Supporters of legislation that would ban small lead fishing jigs and weights in Minnesota say it will prevent needless loon deaths due to lead poisoning. Opponents say that nontoxic alternatives to ...

In late January, state Rep. Peter Fischer, DFL-Maplewood, introduced a bill that would ban some small fishing tackle made with lead — similar to legislation he raised last session in concert with DFL ...

Opponents said the move to nontoxic tackle would cost anglers more money, which was true. Lead is perfect for molding into small fishing tackle because it is soft, easily formed and, especially, cheap ...

Efforts are underway at the Minnesota Capitol again this year to reduce the deaths of loons and other waterfowl by banning the sale and use of small lead fishing tackle. A bill in the state House, ...

It was the crappie hole off Hay Island, where the fish tended to be deeper, suspended off the bottom maybe 30 feet under the ice in 60 feet of water. The problem was getting the jig down to the ...