Lead baned for 2011?

Does anyone know what the lead ban for 2011 is? I hear that it was just sinkers. Would that include jigs?

What else is on the market other than tungstan ? What do you guys like?

didn't think the lead ban passed. Last I read, the EPA threw it out. If you want to try something other than lead, tungsten and brass are most common. There are also tin and steel sinkers.

Alrington Bait told me that the lead ban had passed and would be in effect for next season. I'm not sure the specifics for MA, but I fished a bunch in NH this season, and they're rule is no lead under 1", which means jigs and spinnerbaits with lead heads are OK to use. It mostly applies to sinkers because birds and things eat them, thinking its food and they die of lead poisoning because they can't digest it and it sits in their stomach.

I think there are a fair amount of stainless steel sinker options out there, which will be a little less than the tungsten weights (cost wise). They had a bunch at Dicks or Arlington Bait last time I was in both stores...

I heard nationally they the EPA is not going to ban lead, BUT I still think MA is going to join NH and ban lead in 2012. I started making my own lead free brush and football jigs about 2 months ago. I am going to convert all my tackle to lead free by next spring.

this is a link to the Mass Wildlife (Dept of Fish and Game) website. the bottom paragraph specifically states the massachusetts lead sinker ban goes into effect 01/01/12 (not 2011). it appears to be the same as, or similar to the new hampshire law.

http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/fishing/lead_sinkers_loons.htm

here is a different article on the EPA not approving the ban this past november. i believe the massachusetts state law will still take effect in 2012 as the EPA ruled against a national ban, but left the decision to each individual state.

http://mainefishingtoday.com/aroostookbasser/?p=744

also, here is a link to the new hampsire law.

http://www.nesportsman.com/articles/news/news5.shtml