The Future of Lead Weights?
By Samantha Collins-Ratcliffe
It has been known for some time now that lead weights are detrimental to the environment, effecting our waters, fish and bird life. We don’t know for sure what the future consequences of this will be. Lead is a toxic metal that, in sufficient quantities, has adverse effects on the nervous and reproductive systems of animals. Found in most weights, this metal is poisoning wildlife. In addition to its impact on water, lost leads and the use of drop off rigs can create a burden on the environment. In Denmark, companies are now prohibited from inporting and marketing any product containing lead for commercial fishing equipment, this went in to effect in 2002. How long is it before it hits the UK?
So what is out there?
Well I have been scouting around and have managed to get my hands on a selection of Diamond Weights as shown in the pictures below.
As can be seen both my inline rig and pendant set up look like any other set up would with a lead weight. I have a 2oz weight on both and with an average cast the competent angler could reach 100+ yards.
I questioned how this rig would appear in water and how I could observe this, so I decided to pl
ace them in a normal fish tank and have a look. I was quite amazed by what I saw as can be seen in the pictures I took.
Many anglers often talk about ways they can disguise their rig and I believe this is a step forward in helping to achieve this. As can be seen they are virtually invisible and blend into the surroundings with ease.
I have been using these weights from January this year and have to admit I was quite sceptical about them at first. Over the past few months my confidence has grown I feel my presentation has improved and I seem to be having more takes. In my opinion setting these up with my favourite Quest bait has led to the capture of some beautiful fish this year. This set up works for me and I recommend just giving it a try.
Good Luck
Samantha Collins-Ratcliffe
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Tags: bait, capture, Diamond, environment, equipment, fish, fishing, impact, lead, product, Quest, rig, Weights, wildlife
Hi Samantha,
Some very important points there and a very serious iussue indeed. I remember when the great lead shot debate hit the angling trade. Although it was hardly a debate at all. Most of the trade as well as the anglers appeared to take the view ‘Oh, it will never happen. There are too many anglers to allow it to happen’. What happened? Lead shot and lead weights between a size 8 and of 1oz or less were banned from sale and use in the UK!
Believe me - it is just as likely to happen with larger weghts too. It’s no good burying your head in the sand and saying it won’t happen - it probably will.
On the alternate weight theme don’t get blinkered into just using lead weights because you can. You may be pleasantly surprised to find you could get a few more takes on the clear weights described by Samantha or indeed the now quite commonly available stone weights.
Why? It’s all down to the electrical field transmitted between your hook and your lead weight.
Food for thought perhaps?
Best fishes
Shaun Harrison
I agree the Carp probably can sense the electrical field between the lead and the hook. I also believe this is one of the ways they navigate their environment, much like Whales will navigate the globe during their lifetime. Bird’s and other animals use these senses too, we humans probably had this ability thousands of years ago but this has been suppressed by our stronger senses over generations.
Regarding Sam’s concerns over the deterioration of lead in water and the potential hazards to wildlife, yes there must be concern, however surely coated leads (powder coated) will lock the raw lead away from water thus reducing the chance of water breaking down the lead over time.
Also the cost of these Diamond weights in comparison to lead weights will probably scare a lot of people off buying them.
Cheers
Jamie
It is not the cost of the diamond weights that puts me off,but this:have you ever seen one in the water?? I watched a guy drop one in the margins of my local water and alarm bells rang straight away.There’s a famous old genisis album cover that shows the light refracting through a clear pyramid,and thats exactly what we witnessed,the thing lit up like it had a halo round it.To be fair it was a bright sunny day and the water is gin clear but as we all know,so much about our fishing is having confidence in our end tackle,so i will quite happily stick to my leads,coated or otherwise.
sorry shaun,completely got my albums mixed up (dont ask me how) of course it was pink floyd who had the light refracting thruogh the pyramid,not genesis.Please excuse my stupidity,but i think the point i raised regarding the clear weights just about gets me off the hook (PUN FULLY INTENDED)!!!
Hi Lee,
Fancy getting Floyd mixed up with Genesis
I know what you mean though. I was quite alarmed the first time I dropped one of the diamond weights in shallow clear water. Not only with the light bouncing back from the straight edges but also the magnification of the small pebbles below the weight.
I need to do experiments myself in deeper water but haven’t yet got around to doing it. Bit cold for the facemask and swimming at the moment. I would however guess that the light refraction should be different in deeper water.
Perhaps some reader can take a look for us in either the swimming baths or on holiday in warmer water?
I was surprised the manufacturers made them the shape they are. I am sure a conventional rounded bomb shape would show up less in shallow water.
Just a few thoughts from me. Anyone going swimming anywhere warm who can take a look see?
If so please let us know what you find. Tie the bomb onto some line first though in case they dissapear!