| Because lead is a health hazard here is an | | | | and fold in half lengthwise. |
| alternate way of making fishing sinkers which has | | | | For "Scuzzy style" sinkers, just sew the fabric |
| the following advantages: | | | | together not far from the edge, being sure to |
| · No lead to contaminate hands or to build | | | | "backtack" before and after the spots where one |
| up in the ocean near prime fishing spots. | | | | sinker ends and another begins; in other words, |
| · No lead to contaminate hands or to build | | | | the spot where you will be cutting. Using the |
| up in the ocean near prime fishing spots. | | | | cotton string and upholstery needle stitch once |
| · If a sandsinker gets stuck or lost in the | | | | through the fabric, cut the string off the needle |
| ocean the fabric deteriorates and all that's left is | | | | and wind the string tightly a few times around |
| sand which came from the ocean to begin with. | | | | and tie off. |
| SUPPLIES AND STEPS: | | | | Using the funnel, add the sand and push it down |
| Cotton or other natural fabric, about as thick as a | | | | until the sinker feels solid. |
| bedsheet. | | | | These sinkers work AS WELL AS the lead ones |
| Cotton string which is not too thick to put | | | | and have the advantage that if they are made |
| through an upholstery needle. I use crochet yarn | | | | long and thin (aerodynamic and ... mmm |
| which is surprisingly strong. | | | | "waterdynamic?") they don't get stuck on rocks |
| An upholstery needle. | | | | as much. Somehow they just slide around. |
| Sand, for fishing in the ocean beach sand is good. | | | | Also the long and thin ones cast VERY well |
| The finer it is the better because it will get | | | | because they have very little air drag, like |
| heavier when wet. For freshwater fishing it's | | | | rockets. |
| important not to move any organisms from one | | | | The fish don't care if the sinkers are "scuzzy" |
| water body to another so maybe, for | | | | with seams on the outside or "Adrien Monk style" |
| convenience, it would be best just the throw the | | | | which is nice and neat. Also the neat ones don't |
| sandsinker out after fishing if you're going to be | | | | cast any better than the quick and scuzzy ones. |
| fishing in a different stream or lake next time. | | | | They all work. AND ... NEITHER YOU NOR YOUR |
| A small funnel. | | | | KIDS HAVE TO BE WASHING HANDS ALL THE |
| Tear fabric into strips about 3 1/2 inches wide | | | | TIME OR WORRYING ABOUT LEAD. |