Discarded fishing lures and other tackle can injure, strangle, and kill birds. I don’t know how the story ended for this hooked Common Loon.
I took this Common Loon photo in April 2023. I’d meant to write about it then, but unforeseen circumstances had me out of state for an extended period of time.
Common Loon hooked by a fishing lure
The Dangers of Discarded Fishing Tackle
Fishing line, lures, hooks, and lead weights left behind by anglers are a deadly threat to loons and other wildlife. These discarded items don’t just disappear—they become hazards that can entangle, injure, poison, or kill.
Fishing line is nearly invisible in the water, making it a serious danger. Birds can swim or take off without seeing it, only to end up tangled. Once wrapped around their wings, legs, or neck, the line can cut deep into their skin, leading to infections, severe injuries, or even death. Struggling only makes it worse, and if a bird can’t free itself, starvation is often the end result.
Hooks are just as dangerous. A loon grabbing a hooked fish can swallow the hook, puncturing their throat, stomach, or intestines. If the hook lodges in their mouth or digestive tract, it can lead to internal injuries, infection, and an agonizing death. Birds that get hooked externally may be unable to preen or hunt properly, leaving them vulnerable.
Lures pose their own set of problems. Their bright colors and movement mimic prey, making them tempting—but deadly—false meals. A swallowed lure can block a bird’s digestive system or cause severe internal damage. Even if not ingested, lures with dangling hooks can snag on feathers or skin, creating painful wounds that make flying or swimming difficult.
Lead weights add another level of danger. If fish-eating birds pick up a lead sinker while catching or consuming prey it can lead to lead poisoning, a slow and painful process that affects the nervous system, weakens muscles, and often results in death.
How You Can Help
All of this is preventable.
Anglers can make a real difference by retrieving lost fishing line, properly disposing of hooks and lures, and switching to non-lead tackle.
A little extra care goes a long way in protecting loons and other wildlife from a tragic and unnecessary fate.
I know that many of my birder and bird photographer friends are like me—we pick up trash and discarded fishing gear as we go along. That helps too.
Life is good. We can make it better.
Mia
Other articles I’ve written on this subject:
The Dangers of Fishing Line and Hooks for Birds and other Wildlife
I hope bird was caught and the fishing gear removed!