The Eco Advantages of Tungsten Fishing Weights vs Lead in Modern Fishing Tackle
- Momo FCSP
- Mar 29
- 3 min read
As environmentally conscious angling grows in popularity, so does the demand for lead-free tackle. While lead has long been the standard in fishing weights and jig heads, the tide is turning toward safer, more sustainable alternatives. At the forefront of this change is tungsten - a metal offering a host of ecological and performance benefits that make it the ideal replacement for lead.
In this article, we dive into the eco advantages of tungsten over lead, and why more and more responsible anglers are making the switch.
1. Lead Is Toxic to Wildlife and Waterways, Tungsten Fishing Weights are not!
Lead is a highly toxic heavy metal. When lost in the water, lead tackle poses a serious threat to aquatic environments and wildlife. Waterfowl and fish can mistakenly ingest lead weights, leading to lead poisoning, organ failure, and death.
Numerous studies have shown that even small fragments of lead tackle can cause fatal toxicity in birds such as swans, ducks, and loons. Once ingested, lead can stay in an animal’s system, poisoning the bloodstream and nervous system over time.
According to the UK Environment Agency and conservation groups across Europe, lead contamination from angling is a real concern, and many countries have already begun to take action.
2. Global Movement to Ban Lead Fishing Tackle
To protect ecosystems, countries around the world have begun restricting or banning lead tackle. Here are a few examples:
United Kingdom: Lead shot and small lead weights under 1 oz have been banned in many areas for years.
European Union: The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has proposed broader bans on the sale and use of lead weights in freshwater and marine environments.
United States: Several U.S. states including Maine, New Hampshire, and New York have banned certain lead fishing products due to the risk to loons and other wildlife.
The message is clear: lead has no place in modern, eco-conscious angling.
3. Tungsten Is Non-Toxic and Eco-Safe
Tungsten is a naturally occurring, non-toxic metal that poses no harm to aquatic ecosystems or wildlife. Unlike lead, tungsten does not leach into the water or cause bioaccumulation.
When a tungsten weight is lost, it simply becomes part of the substrate - inert and harmless. This makes it the best option for anglers who care about the long-term health of the waters they fish.
4. A Denser, More Efficient Material
From an environmental standpoint, tungsten’s density means less material is required to achieve the same weight. This leads to more compact tackle, less metal loss overall, and better packability.
Tungsten density: ~19.25 g/cm³
Lead density: ~11.34 g/cm³
That’s nearly 1.7 times denser than lead, meaning a 10g tungsten weight is significantly smaller than its lead equivalent. Smaller weights mean less snagging, less visual disturbance, and a more precise presentation.
5. Better Sensitivity = More Ethical Fishing
Tungsten Fishing Weight's hardness and compactness offer improved bottom contact sensitivity. Anglers can better feel structure, bites, and bottom composition. This leads to quicker reactions, fewer deep-hooked fish, and more responsible catch-and-release fishing.
Less harm to fish. Less waste in the water. It all adds up.
6. Long-Term Sustainability
Fishing tackle lost in the environment is an unfortunate reality. But by choosing tungsten, anglers reduce their contribution to pollution.
No chemical leaching
No long-term ecological buildup
Safe for fish, birds, and humans
And with lead bans expanding across Europe and beyond, tungsten ensures you're ahead of regulations, not behind them.
7. FiTU: Built Around Eco-Friendly Innovation
At FiTU, we’re not just selling premium tackle. We’re building a movement of modern, responsible anglers who want to fish smarter and protect the waters we love. Every product we make is crafted from 97% pure tungsten, coated in our chip-resistant, anodised Zero-Chip Oxy Black finish, and designed for maximum efficiency.
Our Clean River Pledge is our commitment to supporting lead-free fishing and driving innovation toward a more sustainable future.
Conclusion: Make the Switch, Fish Cleaner
The future of fishing is lead-free. As more anglers become aware of the environmental impact of their gear, tungsten continues to prove itself as the ethical and high-performance alternative.
Whether you're a weekend warrior or a competitive angler, switching to tungsten is a simple way to improve your impact, your technique, and your future on the water.
Join FiTU and take the Clean River Pledge - because better tackle should mean a better planet.
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