Fishing and Gear Technology

Unit 7 - Floats and sinkers

7.2.Types of Floats

7.2.1.Low density floats

• Wood: This is used in Indian fishing gears like gill nets. The density of wood is 650g/1000 cc. They are relatively cheap. However continuous usage lead to absorption of water and crack even after drying. Hence reuse is not favorable.
• Cork: It is easily available and have a high buoyancy . They are mostly used in surface gill net and purse seine. Generally they cannot withstand high pressure.
• Thermocole: (Expanded polystyrene) is light in weight and highly buoyant. It cannot withstand high pressure. Should be used only in surface.
• Sponge plastic: These are light, do not rot, do not absorb water, have high buoyancy, but pressure resistance is poor. Mainly used in gill nets.
• Synthetic rubber: This is having Low water absorption and high buoyancy. It can withstand high pressure.