You Don’t Need to be an Expert – Just Start Small
Every angler, resident, and visitor can protect Drag and Spruce Lakes’ loons and wildlife by reducing lead in our waters. Lead poisoning is 100% preventable, and simple changes add up fast.
Here’s how you can help today:
- Check Your Tackle Box
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- Start with what you already own—many people have old lead tackle without realizing it.
- Remove jigs, sinkers, drop-shot weights, bullet weights, worm weights, and similar items.
How to tell if it’s lead (quick tests):
Color & appearance: Lead is dull grey (not shiny like some metals).
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- Scratch test: Rub it on paper—it leaves a grey mark (like pencil lead).
- Dent test: Press with your fingernail or pliers—lead is soft and dents easily.
- Note: Even painted, coated, rubber-encased, or plastic-covered lead is toxic—the loon’s powerful gizzard grinds it down with strong stomach acids, releasing the poison.
2. Switch to Lead-Free Alternatives
Replace lead with safer options—they work great and often perform better!
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- Start with your heaviest/most-used items: 1 oz sinkers, jig heads, bullet weights, etc., then build from there.
- Top non-toxic choices: tungsten (denser than leadàsmaller size, better sensitivity, faster sink, fewer snags), bismuth, steel, tin, or ceramics.
- Benefits: Superior bite detection, less water resistance, no wildlife harm. Cost increase for the average angler? Just ~2% (or 0.3-3.6%) per year—affordable protection.
- Where to buy: Check local retailers in Haliburton County (encourage them to stock more!), online suppliers, or watch for our campaign samples/swaps.
3. Recover Lost Tackle & Fish Responsibly
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- Retrieve broken lines, hooks, or tackle whenever possible—even if it’s not yours.
- If you spot loons nearby, reel in gently and move to another spot to avoid accidental ingestion.
- Practice “leave no trace” fishing: Pick up litter, dispose of old gear properly.
4. Participate in Our 2026 Campaign
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- Bring old lead to our drop-off locations or lead swap events—trade for free lead-free samples
- Join us at lake events to collect lead safely (we recycle it properly so it never re-enters the fishing tackle industry).
5. Spread the Word & Advocate
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- Talk to fellow anglers, family, and friends—many assume lead is already banned (It’s not!). It’s legal to sell/use lead tackle almost everywhere in Ontario, except national parks/wildlife areas.
- Encourage local shops to carry more lead-free options.
- Share “Did You Know?” facts on social media or at your cottage.
- Support broader change. Sign/check the petition at fishleadfree.ca to push for province-wide restrictions on small lead sinkers/jigs.
Your actions matter-switching one angler’s tackle can save a loon. Together, we’re building a lead-free future for Drag and Spruce Lakes
Get Involved Today!
Visit our drop-offs and watch for swap announcements.
Questions? Contact us via: dslpoacommunications@gmail.com
