Fishing Tackle & Gear, ranked by PFAS grade
57 products graded from Bad to Excellent, best-graded first. 45 grade Good or better and are worth buying.
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The best non-toxic fishing tackle & gear, ranked by grade
Bad · Better · Best fishing tackle & gear
The quickest read, what to skip and the top-graded picks worth buying instead.
Bass Pro Shops
Excel Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Skip, fluorocarbon line likely contains PFAS.
Berkley
X5 Braid Line
Lower concern for typical braid but brand discloses nothing.
Worth buying Good or Excellent, best-graded first
Berkley
X5 Braid Line
braided polyethylene fishing line
Microplastic shedding from fiber degradation
Limited concern
UV degradation and embrittlement
Moderate concern
Mold and bacterial colonization
Limited concern
Surfactant or processing residues in braiding lubricants
Limited concern
Lower concern for typical braid but brand discloses nothing.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Rapala
Ultra-Lite Fishing Lure Kit
plastic/resin lures, metal hooks
Lead
Limited concern
Plastic resin degradation and microparticle shedding
Limited concern
Choking or aspiration hazard for children
Moderate concern
Lower concern; fishing lures unlikely to contain PFAS based on material type.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Rapala
PXR Jowler 127
Plastic/resin lure body with painted finish
Paint coating degradation and particulate release
Limited concern
Microplastics
Limited concern
Fishing lure with no disclosed PFAS risk.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Shimano
Kairiki 8 Braided Fishing Line
Braided polyethylene fishing line
Microplastic shedding during use
Limited concern
UV degradation and structural failure
Moderate concern
Bacterial or mold colonization if stored wet
Limited concern
Lower concern. Braided polyethylene line has minimal PFAS risk.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Shimano
Sienna Spinning Combo
aluminum rod, graphite composite handles, stainless steel bail
Graphite composite degradation and microplastic release
Limited concern
Fishing gear with no known PFAS risk.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Shimano
Symetre Spinning Combo
Graphite composite rod, aluminum reel, stainless steel components
Guide coating integrity (if ceramic or hardened resin)
Limited concern
Low risk fishing rod, no known PFAS present.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Shimano
Core G9 Braided Fishing Line Dark Mocha / 15lb / 165yds
Braided polyethylene/nylon fishing line
Microplastics
Limited concern
Braided polyethylene and nylon line with no coating on record.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
PowerPro
Power Pro Braided Line
Braided fishing line, primary composition unclear
Undisclosed synthetic polymer additives (plasticizers, UV stabilizers, colorants)
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding and water release
Moderate concern
Colorant and dye stability (including azo dyes)
Limited concern
Polymer degradation and UV-induced leaching
High concern
Braided fishing line PFAS risk unclear.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Berkley
Trilene XL
Monofilament nylon fishing line
Microplastic shedding on degradation
Limited concern
Skin irritation or abrasion
Limited concern
Fishing line; inherent material lower concern but no brand disclosure.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Shimano
Grappler Braid Fishing Line
Braided polyethylene fishing line
Microplastic shedding during use
Limited concern
Lower risk, braided polyethylene lacks typical PFAS triggers.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Shimano
Core G9 PE Dark Mocha Braided Line 11lb
polyethylene (PE) braided fishing line
Microplastic shedding (low level)
Limited concern
UV and thermal degradation products
Limited concern
Bacterial biofilm accumulation (storage/maintenance issue)
Limited concern
Lower risk, polyethylene braided line carries minimal PFAS concern.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Rapala
Clipper Combo
Stainless steel and plastic handle
Plastic handle degradation
Limited concern
Bacterial growth or contamination
Limited concern
Lower risk fishing clipper, no coatings detected.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Rapala
Original Floating
Plastic body, tinned steel hook
Microplastic generation from wear
Limited concern
Choking or ingestion hazard (recreational safety, not chemical)
Moderate concern
Lower risk lure with no disclosed PFAS-prone coatings.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Rapala
Shad Rap Elite
Balsa wood body with plastic components
