Attack Of The JigZilla™
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 01. 5.06
JigZilla™, by Hildebrandt, (shown here) is a fishing lure which has a weighted 'head' constructed of pure tin. The same company's Glass-Master lure (shown below the fold) has a weighted head molded of pure bismuth. What both of these new products have in common is that their heads are made of something very dense but far less toxic than the lead that was formerly used to make such tackle. Other tackle retailers, and there are many of them, offer cast glass, stainless steel, ceramic, densified polymer, or even tungsten, which is heavier than lead, for making weighted tackle. And why, might you ask, does this make a difference? Because lost or disgarded lead weights and lures are commonly ingested by loons, eagles, osprey, ducks, and other water birds, causing serious harm.
So well recognized is the wildlife hazard, that several US states have moved to ban the sale of lead fishing weights and lures. There are even organized "tackle exchanges" where anglers can swap for or buy alternatives (we highly recommend this link for an overview of the issue and solutions). WIth so many design alternatives, its a perfect example of how doing the little things can make a big difference. Fisher's are always looking for an excuse to try new tackle; so, if you happen to have a fishing buddy or a relative, and you're looking for an affordable present for them, lead free tackle is it.
We remember putting a chain of lead "split-shot" on the fishing line, clamping them in place with our recently-formed adult teeth. Kids-fishing-barefoot seemed to go perfectly with not carrying a pliers. When mom saw us biting the lead shot "on" she'd scream, horrified at the prospect of cracked teeth. We'll concede that going lead-free takes some of the fun away because, with the lead-free split shot, a pliers is mandatory. Not to dispair, you can still fish barefoot and get hollered at for that.
"Because lost or disgarded lead weights and lures are commonly ingested by loons, eagles, osprey, ducks, and other water birds, causing serious harm."
Absolutely. And the fishing hooks also cause serious harm, usually to fish. So look for alternatives to using fishing hooks, too.
=== author's response follows ====
I have a fishing license, follow the Atkins diet, and consider these birds worthy of protection I also duck hunt and have switched to steel pellets for the same reason.
flesh. that's such a slippery slope... many in the animal-free world decry any flesh-eating no matter how benign. And sure it's an easy target what with factory farms, fish farms, and the rest (1lb of comercial beef = 22LBS CO2 emitted into the atmosphere) ...but personaly i've never seen much point in guilt & shame being used to help alter behaviour patterns. additionally suggesting alternatives to me, seems like a better way to achieve a smaller ecological footprint. So, for example eating Elk instead of Beef (or venison) seems like a healthy step (Elk's way better for you and has a much smaller footprint)...
ok, and that being said, personally i look forward to groups like NewHarvest and others getting their lab-grown meats to market! Not only can it be made into the ideal flesh for human consumption, but we can be playful with it! (imagine if you will getting served a Bronosaurus Steak a la Flintstones.. thats possible when made in labs). Imagine not needing grazing lands anymore...
sure, it won't change duck hunting and fishing for enthusiasts, but for most people who do their hunting/gathernig at a Safeway, it will actually be MUCH better. Don't mean to p.. off the vegans, or the raw fruitarians, but at least it's a solution for the rest of the people...
I don't decry flesh eating at all. I merely point out the irony of going out of one's way to protect one species from harm while intentionally causing another species harm.