Lead is a heavy metal, widely used in fishing weights. Lead fishing weights come in many shapes and sizes, from tiny shot pinched on a line to huge clunkers of several ounces to hold in current or achieve maximum depth quickly. However, due to the potential environmental impact of lead weights due to lead toxicity, there are now lead-free alternatives. Often, packaging of lead-free fishing weights may not reveal the actual composition other than being “lead free,” or “environmentally friendly,” but here are a few fishing weight components.
Lead
First, lead fishing weights have been around a long time and probably will continue to be the dominant sinker material so lead pollution concerns will persist. However, there have been some major changes such as the banning of lead shot for hunting waterfowl in 1991. Due to the reduction of this enormous number of small lead particles, this is interpreted as a step in the right direction toward a reduction in the risks to aquatic life. Additionally, the chance of lead poisoning has been reduced by removal from other many lead uses such as paint, plumbing, and fuel additives.
Tungsten
One requirement of lead free fishing weights is that they need to be, well, heavy. In fact, pure tungsten is even more dense than lead so you may notice a smaller profile. However, as a cost saving measure, tungsten often is mixed with other elements to create an alloy, which can increase the weight size again. Tungsten is one of the more common but expensive lead free fishing weights, partially because its melting point, 6000 degrees F, is much higher than lead’s 600 degrees F and thus is more difficult to manage.
Bismuth/Tin alloy
The element of bismuth is slightly toxic and brittle in its pure state. However, when combined with tin it becomes softer for some specialized weight purposes such as split shot. It is not as dense as lead so will be relatively larger. Some anglers believe a weight that is harder than lead can be beneficial because it allows for a better feel such as detecting contact with rock, shell beds, or other types of bottom surfaces.
Steel
Similarly, this hard iron and carbon alloy also is not as dense as lead so is larger and not soft enough to serve as a pinched or crimped on weight. However, it is a safe alternative for weights that have holes, rubber core, or line tie-ons. It is relatively cheap, does not contribute to water pollution, and is thought to hold paint color better than lead.
Other
Some fishing weights can be made out of recycled glass, clay, or even rocks. Due to the brittle nature of these materials and lower densities, there are rigging limits. However, there is something to be said about the potential for a stealthy weight that may just look like a stone on the bottom rather than a shinier metallic looking weight that may, at least in some anglers’ minds, spook fish.
The issue of banning lead in fishing tackle has been kicked around for years. Even though such legislation has been limited, the market for alternative lead free fishing weights continues to grow. There is an angler learning curve due to the somewhat larger relative sizes, feel, and harder, less malleable properties. Plus, there often is a higher price tag. Additionally, anglers can reduce lead in the environment by reducing the amount of lead abandoned in water by reusing weights, retying line after stressing events, and choosing the right size and form of weights to reduce snagging.
