Making Concrete Weights for Daytime Swordfishing
No one sells these, so if you want to go daytime Swordfishing using the "greenest" weights possible, follow these easy instructions:
Start by picking up bags of Quick set concrete mix. This is usually only around $2.50 for 50lb bag which will make up four 12lb weights.
Also needed:
1. Gallon plastic paint "pots" for molds
2. Either Aluminum or Galvanized wire approx 3mm - 4mm in diameter (and strong wire cutters)
3. 5 gallon Bucket
4. Stir stick (approx 1" x 1" and 2.5' long) Square is better than a broom stick as it will scrape the concrete from
the sides of the bucket much easier
5. Water
Steps:
1. Make up wire loops that are approximately 1" - 2" wide and 6" - 7" long that look like the one in the photo.
Use a Haywire twist used when making wire leaders. I found that laying the loop in between my fence slats
was a good way to hold it firm while I twist the ends. Using a vice could also prove handy.
2. Pour around 12lbs of concrete mix into the 5 Gallon Bucket. Add and stir in water per directions on concrete
bag until you reach proper consistancy. Careful, as most people will tend to add too much water. Stir until all
concrete is mixed thoroughly.
3. Pour mixed concrete into one of the Paint pots to the desired height. Smooth out the top a bit and then push
the winged end of your wire loop into the concrete. You will need your stir stick to get all of the mixed concrete
out of the bucket. Place deep enough that it will have a good hold of the newly formed weight. Make sure not to
allow the wire to reach the bottom of the weight as it will then have the opportunity to leak a rust stain onto
your deck. Twist it slightly when you get it to the proper depth. Smooth out the top surface again. And repeat
until you have made all the weights you need.
4. Allow concrete to dry at least 24 hours and then slide them out of the bucket molds. These molds are now re-usable.
Store your new weights in clean and semi dry area to be ready for your next adventure!
