buzz baits are excluded. Over the next few weeks they will be updating their website with pictures of what is and what is not included n the ban. Keitech Jigs are great but the hooks are rather small for larger style trailers. These are all lead-free...http://www.leadfreejigheads.com/gpage2.html

http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/living-green/living-green-citizen/household-hazardous-waste/get-the-lead-out/get-the-lead-out-manufacturers-and-retailers.html

Besides, the poster above me is a complete fruit cake, be afraid, be very afraid. ]

Thank you for posting this info, HOIST-N-HAWGS! I emailed MA Wildlife about the "lead ban" email that I too received and asked for clarification about spinnerbaits. They did not reply.

J Francho - thank you too for your info on the tungsten we use. I had understood from several comments on other forums that tungsten was 10X as toxic.

I have been molding jigs for several years now and I'm replacing lead with a bismuth/tin alloy that's about 6X more expensive than lead and only 75% the weight. The healthy loons will laugh even harder now!

Just do a general search for "lead free jigheads" and go through the websites. Maybe you will find what you want.

TT.

Just fish weightless S E N K O S.

Thanks for all the input guys. I've done a search for lead free jigs and have a couple of companies in mind. However, most don't make large jig heads (i.e.: Lunker City "Perfect" jigs) or "Scrounger" type jig heads; both of which I use a lot for larger plastics such as paddle tail swimbaits. Also, I've yet to find a weight swimbait hook in anything other than lead.

Funny thing about tungsten though. I was in manufacturing for more years than I care to think about and whenever machining of tungsten came up for a project, special suits and masks were required to be around it. I suppose, in it's innert state, the risk is minor, but more will be discovered about it in the near future, I'm sure. Trust me.....this lead ban is just the beginning. The tree huggers have only one goal in mind. To stop people from fishing.....period!

I know I'm not supposed to post certain links but want to help fellow fishermen find lead-free options. Hope it's okay. Here ya go....

http://www.tacklesmi...px?ProductID=94

http://www.timmytoms...igs_174047.html

http://rockyledge.com/

http://rockyledge.com/

keitech mono spin jig and keitech spin jig are terrific crappie jigs and for bass, it cost around 4-5 bucks per jig but totally worth it

Besides, the poster above me is a complete fruit cake, be afraid, be very afraid. ]

I'm a fruit cake? Have you seen your avatar lately, H-N-H...LOL

Good to see you on here again Bud!

MegaStrike's original jigs are made from Tin. Their E2's are made of lead. Bobby "Megastrike" is on this site, and should be able to verify.

From their website: "The Evolution jig comes in two different series. Our original series is LEAD FREE(Made out of the finest Tim materials) Our E2 jigs(Evolution II) are made out of LEAD."

http://www.megastrike.com/#!products/vstc2=evolution-lures

I'm a fruit cake? Have you seen your avatar lately, H-N-H...LOL

Good to see you on here again Bud!

That's my church going garb! Believe it or not, I always seem to get the whole bench seat to myself.

I can make some shapes. Mostly roundball or roundball weedless.

Hey Folks, MA just passed a law prohibiting the use of lead jigs and/or fishing lures, weighing less than 1 ounce for all waters. I am in need of finding a good source for plain and dressed crappie jigs, as well as bass jigs. I am especially interested in non-tungsten jigs, in order to keep the cost down on replacing my arsenal. Appreciate your input, THANKS!

You may want to check out our lead free jig heads at Green Tackle. We're making tons of new jig heads, sinkers, and lures in response to demand from this ban in MA. Feel free to let us know if there is any lure, jig head style, size, or color that you need.

I'm actually interested in discussing how the MA lead ban has impacted anglers and tackle shop owners if you'd be interested in a quick chat?

Not too off topic but do they have guys driving around on boats checking everyone that fishes to see if they are using lead?

Not too off topic but do they have guys driving around on boats checking everyone that fishes to see if they are using lead?

Probably not, but is it worth the risk?

Probably not, but is it worth the risk?

I dunno, what's the fine? I live in Michigan and don't have to worry about the lead ban. But was just curious as to how they see how they kept everybody from using lead.

An update for you guys. I have added many styles and heads on my site in the Bismuth/tin alloy.

Good for you G-Man, this is a great lead free alternative for you MA guys. Built in the USA and by a stand up gentleman who cares about his product and customers!