Eagle rescue good reminder to properly dispose of fishing line

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds anglers of the importance of proper fishing line (monofilament) disposal after AZGFD biologists remove a tangled fledgling from the wild and take it to wildlife rehabilitators.

Nest watchers at Willow Springs Lake noticed the eaglet with fishing line wrapped around one of its legs. AZGFD biologists tried multiple times, but were unable to safely access the nest.

“So we had to wait until it fledged,” said Kenneth “Tuk” Jacobson, AZGFD raptor management coordinator. “Once it took its first flight, we were able to capture it and found that the fishing line had caused a severe wound to the eagle’s leg.”

The eagle was taken to Liberty Wildlife for treatment and is expected to make a full recovery, but not every animal is as lucky. Fishing line can immobilize wildlife by wrapping around its legs or securing it to a stationary object, but starvation is the most common demise: the line wraps around their neck or accumulates in their stomach, preventing the ingestion of food.

“Fishing line can last up to 600 years in the environment,” said Jacobson. “Whether you’re fishing or just encounter some monofilament while enjoying the outdoors, disposing of fishing line properly is an easy and lifesaving thing to do for Arizona’s wildlife.”

Any trash can will do, and, thanks to the Monofilament Recovery Program, there are at least 85 recycling bins for monofilament at lakes and rivers throughout the state, targeting bald eagle breeding areas and high-use recreation sites.

Along with properly disposing of used fishing line, Jacobson has these tips for anglers:

• Use the appropriate test line for the desired fish and fishing technique. A six-pound test line will work great for crappie and smallmouth bass, but a 20-pound test should be used for flathead catfish. In addition, trolling or bank fishing anglers should use a stronger pound test line than those casting or jigging.
• Replace your fishing line yearly. Over time, normal wear-and-tear, plus Arizona's extreme temperatures and ample sunlight, can cause monofilament to become damaged or brittle. By regularly replacing your monofilament line, you can reduce the chance of breaking it.

Learn more about bald eagle management and the Monofilament Recovery Program.