Cooler but still well above normal this week

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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.

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. 

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The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is reminding anglers that the toxic metal lead can harm the nervous and reproductive systems of mammals and birds. The agency encourages fishermen to switch to lead-free fishing
tackle.

State wants anglers to get the lead out

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