I want everyone to be clear on my take on this whole lead issue. From all of my reading and net surfing, it's pretty clear that banning the use of lead in fly fishing and tying is not warrented except in very select areas. Whether or not it will become more widespread is a politcal issue. If it's important to you, become involved.

Lead poisoning is only one part of this issue. It's clear from the data that the main cause of that is shotgun pellets accumulated over centuries. Unless they come up with a way to pick all that up, all that can be done is the requirement of steel shot and time.

However, the deaths of loons caused by fishing tackle, whether there is lead involved or not, is preventable and should be addressed.

Close to fishing areas where loons are prevalent. When fishing where it's allowed, require that a fisherman who encounters a loon must immediately leave the area and go fish someplace where there aren't loons.

Simple solution to this problem.

Buddy