Abstract: A buoy for storing rope connected to an underwater article such as lobster pot comprises a buoyant casing having two side portions connected together and a reel rotatably mounted between the side portions and carrying a length of rope one or both outer ends of which are connectible to the lobster pot or the like article. A central portion of one end of the reel is accessible from a side of the buoy through the adjacent casing side portion, and this one end has a non-circular configuration adapted to be engaged by a winding device such as a so-called "pot-hauler". The side portions may be connected together by posts. An end of rope may be connected to the reel by a swivel link so that when the rope is fully paid out the buoy can remain on the surface of the water and can rotate relative to the rope. The buoy is preferably made with two identical side portions of plastics material, and may have rigid molded buoyant foam material held between the side portions.