Make Your Float: Materials

[Keith Ritter]

The first floats I made were of cork. Cork would be the easiest to find in all parts of the country and easy to shape. Finding Cork: My first floats were made from cork bottle stoppers I got at Lowes, this worked fine because they were pre - shaped. This type of cork is to work. The next type is wine corks, I picked up a bag of used corks at a local winery really cheap. The only problem is that not all winerys are using natural corks. Craft stores and hobby stores should have something to get you started.

The stick is just that a stick, my first ones were bamboo skewers and I continue to use them because they are durable, cheap and readily available. Wal-Mart has them in cook wares or the grilling area. You can even use them first for a kabob. Hobby stores have 1/8 inch wooden dowels that work good too.

The eye is at the bottom and hold the line to the float on that end. The first one I used was a small safety pin I cut the clasp and the point off of. Rummage through your junk drawer and I'll bet you find one. Any thin wire can be used to make a loop. I attach mine with thread. Simple sewing thread is fine. I've been using a thicker embroidery thread.

The keeper at the top holds the Line in place on the top. It's usually rubber tubing of some sort. A rubber band, an O-ring and surgical tubing are used also. I use silicone tubing from an archery peep sight because my son hade some left over after putting a sight on his bow. I buy it in 3ft sections at sporting goods stores. It won't dry rot.

If you can scrounge these things up you can make a very use full and durable float you will be glad to watch go under. Other members please chime in with ideas materials and resources to get other people started making homemade floats.

I added pics of materials for simple floats and one of the first stick float I made. The body is just two stoppers end to end.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

I often use pieces of other floats that I reshape.
In collect them whenever I go to the lake and it seems they are the most often lost piece of tackle!
I've also used corks. Wooden dowels make a good casting float, too, And require minimal weight to balance upright.
I think bamboo uprights are about the best bet. They are tough and common. I bought a couple if cramp rolled bamboo placemats. - and have a lifetime supply.

[Keith Ritter]

Never thought a bout the place mats. Thanks.

[Keith Ritter]

Got some new keeper tubing today, bright orange silicone tubing, will make floats a little easier to see. I added a pic of some floats with the new color.

[carl hendrix]

where did you get that orange tubing Keith??

[Keith Ritter]

I ordered it from amazon just search for archery peep sight tubing. They have hot pink and yellow too. It costs twice what black costs but still about 4 cents for 1/4 inch keeper.

[Steve Wilson]

    Keith....... what is the stick in the float, second from the left ??  Did you just super glue the wire loop to the inside ??

[Keith Ritter]

Hey Steve that stick is the very tip of a wild cane. I cut a bunch off and let them dry. Trimmed them down and used them in stead of the bamboo skewers. Its a even more rustic look. The eyes are whipped down with the thread then I put a dot of superglue to hold the thread tight till I dip them.

[Steve Wilson]

   Thanx Keith.  I was 99% sure it was cane, but the color threw me a little bit.  Looks very good.

 

 The way I'm seeing the picture, was unable to see the wrapping on the eye of this one..... didn't show like on the other 3.

[Keith Ritter]

I cut them green ,I thought they would turn a tan color but they stayed green. With the cane being hollow you can cut the shank off a fishhook, insert into the end of the stick and glue into place. This eliminates the need for whipping and makes a good eye. Check pic