Volunteer divers removed 382.5 LB's of sinkers.

[reefsavers.org]

Hello,just wanted to let All know, that the "GET THE LEAD OUT" was sucessful and we removed 382.5 LBs of sinkers off the reef around Angling Pier in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. the first place winner was "Hubie" with 51.11 LBs in 2 dives! Hubie won a dive trip, donated by South Florida Diving Headquarters in Pompano.
We are planning more exciting clean-up dives and have the new schedule up on the site for any interested divers. If you havent already, log on today www.reefsavers.org.
We'd like to thank all the divers for their hard work and support. We could'nt of done it without you! We'd also like to thank all of our sponsors and scubaboard.com for all
their help getting the word out. Thank You for saving florida's reefs.

 

[ReefGuy]

Out of curiosity, how did you lift all of the lead? At Boca Grande pass, the bottom is LOADED with lead. One common fishing technique (until it was outlawed) was to use breakaway weights that dropped when a tarpon hit the line. Needless to say, after 50 some years this leaves a lot of lead on the bottom.

To this point, we've ignored the lead and concentrated on the entanglement hazards, but it would be nice to start getting the rest of it up too.

 

[Doc Intrepid]

Out of curiosity, how did you lift all of the lead?

http://www.carterbag.com/home.html

 

[reefsavers.org]

http://www.reefsavers.org]This is our site[/URL]

Out of curiosity, how did you lift all of the lead? At Boca Grande pass, the bottom is LOADED with lead. One common fishing technique (until it was outlawed) was to use breakaway weights that dropped when a tarpon hit the line. Needless to say, after 50 some years this leaves a lot of lead on the bottom.

To this point, we've ignored the lead and concentrated on the entanglement hazards, but it would be nice to start getting the rest of it up too.

We are not familiar with that location. could you send me more specific location and information regarding this area and We will be happy to organize a clean-up Immediatley. Is this a beach dive? what is the water depth and how is the access and conditions? Thanks S.Dollins.

P.S. during our dive on saturday we found it easier given the surcumstances, to use woven socks to carry the sinkers but in situations like deep water we use lift bags.
a 5 gallon bucket turned up works well also. tie the handles together and drill holes in the bottom one. Add a rock at the surface and you get to the bottom quick. Clear your ears all the way down.

 

[RICHinNC]

What happened to the lead?? I know a lot of black powder rifle enthusiats that would have loved to gotten a good deal on that lead.

 

[reefsavers.org]

We have decided to make dive weights out of it and sell them to raise funds for future dive clean-ups. Recycle and imspire others to dive possibly. in a weekend a diver could remove 30.00 worth of lead. a mold can be bought at divers direct and a simple plumbers torch will melt it right down. after a initial $30.00 worth of equipment
a guy could have a sweet little buisness going with the local dive shop.......
It will help save the enviroment, give you a hobby and possibly increase the household income a bit.

 

[FredT]

When salvaging lead from some of the fish havens in the gulf a plastic milk crate on a 4 point sling under a Carter bag works quite well. A lot of sinkers used out there are 16 to 32 oz bank type, and larger egg sinkers. When one crate is full (~ 60 pounds) send it up to the boat and start filling the one your buddy brought.

FT

 

[pipedope]

Hey Fred, I get the idea that you have done this before.

 

[FredT]

Uhh, could be... Love those downrigger balls, even better when the downrigger is still attached.

FT