Wood degradation and splinter risk
Limited concern
Plastic lip integrity and microplastic shedding
Limited concern
Metal hardware corrosion and rust
Limited concern
Mold or bacterial growth on wood
Limited concern
Lower risk lure, no known PFAS triggers identified.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Rapala
Countdown Elite
Plastic body, metal hooks and split rings
Paint or enamel coating degradation and microplastic shedding
Limited concern
Metal corrosion and nickel leaching
Limited concern
Plastic body brittleness and breakage
Limited concern
Lure with no known PFAS treatment, lower concern for use.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Rapala
RAPALA X-RAP
Plastic and rubber lure body
Plastic degradation and microparticles
Limited concern
Hook and metal hardware corrosion
Moderate concern
Choking hazard for children
Limited concern
Lure with no known PFAS application, lower concern product.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Rapala
Ultra Light Minnow
Plastic/resin body, metal hooks, paint finish
Paint coating degradation and particle release
Limited concern
Corrosion and metal leaching from hardware
Limited concern
Lure with no known PFAS risks, limited brand disclosure.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Daiwa
J-Braid x8 Braided Line Fishing
braided polyethylene fishing line
Microplastic shedding from abrasion
Limited concern
Lower risk, standard braided PE line with no known treatment.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Daiwa
J-Braid Grand x8
Braided polyethylene fishing line
Microplastic shedding during use
Limited concern
Braided PE line carries lower PFAS concern, no known treatment.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Ugly Stik
Catch Ugly Fish Spinning Combo
Fiberglass composite rod, reel housing, line
Fiberglass splinter risk
Limited concern
Metal corrosion and oxide exposure
Limited concern
Fishing combo with no known PFAS exposure risk.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Ugly Stik
50th Anniversary Spinning Combo
fiberglass rod, graphite composite, aluminum spool, nylon line
Aluminum spool/housing corrosion under saltwater exposure
Limited concern
Nylon monofilament line UV degradation and microplastic shedding
Limited concern
Bacterial growth in nylon line storage or wet reel housing
Limited concern
Lower concern fishing gear with common materials not linked to PFAS.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Ugly Stik
Complete Saltwater Kit
fiberglass composite rod, aluminum reel, rubber grip
Rubber grip off-gassing or leaching
Limited concern
Fishing rod kit, lower PFAS concern, no waterproofing treatments.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Ugly Stik
Bigwater Pursuit IV Spinning Combo
Fiberglass composite rod, metal reel and components
Fiberglass fiber shedding
Limited concern
Fishing rod with lower PFAS concern, no surface treatments.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Ugly Stik
Bigwater Rival Level Wind Combo
fiberglass rod, graphite, metal reel components
Fiberglass particulate (inhalation or ingestion)
Limited concern
Metal corrosion and oxidation (reel components)
Limited concern
Fishing rod with no PFAS-typical components, lower concern.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
- 85Ugly Stik Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod
- 85Ugly Stik Camping World Ugly Stik Complete Spinning Kit
- 85Maxima Clear Guide Spools
- 85KastKing Destron Essential Monofilament Fishing Line
- 85KastKing World's Premium Monofilament Fishing Line
- 85KastKing DuraBlend Monofilament Leader Line
- 85KastKing Finesse Braided Fishing Line
- 85KastKing Hammer Depth Charge Weighted Fishing Line
- 85KastKing Hammer Braided Fishing Line
- 85Shakespeare Reverb Spinning Combo
- 85Shakespeare Catch More Fish Spinning Light Kit
- 85Shakespeare Catch More Fish Lake Pond Spincast
- 85Shakespeare Tiger Spinning Combo
- 85Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel
- 85Shakespeare Alpha Spinning Reel
- 85Maxima Chameleon Fishing Line Maxi Spool
- 85Maxima Ultragreen Monofilament Fishing Line 35lb Green
- 85Maxima Chameleon Leader
- 85West Marine Catch More Fish Surf Pier Spinning Combo
- 85West Marine Catch More Fish Bass Spinning
- 85Fins Spectra Fishing Line Windtamer
Graded and flagged Poor and Bad, we’d swap these
KastKing
FluoroKote Fishing Line
Monofilament nylon with proprietary Teflon-family coating
Teflon-family coating composition (undisclosed)
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding from coating degradation
Limited concern
Lack of third-party safety certification
Moderate concern
Skip until brand discloses PFAS content or testing.
