LEAD IS DEAD September 17, 2009 - On July 28th of this year, the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board unanimously voted to ban the use of lead within our state's freshwater rivers and impoundments. While this regulatory change will not take effect until 2012, it will include the use of lead sinkers, lead weights and lead fishing jigs with a mass weight of less than one ounce. We are still unclear if this verdict will include the use of lead wire, beads and cones that are incorporated into flies. In the previous few years there have been many substitutes introduced by manufacturers in anticipation of this regulatory change, not only here in Massachusetts, but throughout the entire country. While we're on the subject of regulation changes, even though I am diligent in scrutinizing anything related to fly-fishing, particularly trade and industry publications, I have yet to gain any knowledge of the proposed legislation to eliminate the use of felt on wading shoes. I do anticipate that at some point within the next few years it will be mandated. Many manufacturers have begun to limit their offerings of felt soled waders and wading shoes for the 2010 season, or a least offer alternatives like vibram soles (Simms). The jury is still out on how these alternatives compare with traditional felt but I am confidant that as the technology matures, so will the performance. COOL FLY TYING SITE While we're on the subject of the internet, the entire 2010 schedule of fly fishing shows can be viewed on www.flyfishingshow.com, where their motto is, "Fly fishing is not part of the show, it is the show." THE FISHING Rumor has it that both the Farmington and Housatonic rivers in Connecticut have recently received a rather healthy dose of freshly stocked hatchery trout. Water shouldn't be a problem when the state of Massachusetts initiates their fall stocking program in a few weeks, more on this in a future report. Good fishing and safe
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