The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

Now we all know the skill of some of the Gents on this forum.

Well I have some basic know-how and enjoy applying this in the attempt to make a traditional type of object suitable for use in this gentle pastime we enjoy.
So one recent morning I was wandering around a small local wood in search of hazel sticks to make a rod rest or two,when I came across a elder branch lying on the ground and light bulb moment got the grey matter juices flow.....float tube.
I carefully cut the required section and off to work.
The wood had some age to it so I drilled out the cut piece of elder with a spade bit ,first from one end then the other.
A small piece was cut to form the top/stopper.
The holes for the bottom and the top/stopper where plugged with offcuts of hazel.
The hazel for the top/stopper was left longer ,shaped to fit the main body of the tube.
As the wood of the elder has nice pattern it was lightly sanded and varnished

I enjoyed making this simple tube ,I hope you do if you decide to have a go. All the best
Nige.

I like this very much ! It has a very elegant and natural look. Very well done. Best, Bobby

Very nice! Well done, Nige!

I hope, you've got some elder pith floats to put into it.

I absolutely love that. The grain in the wood looks really beautiful. Great job!

Thank you Gents-I was very lucky regarding the grain,when I cut it I had no idea what it looked like under the bark.I was originally thinking it would be quite plain and was going to attempt to draw a fishy image ,but that idea went out the window when I stripped the bark.

-Martin-sorry no elder pith collected,I tend to stick to goose quills -normally double ended,but you never know I may spread my horizon regarding floats!

All the best
Nige.