Anglers Score Victory, Threat Remains

On April 24th, Assembly Bill 2787, authored by Assemblyman Bill Quirk, passed out (6-1) of the Assembly Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, but not before being amended from an outright ban of fishing weights/sinkers 50 grams or less, to a bill that will "study" the potential impacts of lead on California wildlife.

While we appreciate the author’s willingness to amend the bill and work with the angling community, the bill has NOT earned our support – not yet. The study, as defined by the author, is overly broad and could be contracted out to an anti-fishing organization, instead of an objective government agency. This is important given that organizations hostile to fishing continue to support this bill.

Anglers can claim a big victory here, but there is no question that we need to continue to communicate to legislators the importance of protecting recreational fishing’s future. Proponents of banning lead fishing tackle will not give up, even if there is no science to justify it.

What’s more the bill could be amended back to its original form, so please continue to OPPOSE the bill and sign the online petition, if you have not already!

Our efforts to stop unreasonable restrictions on fishing continues. Visit our website or Facebook page for AB2787 updates!

Special Thanks to the Opposition Coalition: American Sportfishing Association, California Association of Harbor Masters and Port Captains, California Association for Recreational Fishing, California Aquaculture Association, California Chamber of Commerce, California Parks Company, California Parks Hospitality Association, California Sportfishing League, California Yacht Brokers Association, California Yacht Marinas, Coastal Conservation Association, Coastside Fishing Club, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Coyote Bait and Tackle, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFED), Los Angeles Rod and Reel Club, Marina Recreation Association, National Federation of Independent Business, National Marine Manufacturers Association, Nor-Cal Guides and Sportsmen’s Association, Oceanside Senior Anglers, Inc., Paradise Bass Club, Safe Harbor Marinas, San Diego County Wildlife Federation, United Pier and Shore Anglers of California, Visit Mammoth Lakes, Western Boaters Safety Group.