An old tennis ball can be converted into an effective fishing float!
How to Make a Tennis Ball Fishing Float
Problem: You want a fishing float that can be cast a good distance with surfcasting gear, uses very little material, and is simple to make.
Solution: Turn a tennis ball, a piece of polypropylene rope, and a barrel swivel into a sturdy, reusable fishing float.
Materials
1 Tennis ball
Polypropylene rope (3/8")
Barrel swivel (size 5)
The tennis ball was rummaged from the garage. The polypropylene rope was the surplus from the rope used to replace an old garage door pull rope, and the barrel swivel came from our tackle box.
Tools
Pliers - Used to pull the rope through the tennis ball.
Scissors or knife - Used to cut the entry hole for the rope to pass through the tennis ball.
Awl or small screwdriver - Used to puncture the exit hole for the rope to pass through the tennis ball.
Hollow ballpoint pen (internals removed) - Used to guide the lead wire that will be used to pull the rope through the tennis ball.
Piece of wire - Used as a lead for pulling the rope through the tennis ball.
Gorilla Glue or silicone sealant - Used to coat the barrel swivel once in place to form a waterproof seal.
Lighter + metal spoon - Used to melt the rope once in place and to finish the rope and form a waterproof seal.
The tools used were ones we had in our toolbox. With some imagination, a substitute can be found if you are short an item. The main point is to understand how they are used.
Assembly
Step 1: Cut the Exit Hole
Use the awl or small screwdriver to puncture a small exit hole in the bottom of the tennis ball.
Step 2: Cut the Entry Hole
At the top of the ball, cut a ¼" slit, then a second ¼" slit perpendicular to form an “X” entry hole.
Results from Steps 1 and 2
A small hole in the bottom of the tennis ball.
An "x" shaped cut in the top of the tennis ball.
Step 3: Passing the Lead Wire Through the Ball
Push the hollow ballpoint pen from top to bottom. Thread a doubled wire through the pen and pull it through to create a strong lead.
Step 4: Passing the Swivel and Rope Through the Ball
Tie the barrel swivel securely to the rope. Attach the lead wire to the swivel and pull the swivel + rope through the ball from top to bottom. Stop when the swivel is just outside the bottom hole. Cut the rope at the top leaving ½" and melt/seal the end flat with a lighter and spoon.
Step 5: Applying Glue
Apply Gorilla Glue or silicone around the swivel at the bottom to create a strong waterproof seal. Let it dry completely.
Construction Complete! You now have a durable, inexpensive Tennis Ball Fishing Float that casts well and holds up to repeated use.
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Note: This article is provided for reading purposes only. If you decide to make a Tennis Ball Fishing Float, follow proper safety measures for handling sharp-cutting objects and heat sources and ensure proper adult supervision is established before proceeding.