Glass fishing floats can be found by a lucky beachcomber.

Glass fishing floats were used by deep sea fishermen in days gone by. However many are still floating in the world's oceans. Mel Smith has a collection of glass fishing balls and cylinders - a collection of a lifetime. Mel met photographer Craig Tooley at Cook's Beach recently to photograph his finds.

In the photo below, the glass float still has its rope, which is quite rare.

After a storm, you might choose to go beach combing. May you would be lucky to find a glass fishing float nestled in some kelp.

Or one washed up in the surf.

Below is one of the glass fishing cylinders that Mel has found.

It's amazing to think that glass balls could survive for decades, riding the currents, and traveling halfway around the world to then be tossed up on a Mendonoma beach.

Thanks to Mel for sharing his collection and to Craig for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: www.ruffimage.com