Dredges

Ponar Dredge Petite 6″ x 6″

Ponar Dredge Full Size 9″ x 9″

Widely used in fresh and salt water for taking samples of hard bottoms such as sand, gravel, consolidated marl or clay, this sturdy dredge is a deliberately heavy device for biting deep into the bottom and has proven success at invertebrate recovery. The simple design means it is simple to use. Heavy duty hinges and hinge pin can absorb thousands of bottom impacts. Self-closing scoops have center pivot closing action. When the scoops strike the bottom, their tapered cutting edges penetrate well with very little sample disturbance. An attached underlip wipes the scoop clean of pebbles and cobble that would interfere with closing. By the same token, removable side plates prevent the lateral loss of sample as scoops close. This well-regarded self-closing sampler uses our patented spring-loaded pinch-pin™ that releases when cable or line slackens. A safety pin replaces the pinch-pin™ when not in use to prevent injury.

Ekman Dredge Tall 6″ x 6″ x 9″

This is the grab to choose for soft, finely divided littoral bottoms that are free from vegetation, such as sticks and decayed leaves (or with short, erect vegetation only) as well as intermixtures of sand, stones and other coarse debris. Two thin, hinged overlapping lids on top open during descent to let water pass through. They close during retrieval and are held shut by water pressure to reduce washout. The closing springs easily unhook from their loaded position for safe handling during transportation and storage. An important and distinguishing feature of the Wildco® design is the messenger-operated Twin-pin™ scoop release mechanism. This release is very reliable, has few working parts and is the best of its type in the field.To operate, attach to a line and pass through the trip mechanism. Set the springs over the knobs and pull the jaws completely apart. Lower the dredge till it rests on the bottom and send a messenger down the line, allowing the springs to close the scoops.