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8fishermen, about the tree idea.....we gave that some thought, but since we're only permitted to plant in 8 feet of water, we're currently not entertaining the thought as of yet. If we get unlimited persmission later on, we'll certainly be making a few trees as well. We like the idea of planting in deeper water up onto the flats, but for now we're limited. Thanks for your post, we'll certainly be keeping in mind.
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attractor
I also thought about a longer rope and hookguard, making it about 4 feet tall, then using silicone adhesive around various spots along the rim for gluing on some black visqueen (sp?) icicles of sorts to emulate hanging foliage. Would wave a little in the current emulating weeds.... but like I said, for now we'll go with the shorter ones in hopes of providing spawning cover. Good Fishing, Mac
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One fellow pointed out the attractor would move if any current was present. If you are planting them where a flow would possibly created, you will have to provide a heavier anchor such as a fair sized rock in place of he brick. We'll be planting up in cuts and coves and around secondary points, so they should hold well in our situation.
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Just an idea ,but ever think of using a PVC pipe in concrete, cut hole in lids with right size hole saw? Attach fitting or coupling above and below lid to hold in place ? With pipe closed with cap it would hold air , then no need for noodle or rope.;)
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Yes, I have considered "stiff" construction, but I got to thinking how many more I could carry on the boat for planting if they could collapse during transit. I've decided not to use the liquid nails on the top of the foam and I can get a goodly number in a box for example if they remain flexable. In some ways, your idea is a very good one and I appreciate your post, but mine on the other hand will be cheaper to make without the pvc fixtures. I can get the foam noodles for about a buck at Dollar General in a few weeks, the pvc hook guard runs 27 cents. I'm anticipating getting 18 or so pieces of foam from one noodle, give or take. The poly braid was 4 something at Wal Mart for 50 feet of quarter inch, and we'll be buying the bricks from busted bundles cheaply as well.... If you could estimate your cost I'd appreciate a PM. I'm always open for ideas if it's more economical. Our local Ruritan Club is adopting it as a project and we should be able to scrounge a lot of our materials.....
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Any idea as to how long the lids will continue to float once algae builds up on the lid and the foam piece? Or will it matter? Seems like a good idea for places with shallow flats with no other cover or any shade at all. Might keep the crappie under them, kinda like a boat dock does, if you put a lot of them close together close to deep water. In lakes with no docks, this could really add some good overhead cover for the fish. Maybe add a few to float above brushpiles? Obviously you'd have to use longer ropes.
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Speckwick, I'm far from an expert, but I think algae is pretty much weightless in the water. Now, if algae and suspended silt gather and hydrilla starts growing, then my only thought is that hydrilla kinda stands upright and that would't weight the lid either.
I really don't think any of the above would do much damage. Leastways, I'm not planning on it.
If you would like a much bigger version of the attractor\spawning station, drill a hole in the middle of a larger dome shaped trashcan lid...the black or blue plastic ones, liquid nails to stick the floatation on and a couple extra holes near the rope hole to let air escape while planting. I'd suggest a plastic coffee can with a handle for a cemented weight and one inch pvc for the hook guard. Just have to tinker with the balance of the whole rig, but the trashcan lid is much bigger and casts a lot more shade.
As is, using the lids in the diagram, I think they will do well. not so big, but planted in twos or threes as mini clusters, they should work very well. The 18 inch measurement is taken from spawning benches, the local authorities plant in reservoirs to promote fish populations....we're experimental at this point and the wildlife folks are going to run shock boats to survey the attractor/spawning station.
I'm really hoping the algae grows and attracts minnows. Thanks for you input, it's muchly appreciated. Good Fishing, Mac
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I'll be eager to hear how they work, particularly on crappie.
I guess you could add lids and flotation and have several lids on the rope if you were putting it out in deeper water.
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lid up
The lid should be upside down so the jig wouldn't catch on the lid's lip.......jus mi 2¢
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I'm understanding that the pvc pipe covering the rope is to keep the hook from getting hung in the rope?