Fishing floats keep the fisherman's nets and longlines afloat. They were traditionally hand blown glass spheres sealed with a 'blob seal', and protected by hemp rope netting made using a knot called the longline hitch. The glass ball fishing float was originally invented by the Norwegians, but the Japanese fishing industry quickly adopted the design and thousands were made, leading to the more commonly used name of 'Japanese Fishing Floats'.
More modern ball shaped floats are made from hollow spheres of UV resistant plastic, or even solid polystyrene spheres.
Floats are also used to mark the location of a fixed mooring in protected inshore waters.
