Fishing stringers are essential for keeping your fish alive in the water. If you’re on a budget, you can create your own by using scrap materials. Depending on the type of fish you’re targeting, you may want to make a stringer that’s light or heavy. A lighter stringer will allow you to tuck it away in your tackle box or keep it near your boat so you can easily grab it when you’re reeling in your catch. On the other hand, a heavy stringer will allow you to throw it a lot farther into the water, so you can get more of the prize.
You can make a simple DIY fish stringer by using a piece of nylon rope and a metal clothes hanger. The end of the fish stringer should have a small metal ring and a needle, which you’ll use to tie the cordage around a loop or ring to secure the fish.
Whether you’re making a DIY fishing rope, or buying a commercial stringer, you’ll need a good quality line that is lightweight and strong. For example, twisted nylon rope is a good choice because it’s stronger than hollow braided polypropylene ropes. Both types of rope are great for pulling treasures to shore. However, twisted nylon rope isn’t as strong as solid braided nylon ropes, so you’ll need to use a bit more weight to pull a heavy object.
Using a twisted nylon rope or a nylon rope with a knotted end can be easier than you think. It’s easy to tie a loop and secure it with a uni-knot, but it’s hard to tighten the braided rope. Using a lighter or matches to melt the ends can be useful.
Creating your own stringer will also give you the opportunity to customize it to fit the kind of fish you’re trying to reel in. If you’re aiming for big allround magnets, you may need to cut the loop in the end. Likewise, you’ll want to use a high-quality rope with a solid braided end if you plan on catching a big fish.
Regardless of what type of rope you use, you’ll need to ensure it’s wide enough to submerge into the water. In addition, you should choose a rope with a low stretch and tensile strength so it can lift a heavy object without breaking.
You’ll also need a carabiner. Commercial stringers come with a metal ring, but you can opt for a paper clip instead. This allows you to attach the rope to a larger metal pipe and keep the cordage from slipping. Alternatively, you can create a surgeon’s loop to hold your hook in place.
Lastly, you’ll need to put on some gloves to protect yourself from blisters and rope burns. It’s a good idea to wear gloves if you’re fishing in dirty or rocky waters.
Creating your own DIY fish stringer is an inexpensive and simple project. You’ll only need a few materials, and half an hour or so of your time.