Hi All

So I finally got out for my first float tube outing today. I went to Loch Tay with a mate who has 2 tubes, both Guidlines. The weather was fine with very little wind to start with.

Setting off was fine, walked backwards and got settled into the tube no problem but then I couldn't get going to start with, sorted that and got a bit of momentum going although slow.

Started fishing but the tube always wanted to turn into the wind (does this happen with all tubes?), anyway I managed to keep it fairly straight but then came the next problem, I kept slipping forward and had to constantly adjust my position. Then I got the line caught round the gravel guards of my waders and flippers and had to beach to fix it. Stood up to get out of the tube then I fell as I tried to walk forwards (disnae work). I also adjusted the straps for the seat back so that I could lean back a bit.

Got going again and things were fine for a while, wasn't slipping off quite as much and then I got a terminal leader tangle. dealt with that and started fishing again just to see my new 100m spool of fluoro heading for the deeps, I'd left it on the line tray and forgot about it.

Then the wind picked up and hey, I got a fish, a wee one but it was great coz it was my first. My mate ended up with 2 a pretty poor day for this loch.

I found it increasingly difficult to stop the tube from turning in the stronger wind which was pretty frustrating but I think the old legs were tiring.

After 5 hours we decided to head for the shore, eventually got there after what seemed like another hour. Didn't fall this time but then i realised that I now had a long walk back to the car with a much heavier wet tube on my back and a wet a##e as my waders must have developed a leak since last used.

All in all it was great and I think that once i've had some more practice it will get easier. So I'll start researching tubes now but I hope some of you will advise as to the problems I had.

Thanks
Kenny

withdrawn etc

Great post Kenny.
You had everything happen there, and reading it took me right back to my own maiden voyage".
It's all upwards and better from here.

__________________
Norm

Float Tube Fishing 30+ years
Float Tubing Info Resource

Thanks guys

I can't wait for the next time

Kenny

Hi Kenny, have recently got into tubing myself, do you have stocking foot waders with boots and lace up fins? I used this set up first time I went out and struggled, switched over to no boots and dive fins (bought these ones and they're ideal http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/vie...id=83927526764), it made such a massive difference, was powering round! I use a pair of flip flops to walk down to the lake in and then zip them up in one of the tackle pockets while afloat, no damaging the stocking feet on the waders this way!

Hi JC

Thanks for that.
I had stockingfoot waders on with boots and fins were velcroed.
I've now got a tube on order and my next question was going to be about fins. I've heard about a few different set ups but was going to ask on here what everyone uses.

Cheers
Kenny

If you want the best fins that will give you power, manoeuvrability with very little effort you need Force Fins. If you read about float tubing in the USA this is the fins that are used the most.

Float Tube Force Fin

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A Bad Days Fishing Is Better Than A Good Day At Work

I am on my second pair of Mares Plana Avantis.
The reason for the "second pair" is due to driving off with the first pair left behind one dark night after fishing the evening rise.
But I suppose it says much that I had not the slightest hesitation in getting more of the same.

__________________
Norm

Float Tube Fishing 30+ years
Float Tubing Info Resource

Hi guys

Thanks again for the replies.

I have seen the reviews on the Force fins but they seem very expensive and not easily available here. Does the price justify the usability?

I like the price of the Mares and would probably go for them as they are readily available.

Can I also ask do you wear wading boots, diving boots or something else?

Cheers
Kenny

Ooops sorry .. I should have elaborated more:
Straight scuba fins, not the new "bent" variety.

For winter, and cooler months:
Stockingfoot waders with the scuba fins over the neoprene (stocking) feet.
For summer use:
With breathables, a sock inside to prevent chafing, and either a bootee, or a think rubber ski sock outside over the wader feet to make up the size.

I wear the ankle straps quite tight, and use the stiffness of the Avantis to fin along with imperceptible movements from my thigh muscles.
No "cycling motion" at all.
It is more like olympic backstroke leg movement but much much slower.

To go for a walk:
in winter I tie wading boots to the backrest, they get wet but so what?
In summer the bootees/heavy socks can be removed, this reduces foot size to "normal" and large trainers are fine.

__________________
Norm

Float Tube Fishing 30+ years
Float Tubing Info Resource