float tubing

[shadrapper]

anyone out there do a bit of float tubing?

gonna be getting myself one in the new year. have been reccommended the guideline one. what do you guys think? also any other tips or info re tubing tackle and set up would be gratefully recieved.

cheers

[bassface]

just another angle on this question if you dont mind shad, does anyone float tube in the sea? obviously not too far from shore for bass mostly, thanks, steve,

[Steinbeisser]

I looked seriously at Float Tubes last year after I saw a few people using them in fresh water areas. They even had fish finders fitted! However, I also wanted to use them in the Baltic Sea just to get say 500m off shore to improve the catch rate on cod. Even though the Baltic does not generally have big currents, I considered this much too dangerous as they are quite slow and if the wind changed to offshore, it would be next stop Denmark, I guess. I have seen about three guys out float fishing in February/March in the Baltic fishing for sea trout and cod - cold!!

I eventually decided to get a SOT Kayak for fishing. This is a more expensive option but is much faster and in my opinion much safer than a float tube, but storage & transport are obviously more difficult, unless you buy a folding or inflatable kayak.

Steinbeisser

[shadrapper]

sorry lads meant to add that it was for use on freshwater whilst fly fishing.

worked on trawlers for a few years so have enough respect for the sea to not go tubing in the sea.

[shetjan]

its great fun - i often fly fish in the sea in sheltered sea lochs where a wind change woudlnt mean any more than a half mile walk home. its productive on accasion too- plenty of coalfish, a few decent pollack, and even a surprise or two...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3067/2441961707_a44cffce16_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2046/2442790836_36d9995c4e_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3088/2440044053_41f035b468_o.jpg
12lb+ cod - best so far

i use a cheap pontoon boat - get decent fins, and wear thermals and fleece under breathable waders to stay warm. i bought my tube from sierra trading post in the states - very cheap -they have tubes from less than $100= postage is usually about $35. fins vary but usually about £25 - always use fin savers or one day a fin will fall off and you will loose it. my previous tube was a trout traps v boat but i prefer the higher position out of the water of the pontoon.

have a look at this - http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/4360,70793_Water-Skeeter-Daytripper-Float-Tube.html

wont last for ever but cheap enough for a few trips. always wear a lifejacket by the way.