State wants anglers to get the lead out
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is asking anglers to get the lead out as they get ready for Saturday's fishing opener.
The agency encourages anglers to switch to lead-free fishing tackle.
The MPCA says lead is a toxic metal that can harm the nervous and reproductive systems of mammals and birds.
Birds can eat lead fishing sinkers that are lost through broken lines. Loons and swans scoop up pebbles from the bottoms of lakes and rivers to help grind their food -- and can end up swallowing lead.
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Eagles ingest lead when they eat fish which have swallowed sinkers.
The MPCA says inexpensive and ecologically sound alternatives to lead fishing weights are available. And the agency says never throw your old fishing gear into the water or shore, but instead discard old lead sinkers and jigs properly.
The MPCA also cautions that people can be affected by lead tackle. Use a pliers instead of your mouth to fasten sinkers and always wash your hands after handling lead tackle.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)