New RSA on June 1: Get the lead out
 

On June 1, 2016, a new law takes effect that redefines what a lead jig is for the purposes of taking fish in the freshwaters of New Hampshire. All lead jigs less than or equal to one ounce will be prohibited. It is well documented that lead, when ingested, is toxic to loons and other water birds. Changing lead sinkers and jigs to a non-toxic alternative is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also the law. Visit www.fishleadfree.org/nh/ for alternatives to lead tackle.

Get the lead out
 

Will it still be acceptable to use lead sounders less than 1oz. for ice fishing?

Snort Laugh!
 

Ha, when I saw the title of this post with "Get the Lead Out" In it I got excited because I thought that the fantastic Led Zeppelin tribute band ("Get the Led Out") was going to be playing in the Lakes Region.

Just a question...
 

Just a question: What would be the difficulty about using a non-lead sounder to find the bottom while ice-fishing? While I grant that losing a lead weight as a sounding device is not likely to happen, why chance it. Clip an alloy weight on the line, and there is no problem. Just asking.:)

They are almost all alloy now and they work just fine...heck a rock would work to find the bottom!

Dan

Does this include encapsulated lead as well?

One exception....
 

The only exception I've found is that "spinnerbaits" can include lead less than 1 ounce.
Since a single split-shot weight is a fatal dose in the stomach of a loon I believe any lead less than one ounce encapsulated in any substance that is digestable by a loon would also be deadly.

That was pretty much my point.
 

I must say I have used a bolt, or a nut, or... well anything that sinks.

nuts and bolts
 

Reason for the question was that the sounders that I own are lead. They have a spring at the top to hold the hook which is pretty handy. I guess I just like using the old stuff I got in my box. And if I do, I just want to know if it's still legal is all. ;)