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Get the Lead Out - Lead-free fishing tackle rebate program

This funding opportunity provides retail establishments a rebate on purchases of lead-free tackle for sale to consumers/the public.

Check out the online list of manufacturers and retailers of lead-free tackle for product ideas and suppliers, but you can find your own sources.

Applications for this round of funding are accepted on a rolling basis, no later than March 31, 2027. 

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include owners or operators of brick-and-mortar retail establishments located in Minnesota that sell fishing bait and tackle. Must be for-profit businesses with 100 full-time equivalent employees or less (including parent companies and all business operations). Franchise owners or operators are eligible if they meet the criteria.

Available funds

Total dedicated funds: $75,000 (as of July 2026, there are still funds available)

This rebate program provides a 45% rebate on purchases of lead-free tackle. The maximum award is $3,000 total per retail establishment.

How to apply

Applications will be accepted on a rolling, "first come, first served" basis until all dedicated funds ($50,000) have been dispersed or March 31, 2027 (4 p.m. Central Time), whichever occurs first.

More information

See how lead-free fishing tackle helps loons and other Minnesota wildlife while also improving anglers' chances for landing that big fish.

Previous grantees. As of April 2026, Get the Lead Out has distributed nearly $55,400 to 21 stores in Minnesota. This includes the previous (April 2022-June 2024) and current (Sept. 2024 to present) round of this rebate grant.

  • Arrowhead Outdoors (Ely)
  • Don's I-94 Convenience Store (Albany)
  • Fred's Live Bait and Tackle (Deer River)
  • Full Stringer Bait and Tackle (Longville)
  • Jerry's One Stop (Longville)
  • Marine General (Duluth)
  • Marv’s True Value (Princeton)
  • Mel's Sports Shop (Spicer)
  • Northwoods Bait and Tackle (Bemidji)
  • Oars-N-Mine (Crosby)
  • Palisade One Stop (Palisade)
  • Prince Bait and Marine (Milaca)
  • River Rat Trading Post (Cohasset)
  • Rush Point Store (Stanchfield)
  • Sand Dunes Bait and Tackle (Big Lake)
  • Side Lake Store (Side Lake)
  • Speedway Cold Spring (Cold Spring)
  • Stoplight Bait, Tackle and Guns (St. Cloud)
  • Timberline Sports (Blackduck)
  • Tutt's Bait and Tackle (Garrison)
  • Winnie Trading Post (Deer River)