Fishing is one of Florida’s signature pastimes. However, fishing line and other tackle can cause problems when they enter Florida’s aquatic environment. Monofilament is the most common type of fishing line and is not biodegradable, lasting up to 600 years depending on environmental conditions. Because it’s thin and often clear, it’s very difficult for birds and animals to see. This can lead to them easily becoming entangled, resulting in different types o injuries.
You can do your part to help prevent these issues by avoiding snags and properly disposing of the used fishing line through our Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program (MRRP). MRRP is an innovative statewide project dedicated to reducing damage caused by monofilament and fluorocarbon fishing line through cleanup events and a network of recycling bins and drop-off locations.
Place your used monofilament or fluorocarbon in one of the PVC MRRP bins found at many boat ramps and piers. These bins are monitored regularly by individuals or organizations that have adopted them. Many tackle shops also act as convenient line recycling drop-off locations. Once the monofilament and fluorocarbon is collected from recycling bins and cleaned by volunteers, it’s then shipped to the Berkley Pure Fishing company in Iowa. Berkley melts the line down into plastic pellets that are made into other products such as tackle boxes, spools for line and fish habitats.
To dispose of non-monofilament line and tackle, such as braid or wire, cut the line into 12-inch or smaller pieces and place into a covered trash receptacle. Line placed in trash receptacles without lids can blow out into the environment and entangle wildlife. When disposing of tackle such as hooks and lures, it’s important to clip off sharp points to avoid injuring humans and wildlife.
As part of the “Pitch It” campaign, soft plastic baits with the hook or jig head removed can be discarded in special program containers that are separate from monofilament recycling bins. Learn more about soft bait disposal and the “Pitch It” campaign by visiting pledgetopitchit.org.
