So I read today that Maine is proposing a state ban on Soft Baits (state Representative Paul Davis introduced H.P. 37/L.D.42, legislation that would prohibit the use of all “rubber” lures), so I guess my question is, "if Maine does it, who is next"?
For more info on the ban and to get involved go to Keep America Fishing article at "[url "http://keepamericafishing.salsalabs.com/o/6394/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=4098"]Maine legislators poised to ban all soft baits[/url]"
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Interestingly enough, there is no "rubber" in soft plastic baits.
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Good piont, but apparently Rep. Paul Davis wasn't aware of that, the article says he is trying to do a broad sweeping ban. Below is an exerpt from the article:
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"On January 17, state Representative Paul Davis introduced H.P. 37/L.D.42, legislation that would prohibit the use of all “rubber” lures. The legislation seeks to ban “rubber” baits but does not define the term. Even so, the intent of the legislation is clear – to ban the soft baits that Maine anglers use every day. Technically, there are no “rubber” baits on the market as soft baits are made from various substances, none of which are rubber. The bill would even ban biodegradable soft baits currently available. The legislation does nothing to encourage further understanding of this perceived problem or to improve angler education on the use of soft baits."
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Why would they want to even do that? How are the soft fishing baits harming the environment? Or are there other motives?
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You just know what happened: Some envirowhack group got to that brainless politician and convinced him that soft baits are causing trillions of dead fish, water pollution, global warming, and bad breath. So he's gonna ban 'em, by Gawd.
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It's usually something like this...
His brother in-law (insert any relative) just invested a small fortune into a HARD plastics manufacturing industrial product that is sold to fishing lure companies that make hard plastic lures. So, If he bans all soft plastics in Maine and can pay off some scientific research group to testify that his ban did indeed help the fishing population and environment he has a good chance to push it to other states and THEN his brothers investment has a better chance to reap a higher yield dividend.
I know that sounds absurd but that type of legislation happens, all the time, right under our noses.
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Haveing fished Maine for the first time last year, I would go back there for another week in a heart beat. But take the soft plastics out of it and it's back to Vermont. Portland folks are at it again. [crazy] Keep us updated.
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Just got this today from [#000000][size 3]KeepAmericaFishing:[/size][/#000000]
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Dear Fellow Anglers,
During the last few weeks we at KeepAmericaFishing™ sent out emails regarding a bill in Maine that would ban the use of all soft baits. This legislation is now going to a working session of the Maine Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. In order [url "http://keepamericafishing.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=Ao7Q5pFRD1XRtQVo1erF1P8CiezXPnOi"]to show just how many anglers across the country are concerned by this bill we ask that you sign our petition in a show of solidarity[/url]. This petition will be presented to the Committee so that they can see that banning soft baits not only affects their own residents and anglers but also anglers nationwide.
By signing the petition you are telling the Committee that you "do not approve of unfounded bans on soft baits. Arbitrarily banning widely used tackle such as this would have a tremendous impact on everyone from individual anglers to tackle manufacturers to state wildlife management agencies that protect our resources. Further study must be conducted and decisions must be based on sound science."
Join us on this issue. Whether Maine is far from you - or near - what happens there could happen in your state as well. [url "http://keepamericafishing.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=m2px6ZPkkzt0bbJKIKVtlgQxGYHdZqc7"]Sign the petition today.[/url]
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Rapala probably has something to do with this! haha
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Well when everyone stops fishing and the states and feds. lose fishing money then they will see. Maybe the Feds and the states need to find more USA jobs then putting bans on everything. Why not put a ban on ..no wifes can go cloths shopping...>LOl
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When polititions in detroit ran out of town business shops stores and yes even tax paying citizens, they did not stop thier corupt ways.
not the city is under seige by the state. not that the seage means anything, they been under that threat for more than a year now and still nothing has changed.
the way I figure it is, Davies needed to put up a bill for something/anything before some one figured out he wasnt doing his job.[:p]
[quote TheWhizzle]Interestingly enough, there is no "rubber" in soft plastic baits.[/quote]
They were originally made out of rubber, They are still petroleum based product now being PVC and or silicon. Both items not really environmentally safe.
However, the soft bait manufacturers seem to be aware of this and some adding soy to the lures. Berkleys are suppose to dissolve in waters above 60°C. Pretty warm and still questionable. Next question, what is the OIL resin they use.
Also, they are sold by the Billions I am sure. I can see thee concern.
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Oh crap. Like 90% of my fishing is soft plastics. Hope this doesn't make its way to Indiana.
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Grand.
Hey - and while they're at it - lets GET THE LEAD OUT.
This stinks worse than my nastiest catfish dough!