prepare mooring for winter

[Bear Guy]

See also this brief thread on the topic.
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...read.php?t=480

I prefer not to leave anything floating over the winter due to concerns of icebergs carrying it away or spring fishermen getting tangled in something floating just below the surface. Easy solution like codeman suggested to remove the ball and pull a rope/chain to shallow water for retrieval in the spring. No swimming required.

[Phantom]

Another "Trick"

Seal the cap of a Clorox bottle with glue then string the mooring line through the handle and leave it 12-15" below the surface.

The good news is that given the Lake levels this year, the Lake won't/ can't go down much more to expose the Clorox bottle

In the spring, fish it up with a boat hook and Voila !

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Phantom

the Lake won't / can't go down much more

Wow really? We still have the normal fall depletion to continue. Without more precipitation to make up for the current low levels, why wouldn't it go down more? LOL

Anyone want to wager on how much lower it may or may not go?

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by Rich

Wow really? We still have the normal fall depletion to continue. Without more precipitation to make up for the current low levels, why wouldn't it go down more? LOL

Anyone want to wager on how much lower it may or may not go?

Take a look at the 2001 levels on Bizer...A LOT more!!

Dan

[DickR]

Originally Posted by Phantom

....Seal the cap of a Clorox bottle with glue then string the mooring line through the handle and leave it 12-15" below the surface.

Sealing the cap isn't really necessary, as the downward pull on the handle will keep the jug inverted to trap the air in it. Also, if you do use this method, you'll have to let water into the jug a little at a time, checking in between to see where the jug settles down below the surface. It will sink until the buoyancy of the jug equals the weight of chain not resting on the bottom. I'd go for more than 15" down, as you don't want it hit by the prop of a fishing boat trolling in close to shore next spring (that happened to me). Also, you may have to let a bit more water into the jug each fall to compensate for corrosion losses on the chain. Finally, I prefer to use an empty, well rinsed red/orange laundry detergent jug, rather than a Clorox bottle. The heavier plastic strikes me as being less fragile, and perhaps easier to see for retrieval in the spring.