Question:
I fish in the Chattahoochee River around Atlanta,GA. Its fairly large and has some deep holes so some sort of float tube is very useful. I have had no problems with the donut style. Though I can see the advantages of the U-boat, they do tend to be larger than the donut. I’m not a particulary large person (5′7′, 160 lbs) so I have not really seen the need for the U-boat. Also part of this is that I do not do a lot true floating. It serves more as a safety device and a way to float over to a mid-stream rock. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been tubing for about 12 years here in Michigan and like my good old ‘donut’ boat. The only thing I don’t like about it is getting in and out, and while flippin’ through thin, weedy and silty shorelines. I found the U-Boats to not support my legs underwater. I was always forcing my legs into the water where the donuts rest across the top of your legs. Others I’ve spoken to don’t feel as secure in the U-boats. I prefer a U-Boat. I don’t have either of the probs you mentioned. The U-Boat is much easier to get in and out of and I find ‘em generally more comfortable (then again I’m a pretty large mammal 6′4" ~230 
. I can’t think of any reason to recommend a donut over a U for full sized adults. I have one made by the Creek Company. Quality is excellent. In general though, I’d say float tubes are just an awesome fishing tool and will enhance your experience no matter what type you decide to go with.
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have three doughnut tubes….all of which go unused since my purchase of a quality U boat. Granted, mine was custom built for me….but my wife has a stock U boat and loves her as much as I love mine. Neither of us would ever consider going back to a round tube.
Hi All float tubers, The U or V type boats have taken over here in Northern California. If you like to float tube lakes, then go look at a new Outcast ‘Super Fat Cat’ in person. Get it on the floor and really look at it. They have the same raised front end as a ‘Zodiac’ type boat has, so the water runs under the boat causing way less drag. This is the hottest thing to happen to the belly boat market in years. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com
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By the way, the "stock model Stealth Riders ("V" boats from Wood River) are great. I purchased one for my wife and she’s been really happy with it. Barry
I have to second this in a big way. I have used a round tube for about ten years, and still cannot believe how much I like the wood river boats. Probably the best part is how much easier they are to launch and land. — Andrew Brunette
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Some valve types require you to push and hold something for them to deflate. Tire-type valves fall into this category. This means while your buddies watch their tubes deflate while sipping apprez-fishing drinks, you’ll be on the ground holding the valve and squeezing the air out. My old JW Outfitters has a Roberts valve like this but I think new ones are improved.
Just wanted to let you know that tire tube valves can be removes using a special wrench. I have valve covers on mine that have the wrench built it. Take the cover off, turn it over, take out the valve, go have a drink, and your tube will be deflated. The wrenches/caps should be available at all car parts stores. I think they’re under $2. Make sure you get extra stems too as you’ll probably lose atleast a couple in a lifetime. Matthew Matthew W Kaphan http://home.sprintmail.com/~mwk Silverdale, WA
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As long as we’re on this thread, perhaps some folks would be willing to weigh in on the question — U-tube versus standard (doughnut) float tube. I’m in the market, and trying to decide which way to go. I’ve used a standard tube, the U tube would be something new to me. David Shaffer Minneapolis, MN
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Some time ago, Pete Ross (Wood River Products), was seeking feedback on various tube designs and options. Because I had used tubes for so many years, he sent prototypes to me to try out and make suggestions. During this process, I found out what was best for me and had Pete build two of them….one for me and one for my father (who is 80 yrs old and still is an active float tuber). By the way, the "stock model Stealth Riders ("V" boats from Wood River) are great. I purchased one for my wife and she’s been really happy with it.
