New York Bans Small Lead Sinkers

New York Fishing Forum New York Fishing General
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ALBANY, NY—The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is reminding state tackle retailers that, effective May 7, 2004, the sale of lead sinkers weighing ½ ounce or less is prohibited.

The DEC claims the ban will protect loons and other waterfowl from harmful lead contamination, although angler groups dispute that tackle causes any significant losses of these birds.

New York’s lead sinker ban includes all sales, including catalog and Internet orders between out-of-state tackle companies and consumers in New York. The ban doesn’t apply to larger lead sinkers, jig heads, weighted flies, weighted line or artificial lures.

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The DEC in Albany will tell you that lead sinkers accounted for very few loon deaths in the many years the survey was taken. Other water fowl aren’t affected, including ducks and geese. When politics talks, the NYS DEC listens. In New Hampshire it’s against the law to even use lead wts., much less sell them. Next it will be hookless baits.

Sam

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I guess that will give a big boost on the brass and bismuth sinkers that they have out there as a lead substitute.