The Great Lakes, indeed all of the world's fresh waters are stressed due to many pollutants. I've been paying attention. A thought came to me, micro plastic particles and fibers. These are miniscule in size, but are entering the food chain of the tiny critters that feed on algae. These get eaten by small bait fish, then by larger fish, then by us. The fibers have been found in trout, pike, walleye, perch, and virtually all freshwater fish. They have been found in the gills, in the muscle tissue, and the stomachs; and they cause the fish harm. There are literally tons of microg-platics in the Great Lakes.

When we tie flies, especially streamers, synthetic materials such as nylon, floss, craft fur, flashabou, etc, get used to design our flies. They make for beautiful, and effective flies. But, they also contribute to micro-plasitics in our waterways. Silk tying thread, natural furs, and feathers are available, and are naturally biodegradable.. I think that I will try to start tying all natural flies, and when weighted wire is called for, use tungsten wire in place of lead. Even copper and brass corrode in time, and can be used. Plus, there are some naturals that just seem to attract fish, such as ostrich hurl, marabou, and other naturals.

Just something to think about.

Tight Lines and Frisky Fish

RJF

Tight Lies and frisky fish

RJF

Robert,
GREAT POST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you!!!

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Robert: Well said!

As a good fishing buddy use to tell me when i was getting a little too silly about anything:"Maybe it,s all in your imagination." lol..

ben belote Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> As a good fishing buddy use to tell me when i was
> getting a little too silly about anything:"Maybe
> it,s all in your imagination." lol..

I wish it was just in my imagination. Check this out: [news.jrn.msu.edu].

and this: [www.ecowatch.com]

Tight lines and frisky fish

RJF

I'm quite certain that in the grand scheme of things, the foot or so of UniThread or the couple strands of Krystal Flash in the fly I tied is not going to be a problem.

I also feel like the enslavement of Silkmoth larvae to make silk, is animal cruelty. Free the caterpillars!

I am quite certain that in the grand scheme of things, there are literally millions of flies made throughout the world each year. My few flies might not hurt, but my few flies are not all that are being produced. I have been reading about micro plastics for some time, and there will be a time that we really regret using plastics. Good post.

Google plastic eating bacteria..