In general, anglers are good stewards. Because they enjoy the outdoors, they understand that it makes good sense to take care of it. This is especially true with fish care and handling.
As a group, however, we’ve been a little slow to address the need to properly dispose of used plastic baits and discarded monofilament line. Fortunately, that’s changing.
B.A.S.S. first started emphasizing proper disposal of baits a few years ago, and Eamon Bolten followed with the founding of a ReBaits program to recycle those baits. Today, we have Keep America Fishing’s national Pitch It campaign, which encourages anglers to pitch their worn-out baits into trash cans or recycling containers.
Additionally, more states, organizations, and companies are providing recycling bins for discarded monofilament line, both in stores and boat ramps. Florida is one of the leaders, with its Monofilament Recovery & Recycling Program and more than 40 counties providing recycling bins.
“Every day, improperly discarded monofilament fishing line causes devastating problems for marine life and the environment,” says the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
“Marine mammals, sea turtles, fish and birds become injured from entanglements, or might ingest the line, often dying as a result. Human divers and swimmers are also at risk from entanglements and the line can also damage boat propellers.
