Opinions needed. I’m working on an article about some special classic plugs. The topic includes mentioning the old tactic used by some of loading plugs with mercury. I’m staying away from specific applications for the obvious reasons when working with a very toxic substance that could cause major health issues. But in the interest in historical context I feel the topic needs to be documented. How do some of you feel about even mentioning this practice?

You could mention that it was used until fishermen realized rattle vibrations were better and started using bb's instead and they caught more.
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I have no insight in classic plugs However I am curious how a lure that caught for years or several years suddenly stops catching all together ?

In light of the historical nature of the article, perhaps mentioning the use of mercury is warranted with a note about its extreme toxicity. Talk to Cliff Richer who's had to deal with mercury abatement on the job to get an idea how dangerous mercury is.

Many years ago when Campo liquidated, I bought a box of loaded red fins from him....
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Many years ago when Campo liquidated, I bought a box of loaded red fins from him....
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Chris - please send me a PM if you still have some.

In light of the historical nature of the article, perhaps mentioning the use of mercury is warranted with a note about its extreme toxicity.

That is what I would do.

You should do One on lead 🙈🙈

Still used today and deadly on both the fish and people 👽
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Just mention that they had been loaded with at times toxic chemicals. Those in the know will know, and no ones going to run out to grampas shed and grab his jar of mercury because now theyve found a use for it 😃

When you idiot proof something, they just make better idiots 😉
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Since it's a historical fact, it should be mentioned…

I would just mention/describe it and state that this is no longer practiced due to the toxicity of mercury. Its no different than a lot of things that were once common and no longer used: lead paint, cadmium in hooks, asbestos baby pajamas, etc.

WTB mercury... :hidin:
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WTB mercury... :hidin:
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Haha Mike,

Dennis
Just say something toxic and bad for the fish was used but don't mention it by name

how bad can it be when the government still put mercury in some vaccinations of our children.

Don't older existing house thermostats still work off of mercury switches?

Thanks everyone. Some good feedback. I think I'll provide the reasons for its use but stay away from specifics about the process as it's proprietary information. I always try and do as much research as I can before I put something in writing.

Can't change history as some others would tend to believe they can!

Don't older existing house thermostats still work off of mercury switches?

Yup, the old round Honeywell T 87 if memory serves.
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LOL I remember way back and we would play with that stuff in science class rolling it around in the palm of our hands. Loads of old Honneywells still in use today and most are unaware of how bad that stuff is.

I have no insight in classic plugs However I am curious how a lure that caught for years or several years suddenly stops catching all together ?

Depends on the plug. Custom / Mass produced? Other environmental factors like lack of bait or maybe an influx of better bait / hatch??


In light of the historical nature of the article, perhaps mentioning the use of mercury is warranted with a note about its extreme toxicity. Talk to Cliff Richer who's had to deal with mercury abatement on the job to get an idea how dangerous mercury is.
:kewl:

LOL I remember way back and we would play with that stuff in science class rolling it around in the palm of our hands. Loads of old Honneywells still in use today and most are unaware of how bad that stuff is.

It is amazing we are alive today - kids tomorrow will live to be 200 (and frustrated for 100 years)

I don't see a problem mentioning it. I doubt someone is going to find a stash of old thermostats and rip them apart. With environmental compliance restrictions I don't think mercury is in much of anything new these days.

I do think it's worth telling the story about how dangerous the stuff is and the lengths crazy fisherman will go if they think it will gain them an advantage.

Google it. it's already been mentioned, many times

It is part of this sports history maybe worth mentioning , but also worth mentioning is it needs to stay in the past due to the hazards/danger of its use to all.
It's a loaded topic and a blemish to the sport, sorta like yoyoing.

I don't see a problem mentioning it. I doubt someone is going to find a stash of old thermostats and rip them apart. With environmental compliance restrictions I don't think mercury is in much of anything new these days.

I do think it's worth telling the story about how dangerous the stuff is and the lengths crazy fisherman will go if they think it will gain them an advantage.

When I was residential plumbing in the 90's I used to remove the glass bulb full of mercury and save it, I ended up turning it in after all but I had a lot

Go ahead and mention it , its historical . There are lots of things done in the past that was dangerous . Its what makes things known and hopefully not repeated . its only mercury sure its toxic but its still used often today . old round thermostats , old thermometers fluorescent lamps and every neon and argon sign has mercury in it after purification and there are millions of them still burning all over the world . its a small amount but its still there used to . Its not like nitro is being mentioned .

Your the author , you are the only one that knows what is right for your work and you . Love to read it when your done

I would mention it. Mercury is hard to come by, water works great, and the Sp minnow has filled the niche of weighted red fins for the most part anyway. Not the unweighted ones though.
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