Devices and Designs
At the Annual Float-Building workshop and on other occasions, TOGA will either help you build some of these devices, or will build one for you. Or you may purchase them at our float sales. Keep posted with our Newsletters and calendar.
Taylor Float
3ft. by 2 ft. by 1 ft. Holds up to 400 market-size oysters. With or without lid. Use with standard ADPI bags.
Bottom cage
39in. by 23in. by 6in. Holds up to 300 market-size oysters. Use only with firm bottom.
Tidal Tumbler
The Tidal Tumbler will hold up to 150 market-size oysters (3 to 4 iches). The flotation device will float 100 oysters. With 150 oysters, the crabpot line should be set to keep the cage above the water at low tide. The cage will still tumble with the tide change. See the diagram below.
Flip Float
The Flip Float will hold up to 200 market-size oysters (3 to 4 iches).
TOGA Tidal Tumbler
Diagram
See diagram to understand the functionality of the Tidal Tumbler.
In Winter Time
Put slack in the line so cage stays in the water at all tide levels. Avoids potential freezing during cold snaps.
Mesh Bags
These mesh bags can be purchased from vendors offering aquaculture supplies. The fine-mesh bag is for new oyster spat. The larger mesh bag is for juvenile oysters 3/4" to 1&1/2 in. long. Larger oysters do not require a bag if kept in a float.
Float Tools
Some tools we use for making cages. We also use power or hand saws for cutting the 4 inch thin-wall drain pipe for the floatation devices. NOTE: do not use thick-wall (schedule 40) PVC.
This spat tube is a modified
galvanized minnow trap with the end holes covered with a mesh to keep the spat in, and the predators out. Two of these will fit in a Tidal Tumbler or a Rough Rider. You can also tie a line and use this device independently. Start with 500 spat and move to larger containers as they grow. You may buy the Gee's minnow trap at Walmart or other fishing supply stores, and patch the holes yourself. Or purchase from TOGA at Float Sales.
These spat tubes fit inside a Tidal Tumbler or Rough Rider. Small or medium mesh available. Start with 1000 spat and move to larger containers as they grow.
Spat Tubes
Wire Bender
Handy for making your own floats and cages. Options - 42in. or 50in.
Rough Rider
36 in. long by 12 in. diameter. Holds up to 150 market-size oysters. Hangs on line beneath dock. Good for high-energy water on big rivers and Bay. All wire construction minimizes fouling.
How to Build a
TOGA Float Yourself
We understand that many of our members want to learn how to construct their own oyster gardening floats, like the ones above. Therefore, we compiled a helpful how-to guide on float building. Click below for the instructions.
