Constantine Mifsud wrote:
>
>  Very good points on dredging by Paul and Emilie and I would add a couple of tips.
>
> I always attach the tow rope at about midway on my small boat, it prevents the
> stern being pulled down and also in case the dredge gets stuck, this will be
> indicated by the boat trying to move in a circle.
>
> One other gadget that I have, should the dredge get really stuck, it is a last
> resort, but always worked, especially if the dredge gets stuck at a few metres
> from the bottom of a deep reef or a large boulder.
> I use a messenger. This is made by filling up an old motor scooter tyre with a
> cement mixture and is therefore a bit heavy. It is used by inserting the dredge
> line through the hole, tying the line to the boat and with the line a little slack
> letting it slip through to the bottom, like a heavy ring in a chord. When the
> messenger hits the dredge it usually frees it first time and both dredge and
> messenger can be retrieved.  When the depth is only at a few metres, 30-50 I
> usually tie the messenger with a second chord and let it down slowly through the
> dredge line. With this method there is the advantage that if the dredge is not
> freed immediatly one can lift the messenger a few metres and bang it down again. I
> use this method frequently also to dislodge and retrieve stuck fishing lines or
> nets and it does miracles.
> Constantine.
 
Just curious, has anybody discussed how harmful this is to the ocean
floor, reefs, corals etc.??  I've been out a town.  Michael Huggins, of
Michael and Marcie Huggins, Bay Harbor Islands, FL