⚠Undisclosed proprietary coating
KastKing
SuperPower ColorShield Braided Fishing Line
Braided polyethylene or nylon core with color-coated finish
Coating integrity and microplastic release
Limited concern
Undisclosed colorant or pigment composition
Limited concern
Persistent polymer accumulation in aquatic ecosystems
Limited concern
Skip due to unknown coating composition and no transparency.
⚠Undisclosed proprietary coating
Berkley
Trilene Big Game 1/4 lb. Fishing Line
Nylon monofilament with undisclosed water-resistant coating
Undisclosed water-resistant coating composition
Limited concern
Nylon degradation and microparticle release
Moderate concern
Skip. Fishing line coating composition undisclosed.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Cabela's
Prestige Plus Sink-Tip F/S6 Fly Line
PVC or plastic core with unknown waterproof coating
Phthalate plasticizers in PVC core
High concern
Unspecified waterproof coating composition
Limited concern
Coating degradation and microparticle shedding
Moderate concern
Skin sensitization from degradation byproducts
Limited concern
Skip, fly line coatings unspecified, PFAS common in waterproof textiles.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Cabela's
Prestige Plus Sink Tip Type 4 Fly Line
Extruded core with PVC or polyurethane coating, waterproofed finish
PFAS
High concern
Microplastic shedding from coating degradation
Limited concern
Skip, waterproof fly line coating likely contains PFAS.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Cabela's
XPS Braid Fishing Line
Braided polyethylene/nylon with waterproof coating
PFAS
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding from coating or braided fibers
Limited concern
Ingestion of line fragments
Moderate concern
UV degradation of nylon core
Limited concern
Skip, fishing line coating composition undisclosed.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Daiwa
J-Braid Grand X8 Line
Braided polyethylene line with water-resistant coating
Microplastic shedding from coating degradation
Limited concern
PFAS
Limited concern
Polyethylene fiber fragmentation in aquatic systems
Limited concern
Coating leachates under freshwater or saltwater immersion
Limited concern
Skip until clarity on line coating composition confirmed.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Sufix
Performance Braid Fishing Line
Braided polyethylene with unspecified water-resistant coating
PFAS
Limited concern
Microplastics
Limited concern
Skip until brand clarifies coating composition or provides testing.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Daiwa
J-Fluoro Fluorocarbon Leader
Fluorocarbon monofilament fishing line
Environmental persistence and bioaccumulation (fluorocarbon polymer)
High concern
Fluoride ion release in water
Limited concern
Microplastic fragmentation in waterways
Moderate concern
Fluorocarbon line likely contains PFAS, avoid if concerned.
⚠Fluoropolymer coating
YGK
Braid YGK Olltolos Fluorocarbon
Fluorocarbon fishing line
PFAS
Moderate concern
Microfiber shedding from degradation
Limited concern
Loss and littering in aquatic environments
Moderate concern
High PFAS risk, fluorocarbon typically contains PFAS.
⚠Fluoropolymer coating
Trilene
Berkley Trilene Big Game Fluorocarbon
Fluorocarbon monofilament fishing line
PFAS
High concern
Microfiber shedding and ingestion risk
Moderate concern
Environmental persistence
High concern
Chemical leaching in storage or use
Limited concern
Skip, fluorocarbon line likely contains PFAS.
⚠Fluoropolymer coating
Bass Pro Shops
Excel Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Fluorocarbon polymer fishing line
PFAS
High concern
Microplastic fragmentation
Limited concern
Water leachate during use
Limited concern
Skip, fluorocarbon line likely contains PFAS.
⚠Fluoropolymer coating
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