MOREHEAD, Ky. — The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is reminding anglers that properly disposing of used fishing line is one of the simplest ways to help protect Kentucky's lakes, rivers, and wildlife.
According to the agency, most monofilament fishing line is non-biodegradable and can remain in the environment for up to 600 years. During that time, discarded line can entangle fish, geese, ospreys, turtles, otters, and other wildlife, often leading to injury or death.
Improperly discarded fishing line can also create hazards for people by becoming tangled in outboard and trolling motors, jet skis, lawn mowers, and other equipment.
To help reduce the problem, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife encourages anglers to:
Replace fishing line before it becomes worn or damaged.
Retrieve as much snagged or broken line as possible from trees, rocks, and other obstacles.
Dispose of recovered monofilament line in designated outdoor collection bins.
Recycle old fishing line whenever re-spooling reels by using an outdoor collection bin or an indoor recycling station.
Recycle empty fishing line spools at participating indoor recycling locations.
Consider volunteering to build or maintain a fishing line collection bin in your local community.
With popular fishing destinations such as Cave Run Lake, Grayson Lake, and the Licking River drawing thousands of anglers each year, even small efforts to properly dispose of fishing line can make a lasting difference for Kentucky's wildlife and waterways.
For more information about Kentucky Fish and Wildlife's fishing line recycling program and to learn how you can get involved, visit the agency's Fishing Tackle Recycling page.
The Morehead Minute encourages everyone who enjoys our lakes and streams to "leave no trace" and help keep our outdoor spaces clean for future generations.