Cabela's e-mail criticizes EPA ban on lead fishing tackle

Cabela's sent an e-mail this week to customers informing them that last month the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was petitioned by the Center for Biological Diversity and others to ban lead from ammunition and fishing tackle.

The products include sinkers, jigs, weighted fly lines and components containing lead, such as brass and ballast in lures, spinners and stick baits.

On Aug. 27, the EPA denied the petition regarding ammunition, but let stand the petition to ban lead in fishing tackle. The EPA has opened a short period for public comment.

"Such a ban would cause prices of fishing products to skyrocket. Alternative metals can cost from six to 15 times more than lead and most do not perform as well," Cabela's said in its e-mail. "For many, fishing would no longer be the affordable sport it is now."

Those interested in submitting comments opposing this ban can click here for information.