To help me position my boat when anchoring over an artificial reef, I came up with a simple and inexpensive way to make a set of positioning buoys. I buy the long foam float tubes called “noodles” (which are available in bright colors and used as pool toys by children) and cut them into five 12″ sections. Next, I measure and cut different lengths of fishing line – I find a set of buoys made with line in 10′ increments is most useful. I attach the line to the pieces of foam by tying it around the foam and covering the loop with waterproof tape. I make sure the line is 5′ to 8′ longer than the depth indicated, to allow for wave action. I tie a 12″ galvanized bolt to the other end as an anchor. I mark the tubes with the lengths of their lines, so I know which one is best to use to position my boat. To use these buoys, find the structure on the fishfinder and select the buoy with the proper line length. Then, position the buoy on the structure, move above the buoy based on the wind and current, and let out the anchor rode until you’re in position. When the buoy is not in use, the line is wrapped around the foam tube and the bolt is stored in the hole in the center of the tube.
– Buddy Bouknight, West Columbia, South Carolina
