Catching a bass on a plastic worm is the most popular way to catch one. The new legislation if passed would ban the use of “rubber” baits. The bill would also ban biodegradable soft baits. So far no definition of “rubber” baits has been introduced. Statistics account for all of the soft baits on any wall or shelf (rainbow colors in every shape and size) in a sporting goods store will end up in the bottom of a lake, stream, or river somewhere. The very PVC plasticized material that makes them a joy to the angler, makes them a danger to the environment and marine life.
Toxic lure pollution
Each year more than 12,000 tons of soft bait land at the bottom of lakes, streams and rivers polluting waters nationwide by old lures being thrown overboard or off the bank. For a time there was some education going around to alert anglers of the dangers of their bait litter, to throw it away responsibly, and the massive amount of soft bait pollution. After a time the pleas seem to have gone unheard and forgotten by fishing enthusiasts.
The baits lay in heaps and piles on the water floor where fish and other wildlife scoop them up in their mouth, as they would naturally eat, not getting a digestible food but instead a plasticized lure which can’t be digested. Fish and other wild life mistakenly eat the soft baits which resemble crayfish and other marine life further down on the food chain and it eventually kills them by clogging their digestive system. After a time the pleas seem to have gone unheard and forgotten by fishing enthusiasts.
Phthaltes causes cancer and is found in some of the plastics that make up some lures. This chemical leaches into the fish as the fish dies and then into the water we use for drink and water our crops with.
Non-toxic, biodegradable lures line the bottoms of waters
A few years ago, 2008-2010, when this issue was made prevalent it was said that the soft baits pollution was so bad in one particular lake, if they were to go and pile them all up it would be the size of an army tank. SAFE Angling kits can be purchased which contain biodegradable molded baits made by Food Source Lures.
The Ironclad Lure Company in response to the dilemma in 2009 came up with a non-destructible soft plastic lure( designed by Ben Hobbins) lures would stay attached to the hook, by using special fibers, keeping it from being torn and “lost.” A torn soft bait is the number one reason it is lost or thrown away into the water.
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