tennis ball

[Old Vetter]

I have searched the forums on boat retrieval and many of you say to use the fishing pole-tennis ball method. My question is How do you tie the tennis ball to the fishing line? Thanks

[Boatman]

I tied the line to a drywall screw and screwed it in. I imagine any wood screw would work. No problems to date however I thought about smearing some silicone around it but it works fine either way.

[Meniscus]

I've seen it done with a circle fish hook. Not sure if that's the best. I've done it with netting and then tying up to create a bag for the tennis ball to ride in. I've never had an issue.

The only thing to think about with the tennis ball is the casting distance. On a larger lake, it may end up out of reach depending on your fishing rig.

Hope that helps. I do like the idea of an expanding drywall screw.

[egneg]

The only time I used a fishing pole was with a big treble hook to get my boat off the bottom.

[focused]

I used a 7mm tie wrap around the tennisball and left 1cm tie wrap after the lock so the line could be tied there.


Michiel.

[NativePaul]

I used a needle and threaded the line just into the surface of the rubber and out again without penetrating it dozens of times so it is very securely on there but is still totally watertight, it's not come off but I have cut through the line about a foot away from the ball with the rudder and I would recommend using metal line for at least the last few feet.

[longballlumber]

I used a needle and threaded the line just into the surface of the rubber and out again without penetrating it dozens of times so it is very securely on there but is still totally watertight, it's not come off but I have cut through the line about a foot away from the ball with the rudder and I would recommend using metal line for at least the last few feet.

BINGO!!! This is how I did mine.

[HappyOne]

I drilled a hole clean through the other side, then taped the line to a long thin piece of metal, then pushed it through the hole and tied the line around the ball.

[properchopper]

Instead of using a fishing pole, the most frequent way I've seen it done is to attach a 18" or so length of braided bootlace to the ball and swing the ball "bolo-like" and release it. You can get incredible distance this way, especially if you wet the ball first to give it more weight/momentum. I just made a ball retriever this way : #1 : make two " X "incisions on opposite sides of the ball; #2: Take a piece of Tx antenna and insert the plastic end of the bootlace into it , #3 push the antenna/bootlace through both holes, remove the lace from the antenna, knot it, pull the antenna out. #4 : pull the knot through the second hole and it should lodge inside the ball, tie the fishing line to the bootlace, wrap knot with tape & tiewrap over the tape. A little practice with the "bolo" toss & you're good to go

[Flyguy55]

About 30 yrs ago I shoved a screwdriver clear thtough the tennis ball , wrapped the fishing line around the end about 10 times , and pulled the line and screwdrver back out of the ball and tied it off. It still works. I use the bolo method too .
If a little water leaks into the ball , it just adds weight and improves the distance

[pompebled]

I use the bolo method too, but my ball is a small yellow anchor buoy, which is heavier, so I can swing some 80 feet.

When I need to lay out markers for sailing, I add a weight of one kilo, sliding over the line(which will sink and act as an anchor) and the 'bolo-distance' grows over a hundred feet.

Mind you, throwing this weight that far needs a lot of room to make ever growing circles above your head befor you release the line, warn the public to stand way back.

Also, when retreiving your boat with just the yellow marker, don't hit your boat with it...

Regards, Jan.

[alvinsmith75]

Why a tennis ball? I have always and still use a big weighted cork.

[properchopper]

Why a tennis ball? I have always and still use a big weighted cork.

One advantage of your method is having to consume the bottle of vintage Cabernet that donated the cork prior to it's use as a retrieval device

[ozboater]

some great suggestions here... my favourite method is the kayak with a cold brew in the cup holder

seriously... my mate made a sick little tug out of abs sheets... works a treat...

[Matt C]

One girlfriend, set of waders - job done

No i use the tennis ball method, but only make two small cuts on either side of the white lines, then wrap and wrap the line around.

Haven't needed it yet, but i have been running the boat on more of a puddle than a lake.