Fishing line is cheap, thin and nearly invisible, which is why so much of it ends up in the water. Wildlife agencies treat it as a serious litter problem, and fixing it takes only a few habits on the bank or at the boat ramp.
Why it matters
Most monofilament is non-biodegradable and can persist for centuries, with estimates reaching up to about 600 years. Discarded line can tangle fish, geese, ospreys, otters and turtles, can be swallowed by wildlife, and can foul boat propellers or endanger swimmers. Some birds even pick it up as nesting material, which can trap their chicks.
What to do on the water
- Recover line you lose when a snag happens, if it is safe to reach it.
- Pick up line you find on shorelines or docks and add it to your own pile.
- Deposit it in an outdoor collection bin if there is one near the launch, then keep the rest in a bag.
At home
Many agencies and park systems accept used monofilament by mail or at collection stations, and recyclers melt it into plastic pellets that become tackle boxes, line spools, toys and fish habitat structures. The line is not turned back into new fishing line.
Do not put line or tackle in household recycling bins, because it jams equipment built for cans, bottles and paper. If the trash is your only option, place old line in a bag first so it cannot blow loose or tangle in collection trucks and landfills.
Do not forget the tackle
Some tackle contains lead, which harms wildlife that swallow it. Store tackle securely and ask your state wildlife agency about proper disposal and nontoxic alternatives.
Filed under: Washington DC Fishing News
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