New Hampshire Anglers Face Expanded Ban on Lead Fishing Tackle

Legislation attempts to ban all lead sinkers and jigs less than one ounce

Unless anglers make their voices heard, the New Hampshire state legislature may ban virtually all small fishing lures, including flies.

New Hampshire State Senator Jeannie Forrester introduced a bill, SB 89 into the New Hampshire State Senate to expand current restrictions on the use of lead sinkers and jigs in state waters by banning the use of any lead jig weighing one ounce or less. This would include all lead sinkers and jigs regardless of their coating or attached skirts, leadcore line, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, spoons, poppers, plugs and flies.

New Hampshire anglers generate almost $210 million annually in retail sales, with a $332 million impact on the state’s economy. Fishing tackle made from alternatives to lead can be much more expensive and may not perform as well.

If SB 89 passes, much of your tackle could become illegal and the cost of fishing in New Hampshire will be significantly greater.

Please take action now against this unwarranted ban on lead tackle.