I’ve yakked some with Pete and his brother Greg myself. Nice guys – killer product. It’s neat you were part of the field test program. I have a couple of JW Outfitter pontoon boats, plus their "Ultimate" model belly boat. Of the three, I prefer the old donut. Pontoons are a pain as far as I’m concerned- big, awkward, totally uncontrollable in wind. I’m unloading both of them for Wood River V-boats. For the kind of stillwater fishing I like to do (small, high lakes) – Pete’s boats are the best: They’re fast, maneuverable, lightweight and comfortable. And of course, they’re a heck of a lot easier to get in and out of than the old donut. Thanks for the info, Dennis
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have three doughnut tubes….all of which go unused since my purchase of a quality U boat. Granted, mine was custom built for me….but my wife has a stock U boat and loves her as much as I love mine. Neither of us would ever consider going back to a round tube. Barry, how do you go about getting a float tube custom-built? Are you friends with the manufacturer? – or is this something anyone can have done? I’m really curious. Regards, Dennsi
Some time ago, Pete Ross (Wood River Products), was seeking feedback on various tube designs and options. Because I had used tubes for so many years, he sent prototypes to me to try out and make suggestions. During this process, I found out what was best for me and had Pete build two of them….one for me and one for my father (who is 80 yrs old and still is an active float tuber). By the way, the "stock model Stealth Riders ("V" boats from Wood River) are great. I purchased one for my wife and she’s been really happy with it. Barry
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I’ve been tubing for about 12 years here in Michigan and like my good old ‘donut’ boat. The only thing I don’t like about it is getting in and out, and while flippin’ through thin, weedy and silty shorelines. I found the U-Boats to not support my legs underwater. I was always forcing my legs into the water where the donuts rest across the top of your legs. Others I’ve spoken to don’t feel as secure in the U-boats.
(snip) Perhaps you’re not using the right U Boat or the one you tried was not the right size for you. I’ve fished with float tubes for 40 yrs and have three doughnut tubes….all of which go unused since my purchase of a quality U boat. Granted, mine was custom built for me….but my wife has a stock U boat and loves her as much as I love mine. Neither of us would ever consider going back to a round tube. Different strokes for different folks, I guess. Barry
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writes: Perhaps you’re not using the right U Boat or the one you tried was not the right size for you. I’ve fished with float tubes for 40 yrs and have three doughnut tubes….all of which go unused since my purchase of a quality U boat. Granted, mine was custom built for me….but my wife has a stock U boat and loves her as much as I love mine. Neither of us would ever consider going back to a round tube. Different strokes for different folks, I guess. Barry
I was out last week with a buddy and a "newbie" we brought along. My buddy had a spare tube and was going through the rigamarole of getting the newcomer situated with fins, etc and telling him to be careful walking with the fins while he waddled towards the water. I chuckled, grabbed my U-tube, fins and rod, walked into the thigh deep water, sat down, pulled on the fins and paddled away. I too, would never go back to a round tube. Brent
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As long as we’re on this thread, perhaps some folks would be willing to weigh in on the question — U-tube versus standard (doughnut) float tube. I’m in the market, and trying to decide which way to go. I’ve used a standard tube, the U tube would be something new to me.
Take a long hard look at the "V" boats too. Wood River, in particular, has a hell of a product, and the Ross brothers are good people. Pete Ross invented the original U-boat, then "re-invented it in the form of the V-boat – only this time he patented the design before somebody else beat him to the punch. Check it out before you write your check.
