Learn More at California Sportfishing League
On February 16, 2018, Assembly Member Bill Quirk introduced Assembly Bill 2787, legislation that will ban lead fishing weights that can be found in most every California angler’s tackle box. Making fishing too costly and less accessible will have a devastating impact on the state’s tourism industry and communities dependent on outdoor recreation for tax revenue and jobs.
Due to the large size of the lead weights and sinkers identified in the legislation, AB 2787 may be the most far reaching ban on fishing tackle in the country and will clear out the inventory of most fishing tackle shops. Moreover, given the significant restriction placed on lead content, it is not certain whether alternative products exist in the market and by most estimations, if alternative products do exist they can cost up to 20% more than traditional lead weights.
You have a Voice in the Political Process – Be Heard!
1) Click here to Sign the Petition
2) Click here to Contact Assembly Member Quirk
(Email if you live in the greater Hayward area, call if you don’t)
Background
Assembly Bill 2787 states; “A person shall not manufacture, sell, or purchase a fishing weight or sinker in California that has no cross section greater than or equal to two centimeters (less than ¾ of an inch) in length, is under 50 grams (less than 1 ¾ ounces) in mass, and contains more than 0.1 percent lead weight.”
To this date, no scientific study has ever been conducted in California that would justify the merits of this legislation and most notably, weights of such large size. Wildlife found in Canada and other parts of the U.S. are not common in California, and no study has determined that where fishing takes place in California, lead fishing weights have harmed wildlife. Therefore, before causing significant harm to communities dependent on outdoor tourism and needlessly drive up the cost of fishing, studies should be required to determine whether fishing practices are having any significant impact on California wildlife.
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