Many soft plastic lures are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Manufacturers use plasticizers, often compounds called phthalates (1), to keep lures soft and pliable. Phthalates leach out rapidly because they do not chemically bind to the PVC resin.  The problem is this. Several research studies have identified phthalates as endocrine disrupters. In studies, rodents exposed to high doses of certain phthalates have exhibited changes in hormone levels. Succeeding generations of the test population have also had birth defects.  The extent to which they disrupt the endocrine system is disputed and some researchers have stated that the existing research needs to be conducted on a larger sample.

Phthalates comprise about 50 to 80% of soft, plastic baits. Given their volume and the potential dangers, we might question our reasoning for exposing fish directly to soft, plastic baits by using them as lures. Quite honestly, we think that the jury is still out. Numerous researchers, however, are finding male fish, throughout North America, that have female characteristics. Bass, in particular, seem to be susceptible to this anomaly. Are phthalates a cause? It certainly gives an individual pause to think.

Consider, though, that plastic, according to many surveys, accounts for 70% of marine debris. Plastic is indestructible settles in the sediment of aquatic ecosystems. According to noted angler, Keith Warren, "the bottom of Lake Okeechobee is said to be coated with enough soft plastic lures to make a pile large enough to cushion a tank dropped from a plane." In addition, discarded and lost soft plastic lures are often ingested by fish and become lodged in their gastrointestinal tract.

We certainly find enough motivation to look for alternatives to soft plastic baits based on the trash issue alone. As more fish are found that display reproductive abnormalities, we feel that it is important to consider the damage that phthalates may cause. The future of fish is definitely in our best interest.

There are numerous biodegradable alternatives to soft, plastic baits. FoodSource, Big Bite Baits, Berkley, and Fishbites all produce baits that work and that will degrade if the fall off in the water.  Reducing trash and minimizing our fish’s exposure to phthalates. We'd say that's a "win/win" situation.  Check out biodegradable baits at your local tackle shop today. And check out what the good folks at In-Fisherman have written about them!

(1) Pronounced tha-lates, we couldn't figure it out the first time either.

Article written by Mark Olson

Recycled Fish is the organization of anglers as stewards of the resource, on and off the water.

Our name, “Recycled Fish,” speaks to Catch and Release, but that’s just one small part of what we stand for. We think it’s a great starting point, because it’s such a tangible example of how people who love to fish can have a direct impact on fisheries. But Catch and Release alone won’t solve all the threats to our lakes, streams, and seas.

We must take a big-picture approach and live as stewards both on and off the water. That might include recycling, installing a low-flow shower head, spreading less fertilizer on our lawns, using a lead alternative when fishing, and any number of thoughtful actions that demonstrate our commitment to the resource. With more than 40 million in the angler ranks, we outnumber those who play golf and tennis combined. Together, we can make a difference in protecting and enhancing our fisheries and our waters. 

Join us today by taking the “Sportsman’s Stewardship Pledge.” It takes only a minute, and it makes you a member of Recycled Fish. You will receive free gifts in your “Stewardship Kit,” and we will keep you in the loop on new ways you can live a lifestyle of stewardship on and off the water.

Joining won’t cost you a penny and will help us grow into a force that can make a difference. Our lakes, streams, and seas need not just sportsmen, but stewards.

Stand up as a steward and join Recycled Fish today!  For more information log on to www.recycledfish.org or contact Executive Director/Founder Teeg Stouffer.

Teeg Stouffer (Council Bluffs, IA) – Executive Director / Founder
Teeg is a life-long angler, passionate about the sport of fishing, our waters, wild and natural places. “I came from a fishing family, both on my mom’s side and my dad’s side. We grew up fishing, I had a rod in my hand at age three, and I don’t think I ever put it down.”
Hailing from the Midwest, Teeg started his career in the media working in radio, then in event marketing. “I got my first radio show when I was 14 years old, and I was working for a local station by the time I was 16.”
Since then, he’s worked in event marketing, both touring on national tours and developing large-scale tours inside and outside the outdoor industry.
His passion for stewardship of Creation, motivated by an under-lying faith, together with his experience in media, marketing and management give him a unique skill set to cultivate and steer this movement.