reel-in & recycle program at horn pond
Why is retrieval of fishing line, hooks, lures, and bobbers important?
Horn Pond is the public drinking water supply watershed for Woburn. It is the home to thousands of plants, bird, and animal species. Monofilament fishing line is a razor thin plastic material that takes up to 600 years to biodegrade in the environment leaving an infinite amount of microplastics behind. If left on the ground, in water, along shorelines, in trees, and bushes then it can lead to entanglements of wildlife, pets, and people causing injuries and, in some cases, death. Hooks and lures can lead to puncture wounds causing life threatening injuries. Bobbers become broken leaving plastic shards on land and in the water. All combined it adds a significant risk to the health of entire ecosystem.
Poster by Cari Mac
It starts with education
Our team created informational posters, trifolds, and business type cards that are handed out to anglers. The importance of retrieving and proper disposal of fishing line, hooks, and lures is critical to reducing injuries and environmental impacts. The need for a continuing education campaign is the #1 priority for the program.
Learn to Fish
We are proud to partner with MassWildlife and Woburn Recreation to host the annual Learn to Fish class at Horn Pond. The class is family friendly for all ages. It is taught by the state Angler Education Coordinator and a team of angler experts. Learn to set up your fishing rod, tie knots, cast, and identify fish. Proper disposal of fishing line, hooks, and lures is discussed as part of the class.
The Bin: A Place for Proper Disposal of Monofilament Line, Hooks, Lures
Just like a trash barrel provides a place for trash, a bin provides a safe place for an angler to dispose of any fishing line or tackle waste without having to bag it, throw it in a trash can, or it take it home. Disposing of fishing line and fishing tackle into an open trash barrel is a safety risk to birds or animals scavenging for food. The bin provides a safer option with the benefit of recycling monofilament line. The Friends of Horn Pond have installed 7 bins around Horn Pond.
The Adopt a Bin and Shoreline Participatory Science Project
The adopt a bin and shoreline project is where science meets the environment. At least once a month, a team member empties the bin, estimates the amount of line, counts the number of hooks, lures, and bobbers in the bin, and then enters the data into the EwA Trail Report. In addition, any fishing line, hooks, lures, bobbers found on the ground are entered into the trail report. This type of scientific documentation can be used to make informed decisions related to fishing in certain areas of Horn Pond. Anyone who adopts a bin and shoreline will be provided with educational materials, tools and supplies for fishing line retrieval. Contact us for more information.
Program Results
2023-2024
- 15 miles of monofilament line sent to Berkley for recycling
- 5 miles of braided line bagged, sealed, and disposed of properly.
- 700 hooks collected
- 675 lures collected
- 600 plastic bobbers collected
- Amounts of metal weights, swivels, and synthetic worms
- 90% reduction of entanglements and injuries
- 0 deaths
Key Resources and Information Sources
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
Freshwater Fishing Regulations
Buy Your Freshwater Fishing License
Environment and Innovation
Breaking Free: The Rise of Biodegradable Fishing Lines
Biodegradable Fishing Line: An Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Fishing
Why Use Biodegradable Fishing Line?
Ask the Fisherman: How to Avoid Fishing Line Problems