Anglers: Know the Law
As of January 2007, it is illegal to use and sell lead sinkers weighing one-half ounce or less to fish with in Vermont.
Although not illegal to use, please remove and properly dispose of lead-headed jigs one inch or smaller from your tackle box. These are just as deadly as sinkers.
Why Fish Lead Free?
The Common Loon was placed on the Vermont Endangered Species List in 1978 in an effort to protect the species and increase the population. Because of this protection, loon nesting and chick survival rates in the state have been on the rise in recent years. Loon recovery was deemed a success when on April 23, 2005 the Common Loon was removed from Vermont’s Endangered Species List. Keeping lead sinkers out of Vermont waters will help ensure that the loon doesn’t become listed again. With 108 nesting loon pairs breeding in Vermont (2023)* and successful pairs producing about one chick per year, the loss of one loon can be significant.
The Fish Lead Free Project Encourages Vermont Anglers to Protect Loons and Wildlife
*Vermont Center for EcoStudies
Angler’s Guide to Fishing Lead-Free
Non-toxic tackle comes in many metal choices and modern metal alloys offer the angler a number of advantages:
- They are environmentally safe
- They have more sound producing qualities to call in those fish and up your catch
- Tungsten, is more dense and hard than lead, and allows the angler to “feel” the bait more effectively which in turns helps the angler feel the bite
- Tin, Bismuth, and Steel alloy tackle are lighter than lead but many anglers have reported good success with the use of less weight, allowing for a more natural appearance and presentation of the bait or lure used
- Any zinc-containing fishing tackle is not recommended because it is also toxic to wildlife
Loons and Lead Tackle (VT Center for Ecostudies)
Where to Buy Lead-Free Tackle in Vermont
Lead and monofilament collection tubes can be found at the boat access locations below.
For more information about Vermont Lead-Free Fishing, please see the Vermont Fish and Wildlife site.
Fish Lead Free 