Estimates of Tackle Loss for Five Minnesota Walleye Fisheries

Abstract

Lead poisoning in waterbirds from ingestion of lead fishing items may be a growing problem. There are few studies that quantify tackle loss for recreational fisheries. Tackle loss from large recreational lake fisheries in Minnesota is unknown. The objectives of this study were to determine tackle loss for five large lake fisheries targeting walleye Sander vitreus in Minnesota by means of creel surveys and to estimate recent cumulative losses. Mean rates of tackle loss were low: 0.0127/h for lures, 0.0081/h for large sinkers, 0.0057/h for small sinkers, 0.0247/h for jigs, and 0.0257/h for hooks. Many anglers lost no fishing tackle on a fishing trip. The estimated total loss of tackle for the five water bodies in the summer of 2004 was 214,811 items. Over 100,000 lead-based items were estimated to have been lost, representing about 1 metric ton of lead. Assuming 2004 lead tackle loss rates, estimates of cumulative lead item loss for Lake of the Woods and Mille Lacs and Rainy lakes from 1983 to 2004 were 285,000 (SE = 8,800), 1,033,000 (SE = 39,700), and 211,000 (SE = 8,400) items, respectively. In critical wildlife areas with high angling effort or high tackle loss rates, determining the impacts of lead tackle on wildlife would be prudent, and prohibiting the use of lead tackle may be necessary.