Most of us know that fishing has become an increasingly popular outdoor pastime in the past decades. Anglers are not only enjoying the downtime with nature; they’re also doing their part to conserve it. A National Geographic study says that nearly 55 million Americans are fly-fishing regularly, spending around $1.5 billion on equipment each year.
Fishing has improved fishing gear and techniques over the years, but how about the line that connects our lures to our poles? It’s safe to say that it hasn’t improved much at all. We throw away our line all too often after just one or two uses, meaning that little to no consideration is given to its environmental repercussions. This is where a biodegradable fishing line comes into play. While it may not be the silver bullet for all of your eco-friendly fishing needs, it’s certainly a step in the right direction.
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How to use biodegradable fishing line
You can purchase biodegradable fishing lines at most sporting goods stores. The brand of this type of fishing line is Sea Angler, which makes it easier than ever before for fishermen and women to go green while they are on the water!
The basics of using biodegradable fishing lines are the same as with any other type of fishing line. You will need to tie it to your lure or hook and then cast it out into the water. Be sure to use a bobber if you target fish that live in deeper waters.
The benefits of using biodegradable fishing line
There are many benefits to using biodegradable fishing lines. For one thing, it’s easier than ever before because you can purchase the brand Sea Angler at most sporting goods stores! This is excellent news for people who want to go green while on the water.
Another benefit of biodegradable fishing lines is that they are less harmful to the environment. Since they are made from natural materials, they will ultimately break down once you are done with your fishing trip. This means that they won’t pollute your local waterways or harm any wildlife.
An additional bonus is choosing between a clear or a green fishing line. Opt for a clear one if you want to keep track of your line as it disappears into the water. Otherwise, go with the green option so that you can blend in with your natural surroundings.
The cons of using biodegradable fishing lines
Keep in mind that there are some negatives to using a biodegradable line. First of all, these lines tend to cost much more than other fishing lines. They also don’t last as long as their traditional counterparts.
Another drawback is that some fish are likely to ingest these lines when they hunt for food. This can be dangerous for the fish because it can cause blockages when it is eaten. You should be prepared to clean up the entire line if something happens.
How fast does biodegradable fishing line break down?
A biodegradable fishing line is made from a material called polylactic acid. It’s not something you would generally think of as being strong enough for use as fishing equipment! But because it is biodegradable, it will break down quickly after being disposed of.
Some estimates say that the polylactic acid in biodegradable fishing lines will decompose within three months. So if you lose your line while fishing, don’t worry – it won’t harm the environment!
How to store biodegradable fishing line
When you are not using your biodegradable fishing line, it’s essential to store it properly. This will help to ensure that it lasts for a long time. The best way to keep this type of fishing line is by coiling it up and then putting it in an airtight container.
What is the best way to dispose of biodegradable fishing lines?
The best way to dispose of biodegradable fishing lines is by cutting off any parts that are not usable anymore. This will help prevent animals from becoming entangled in it. Once you have cut the line, you can dispose of it by putting it in your trash can. Make sure to recycle any plastic parts of the fishing line!
Going green with your fishing is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment. Using a biodegradable fishing line, you can ensure that your line will break down quickly after being disposed of.
Here are 11 ways you can go green with your fishing:
1. Make Your Own – The good thing about using a biodegradable fishing line is that all you need to make it, in most cases, is plastic bottles and polyester fiber. The University of Michigan’s recycled fibers lab has published a tutorial on using these two items to create fishing lines at home.
2. Dispose of It Properly – Biodegradable fishing line is not recyclable, so make sure you dispose of it properly instead of throwing it out with your regular trash. Some local fishing shops will take back the used line and recycle it, or you can find a recycling center nearby on Earth911. If there are no recycling centers in your area, you can always check with your local dump or transfer station to see if they will dispose of it for you.
3. Donate It – If you’re not trying to make your biodegradable fishing line at home and cannot find a place that will take it back, another option is donating it. Fishing organizations often have programs that will accept your old line, or they may even give you a new line if you are a loyal customer. Just call around to local fishing shops and see what they offer – you’ll be surprised at how many are willing to help!
4. Buy It Locally – If you’re running low on a regular fishing line but don’t want to go through the hassle of making your own or donating it, look for a local shop that carries a biodegradable line. If there isn’t one in your area, keep checking back – more and more shops are starting to have this eco-friendly alternative.
5. Buy in Bulk – You may not use enough biodegradable fishing line to justify buying a whole spool, especially if you don’t plan on using it often or cut it into smaller pieces to reuse. However, you can save some money by purchasing bulk if your local shop doesn’t carry it and you prefer not to buy online.
6. Use It More – if you’re only going fishing a few times a year or if you typically cut your line into pieces and reuse it, think about using more of it. A biodegradable fishing line is typically much thinner than traditional monofilament nylon, so consider this when buying a spool. If the cable seems too thin for your needs, buy a thicker line and use more of it.
7. Check Local Regulations – If you’re going fishing in a state or area that has specific regulations about what kind of line you can use, make sure to read up on them before you go out. There is nothing worse than being stopped by a game warden because your line doesn’t meet the standards. While many regulations have been put in place to protect wildlife, you will want to ensure that your line qualifies, so you don’t get a ticket.
8. Be Creative – Just because a biodegradable fishing line doesn’t meet all of the regulations for some areas doesn’t mean it’s illegal to use it. Use your imagination and be creative – you can easily tie any biodegradable string or wire to your fishing rod as an alternative.
9. Think About Your Hooks – Biodegradable line is excellent for the environment, but if your hook isn’t, it will eventually end up back in the water and cause problems. Ensure that all of your hooks and fishing equipment are biodegradable to avoid this problem.
10. Buy Used – If you’re not a fan of making your biodegradable fishing line, buying used can be an inexpensive alternative (if you don’t mind dealing with used lines). Check out the classifieds section on Craigslist or eBay for some good deals on this eco-friendly alternative.
11. Go Somewhere Else – Even if you’re not a fan of making your line or buying used, you have the option of going somewhere else to fish. There are plenty of places that don’t have regulations about fishing lines, so all you have to do is buy the type of line that you want and pick your spot!
Final Thought
Fishing lines can be made from many different materials, but the most common is monofilament nylon. Unfortunately, this material does not degrade – it will stay in the environment forever unless manually removed. While some areas allow fishing with non-biodegradable nylon, it’s still better to use the eco-friendly biodegradable kind.
