float for a fishing kit

[lukus]

The recent threads about fishing kits made me want to pass on an idea for a float.

I'd had a plastic float in my kit that didn't last too long before it cracked. I'd switched it out with a styrofoam float that rather quickly started to flake off it's bright orange paint, so I wasn't real happy with it either. Those floats are also a real trade off on usability and size, the bigger floats work better but take up a lot of room.

A couple of years ago I picked up a signal mirror that had a lanyard with a float on the lanyard. The float is a yellow closed cell foam that looks a bit like a squared-off donut. I didn't really want it on the mirror, but it was perfect for the fishing kit: bright color, floats great, easy to use, unbreakable, and takes up less room.

I've used it a couple of times and it works great. Fold a loop in the line, pass it through the hole, and open and pull the loop around the float. It stays in place on the line much better than the traditional plunger type or stopper type floats.

As good as it works, I wouldn't be telling you about this now if the only way you could get one is by trying to find one on a lanyard. This past weekend I had to replace the toilet valve set at one of my properties. I had a whole new kit so was also replacing the flapper. What do you know?!!, the flapper had an almost identical float on the chain. I've seen them a hundred times and never thought twice about them. The floats aren't really necessary on the chains. They are there to keep the chain from getting caught under the flapper and continuously leaking water. Adjust the length of the chain properly and you don't need it. Your flappers might or might not have one, but you can go buy a replacement flapper that does have one for about $5. Take the float off and replace that old crusted up leaking flapper on your toilet. Two birds with one stone.

Here's a picture of one:

http://www.plumbingsupply.com/images/kohler-flapper-1079948.jpg

Pry open the chain loop on one end, pull off the flat plastic keepers, slide it off the chain and squeeze the chain loop back on the flapper. There ya go!

 

[IUKE12]

That's an innovative use for the flapper float, nice thinking. It is my understanding that the flapper float on the chain is adjustable and its purpose is to increase or decrease the flapper closing time so that you can use more or less water to flush the bowl. Without the float, you are using the maximum amount of water per flush.

 

[Diomedes Industries]

I toss the old school wooden bobber in my kit - it works just fine.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/s...206527_100010004_100000000_100010000_100-10-4

Use a bobber knot, slip it on, and go. If it looses its paint (which I have not seen) it will still be a bright white.

TF

 

[texastonydobbs]

I usually tight line it by hand.no float needed

 

[udtjim]

A small balloon works well plus balloons have many other uses in a survival kit.

 

[Pritch]

Disposable foam ear plugs are neon yellow and would probably work great. They also weigh nothing and fit anywhere.

-- FLIX

 

[lukus]

Disposable ear plugs, besides being too small to be much good, are open cell foam. I've been a framer and wore them everyday. They soak up sweat and rain and whatever else.

udtjim - What the heck are you using balloons for?

txtony - Maybe it's just this area, but the rivers, lakes, and even stock ponds around here have so much brush in them that tight lining just loses gear. I guess it's the Scruffy Smith in me, but I'll use a float and live bait any day over lures. Set up the pole, go sit in the shade, keep one eye open and relax. The float often has enough resistance/jerk back to set the hook without your input.