Devices and Designs
At TOGA's 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 mesh bags.
Bottom Cage
39in. by 23in. by 6in. Holds up to 300 market-size oysters. Use only with firm bottom.
Tidal Tumbler
Holds up to 150 market-size oysters (3 to 4 inches in size). The flotation device will float 100 oysters. With 150 oysters, the crab pot line should be set to keep the cage above the water at low tide. The cage will tumble with the tide change. See diagram below.
Flip Float
Holds up to 200 market-size oysters (3 to 4 inches in size). Flip it over to clean off your oysters, and floats, regularly. Opens at one end.
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 TOGA at our sales or vendors offering aquaculture supplies. The fine-mesh bag is for new oyster spat. The larger mesh bag is for juvenile oysters 3/4" to 1.5" long. Larger spat 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 minnow trap with the end holes covered with a mesh to keep the spat in, and the predators out.
Two 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.
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; basic design is the Tidal Tumbler. 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.
