Lead-free jigs or jigheads

[Robert Barnwell Roosevelt]

By sheer luck and happenstance (and a few tricks), my young son (7 years old) has developed a healthy addiction to saltwater fishing.

In response, I am trying to change over all my tackle to lead free tackle, but 2-5 oz jigs are a problem. Does anyone know of a source for non-toxic jigs; all the sources I have found so far are for fresh water weights.

[pawlie]

Hi Robert and welcome!

You will have difficulty finding lead free tackle in larger sizes because I believe the initial intent was to prevent waterfowl from ingesting the small pieces along with their usual meal. Lead poisoning in a seven year old is unusual ( I have one myself!) At our hospital, we did have two teens who presented with lead poisoning after making a habit of chewing on their sinkers for fun (go figure!) As long as jigs are painted and you are not eating food or smoking cigarettes, this should not pose a big hazard. If you are very concerned, you can use dishwasher powder soap, which binds lead, to clean your hands after handling lead. Good luck with your little guy. I love fishing with mine. Pawlie

[Husky]

Originally posted by Robert Barnwell Roosevelt:
By sheer luck and happenstance (and a few tricks), my young son (7 years old) has developed a healthy addiction to saltwater fishing.

In response, I am trying to change over all my tackle to lead free tackle, but 2-5 oz jigs are a problem. Does anyone know of a source for non-toxic jigs; all the sources I have found so far are for fresh water weights.

Toxicity only occurs via ingestion. Don't eat it and you won't have any problem. Big jigs and weights present no problem.. Much of the lead issue is overreaction.

[Robert Barnwell Roosevelt]

Actually, I have always felt that the lead issue has been grossly underestimated by fishermen. Lead in the tiniest quality can be damaging to children. My question is why take a chance with something as precious as your son.

Consider this:
Take a typical lead sinker and rub it in your
fingers. You will see a stain on your fingers; this is finely-divided lead particles. Now, say, have that ham sandwitch from your cooler. Imagine your child doing this. Yikes.

OK, I admit that the form of lead intake is important. For instance, lead paint goes right into the bloodstream; one small flake will turn your kid into a retard. Elemental lead is less chemically active, but digestive acids can change
that. So why take the chance?

[Husky]

Not to be arguementitive, but aside from paint, auto emissions from leaded gasoline and in the past, lead used in canning, what are the remaining sources of lead poisoning that should be a source of public concern? I've been arounf fishing type lead all my life and know of no lead poisoning I can speak of.
If you are against using leads lures, unfortunately, your options are extremely limited.

[Sudsy]

Doodle Bugs

Sounds to me like you want to be using tin. There is still lead in tins (60/40 tin to lead if I'm correct) but I would think that the hardness of the tin would keep the lead "locked" in to a much greater degree than lead alone.

[H'Islander]

Your concern for your son is absolutely admirable - Good for you - on the flip side, Me and my kids and my pals and their kids have been fishin' since we were wishin, none of us have keeled over twitchin'. I'm not saying there isn't an issue, just that of the 200-300 folks that I know of that fish all handle lead weights and none have ever experienced a problem.

My thoughts would be to handle the lead with rubber gloves and wash the gloves after the day is done.

Good luck, and welcome to the forum - If you do find an alternative, don't forget to share it!

[big country]

I agree with taking precaution with your kids, Im all for it... but in your post above this quote "one small flake will turn your kid into a retard." somehow struck me as funny... in a sick way... Im sur eyou werent trying to be funny, but it came out that way!!