Biodegradable fishing line is a relatively new innovation in the angling world, but it has already made a significant impact. Traditional fishing lines are typically made from non-biodegradable materials like nylon, which can take hundreds of years to decompose, making discarded fishing lines a major source of pollution in our waters.
Biodegradable fishing lines are made from materials like polylactic acid and plant-based polymers, which are designed to break down quickly and safely in the environment. On average, it takes about 5 years for biodegradable fishing lines to completely decompose.
This means anglers can enjoy their favourite hobby without worrying about the negative impact of discarded fishing lines on the ecosystem. Oh, did I mention that biodegradable fishing lines are just as strong and reliable as traditional ones!
Table of Contents
What is Biodegradable Fishing Line?
Anglers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their fishing equipment. One way to reduce this impact is by using biodegradable fishing lines. Biodegradable fishing lines are made from materials that break down naturally over time, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in the water and on land.
Biodegradable fishing line is typically made from biodegradable polymers, which are materials that break down naturally when exposed to the environment. Some of these polymers are plant-based, made from natural materials such as polylactic acid (PLA), while others are synthetic, made from materials such as polyester or polyethylene.
Nylon is a common material used in fishing lines, but it’s not biodegradable. A biodegradable fishing line is a more eco-friendly alternative to nylon and other synthetic materials because it is designed to break down over time, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in the environment.
Biodegradable fishing lines are just as strong and durable as traditional fishing lines, making it a great choice for anglers who want to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing performance. It is also available in a range of colors and thicknesses, so anglers can find the right line for their needs.
Pros Of Using Biodegradable Fishing Lines
Cons Of Using Biodegradable Fishing Lines
Types of Biodegradable Fishing Lines
Monofilament Biodegradable Fishing Line
Monofilament biodegradable fishing line is made from a single strand of biodegradable fishing line material similar to typically traditional monofilament fishing lines and tends to have similar characteristics.
Braid Biodegradable Fishing Line
Braided biodegradable fishing line is made by weaving several strands fibers together, similar to a braided fishing line.
What Materials Are Biodegradable Fishing Lines Made From?
Biodegradable fishing lines are made from a variety of materials, such as recycled materials (i.e. plastic bottles) and other sustainable materials. The most common material used is thermoplastic starch. This material is derived from natural sources such as corn or potato starch and is designed to break down over time without harming the environment.
Other materials that can be used to make biodegradable fishing line include polylactic acid (PLA), which is derived from cornstarch, and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), which are biodegradable polymers produced by bacteria.
These materials are designed and chosen to minimize the impact on the environment and to have them decompose in a reasonable amount of time if left in the water.
How Long Does It For Biodegradable Fishing Line To Decompose?
Biodegradable fishing lines can begin noticing signs of decomposing as early as 2 months of use. However, this greatly depends on how much you use the fishing line and the conditions it was exposed to.
On average, you can expect biodegradable fishing lines to last up to a year for most casual anglers. Biodegradable fishing lines are designed to take about 5 years to decompose if left out in the environment.
Cost of Biodegradable Fishing Line
The main concern for anglers when using biodegradable fishing line is the cost.
The cost of biodegradable fishing line can vary depending on the brand, the length, and the strength of the line. On average, a biodegradable fishing line can cost anywhere from $20 to $40 for a 300-yard spool.
While the initial cost of biodegradable fishing line may be higher, it is important to consider the long-term benefits. Biodegradable fishing line breaks down naturally over time, which means it won’t harm the environment or wildlife.
Some biodegradable fishing line brands are designed to have a longer lifespan than traditional monofilament fishing line. This means that anglers may not need to replace their biodegradable fishing line as often, which can save money in the long run.
Recycling and Disposal of Biodegradable Fishing Line
Anglers are becoming increasingly aware of the impact that traditional fishing lines can have on the environment. Monofilament fishing lines can take over 600 years to degrade. Fortunately, biodegradable fishing line is now available as a more eco-friendly alternative.
Recycling and proper disposal of biodegradable fishing line are crucial to reducing the impact on the environment. Even though biodegradable fishing lines will eventually break down, it is still important to dispose of them properly to prevent wildlife and fish from getting tangled up in the line.
Many bait shops, fishing access points, piers, and other spots have designated collection bins for discarded monofilament and fluorocarbon fishing lines. Anglers can also check with their local recycling center to see if they accept biodegradable fishing lines.
When disposing of biodegradable fishing lines at home, anglers should avoid throwing them in the trash. Instead, they should cut it into small pieces and place it in a designated collection bin or recycling center. By properly disposing of biodegradable fishing lines, anglers can help prevent pollution on land and in the water.
biodegradable fishing lines should not be considered a solution to plastic pollution in the ocean. While it will eventually break down, it can still cause harm to wildlife and the environment if not disposed of properly. Anglers should always strive to reduce their impact on the environment by using sustainable gear and properly disposing of their fishing line.
Are There Other Biodegradable Fishing Tackle?
Believe it or not, lures and hooks are also available in biodegradable materials.
Biodegradable plastic lures and hooks are designed to dissolve over time, reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the water or in a fish’s stomach. These lures and hooks work just as well as traditional lures and hooks, but with the added benefit of being environmentally friendly.
