Frequently Asked Questions

What is monofilament?

Most fishing line used today is monofilament--a strong, flexible plastic line which is made as a single strand.

Is it OK to throw old fishing line in the garbage?

Even this line may end up in the environment--birds, mammals, or even wind can pull it out of the garbage can or landfill. If you throw line away, it is best to cut in into pieces less than 12" long first.

How can line be an environmental problem?

UV rays can cause fishing line to become brittle. However UV cannot penetrate very far into the water, so line that is underwater or in the shade will not be broken down by UV.

How is monofilament line harmful?

Birds and animals cannot see the lines, so it is easy for them to become tangled in it. Then they may starve, drown, or lose a limb. If it is accidentally eaten it cannot be digested. Line can also wrap around boat props causing damage.

How can I recycle used fishing line?

Look for the outdoor PVC recycling containers at boat ramps, fishing piers, parks, etc. Ask your tackle shop if they recycle fishing line. If not, encourage them to call (877) 777-3850, ext. 8419 and ask for a free monofilament recycling box. Fishing line cannot be recycled in domestic curbside bins.

What happens to the line that is put in the outdoor collection bins?

The line is collected by Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers, cut into small pieces, and stored in a mailing container. When this is full it is mailed to Pure Fishing in Iowa where it will be recycled.

How is fishing line recycled?

The used line is chopped up, melted, and used to make small plastic pellets. These are then used in making new fishing related products such as tackle boxes.

Who does the recycling?

Pure Fishing, the parent company of Berkley, in Spirit Lake, Iowa is presently the only place that recycles used fishing line.

How should I help entangled marine wildlife?

Report it to the Florida fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at (888) 404-3922.

What else can I do?

Don't leave any of your line behind.

Keep some type of container for your line.

Store your line until it can be properly disposed of.

Keep your line in your tackle box or in another container till you can get to a monofilament recycling bin or location.

Don't leave any line unattended.

If you have to walk away from your line please secure it some how.

Cast your line with care.

Look where you are casting your lines (above, side to side, and below you). Avoid trees, utility lines, bridges, reefs, wildlife, etc......

Make every effort to retrieve snagged lines.

If your line does get snagged try to get all of the line that you can safely.

If you encounter any line, please collect it and discrad it correctly.

If you see any line even if it not yours please try to collect it safely and discard it.

Participate in a monofilament line recycling program.

Look at the above locations to where you can recycle your line or if none of them are close try to find on that is. Click here to find a monofilament line recycling location.

Develop your skills so gear is not get lost.

Learn the area where you will be fishing. Learn the "danger" areas within that location.

Don't feel wildlife.

If you feel the wildlife they will start to assoicate humans with food and could get hurt or worse.