Fishing sinkers “lead free” “without lead” no-lead   “sand sinkers”

SANDSINKERS; A SIMPLE WAY TO MAKE SINKERS

WITH FABRIC AND SAND

AND WITHOUT LEAD

Because lead is a health hazard here is an alternate way of making fishing sinkers which has the following advantages:

·                     No lead to contaminate hands or to build up in the ocean near prime fishing spots.

·                     Inexpensive (almost free) and easy to make.

·                     If a sandsinker gets stuck or lost in the ocean the fabric deteriorates and all that's left is sand which came from the ocean to begin with.

 

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SUPPLIES AND STEPS:
  • Cotton or other natural fabric, about as thick as a bedsheet.
  • Cotton string which is not too thick to put through an upholstery needle. I use crochet yarn which is surprisingly strong.
  • An upholstery needle.
  • Sand, for fishing in the ocean beach sand is good. The finer it is the better because it will get heavier when wet.  For freshwater fishing it’s important not to move any organisms from one water body to another so maybe, for convenience, it would be best just the throw the sandsinker out after fishing if you’re going to be fishing in a different stream or lake next time.
  • A small funnel.

Tear fabric into strips about 3 1/2 inches wide and fold in half lengthwise.

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For "Scuzzy style" sinkers, just sew the fabric together not far from the edge, being sure to "backtack" before and after the spots where one sinker ends and another begins; in other words, the spot where you will be cutting. Using the cotton string and upholstery needle stitch once through the fabric, cut the string off the needle and wind the string tightly a few times around and tie off.

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Using the funnel, add the sand and push it down until the sinker feels solid.

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These sinkers work AS WELL AS the lead ones and have the advantage that if they are made long and thin (aerodynamic  and ... mmm “waterdynamic?”) they don't get stuck on rocks as much. Somehow they just slide around.

Also the long and thin ones cast VERY well because they have very little air drag, like rockets.

The fish don't care if the sinkers are "scuzzy" with seams on the outside or "Adrien Monk style" which is nice and neat. Also the neat ones don't cast any better than the quick and scuzzy ones.

They all work. AND ... NEITHER YOU NOR YOUR KIDS HAVE TO BE WASHING HANDS ALL THE TIME OR WORRYING ABOUT LEAD.

If you have any suggestions, comments or improvements, please send me an e-mail at:

 perkonss@yahoo.com.

Thanks. Good luck fishing.

Perkons (Daina Krumins)