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I’ve been tubing for about 12 years here in Michigan and like my good old ‘donut’ boat. The only thing I don’t like about it is getting in and out, and while flippin’ through thin, weedy and silty shorelines. I found the U-Boats to not support my legs underwater. I was always forcing my legs into the water where the donuts rest across the top of your legs. Others I’ve spoken to don’t feel as secure in the U-boats. The only time I would consider a pontoon (despite considerable pressure from those who sell them) is if I planned on fishing a lot of heavier running water. On lakes and ponds you have little directional stability without dropping your rod and paddling, and you are very much at the mercy of the wind. I ask a buddy on one of the pontoons where he was going as he paddled away, he said he was paddling up-wind so by the time he drifted (sailed!) back to our fishing area he would have a new fly tied on. With a float-tube you can fin like a fish, holding your direction while fishing or tying. You can chomp on a sandwich while finning to as new location or otherwise keep your feet busy while your hand do something else. That, to me, is the #1 drawback of pontoons. (the others being windage, cost, bulk, weight and complication. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After wrestling my canoe around today, I’ve decided that a float tube or pontoon outfit looks like a pretty good idea. Funny. I couldn’t handle the canoe on & off the vehicle as well as I did 20 years ago and, without an anchor to use when it’s windy, a canoe is a real handfull. I’ve watched fly fishermen on various lakes around here with both the tubes and pontoons. I get the idea from visiting with various fishermen that the pontoons work a bit better. But, it seems they’d be harder to haul. I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a pontoon would kind of fill it up. I would appreciate any ideas from those of you who have experience with either tubes or pontoons. As always, please respond by e-mail as well as to the group. I’d hate to miss any info because of my unreliable server. Thanks, To reply, remove one "bs" from E-mail address
I have a tube and will have a pontoon soon. (also have a canoe, drift boat, and jet boat). The other posts are on the money on the relative merits of each. I have demo’ed some pontoons and like the speed, and warmth during the winter, but they just aren’t as good of "fishing" platform. They are not stealthy, require a lot of handling, won’t stay oriented so that you can pay attention to where the fish are. I use a power boat to get to the general area where the fish are and then launch the tube for a more stealthy approach. I think this is best on large waters. On ponds and small lakes you might need the mobility of the pontoon, and of course on creeks and small rivers a pontoon is the only choice. Why choose? Buy both. Life if too short to have to live with only one or two "boats"
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As always, please respond by e-mail as well as to the group. I’d hate to miss any info because of my unreliable server. Thanks,
Bob, I’ve had a Browning Predator float tube for years and years, and really love it. The only disadvantage I can find with the float tube is its inability to cover long distances quickly. Otherwise, they are made for fly fishing! It’s so nice being able to move, manuever, WHILE using both hands to fish. I used to get so frustrated trying to pick up/put down paddles and anchor lines while trying to cast, retrieve, set the hook, etc., when fishing from my canoe. It seems if you had to set down the paddle for a minute, the wind would spin you around in the most awkward direction, or blow you away from where you had to be. Not so with the float tube. Bob Scott
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Tubes are better: 1. In high wind because they don’t have lots of area. Really important out west in Wyoming 2. Are cheaper 3. Easier to move, backpack 4. More stealthy during fishing. The fish are concerned about whats above them out of the water but seamingly unconcerned about your legs and flippers under the water. Pontoons are better 1. Can use oars and can move you around faster 2. More comfortable and keeps your butt out of cold water 3. Easier to cast from (your higher up) 4. Only way to go on a river 5. Can move you into shallower water since your body isn’t under the bladers I have a friend who owns a small Hobby hardside pontoon craft that he lashes down with four straps to his Grand Cherokee’s roof rack. Its much quicker then any belly boat. It also works well in the wind since it only sits about 4 inches above the water when he is in it. Perfect for lakes but it would be terribly dangerous on a river. I have both but put the pontoon boat (8 ft with large inflatable bladders) in rivers only. It killed me on Wyoming lakes. The wind pushed me so hard that the day turned into rowing exercise and not fishing. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After wrestling my canoe around today, I’ve decided that a float tube or pontoon outfit looks like a pretty good idea. Funny. I couldn’t handle the canoe on & off the vehicle as well as I did 20 years ago and, without an anchor to use when it’s windy, a canoe is a real handfull. I’ve watched fly fishermen on various lakes around here with both the tubes and pontoons. I get the idea from visiting with various fishermen that the pontoons work a bit better. But, it seems they’d be harder to haul. I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a pontoon would kind of fill it up. I would appreciate any ideas from those of you who have experience with either tubes or pontoons. As always, please respond by e-mail as well as to the group. I’d hate to miss any info because of my unreliable server. Thanks, To reply, remove one "bs" from E-mail address
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Bob, I have tried a few kinds so I’ll give some opinion on pros and cons. About the shapes, the advantages are also drawbacks; as in any boat design you have to decide what you want and compromise. A boat that can be easily propelled will help you get where you want, but will be harder to hold still in the wind to fish accurately. Float tube success with dries, nymphs, and leeches often depends on your staying as still as possible to present your fly as intended. All tubes are pretty good at this compared to a canoe fished solo. Anchors are a great equalizer but are objectionable for pulling up and leaving a mess of weeds. All tube types are also great for trolling very slowly which will catch you a lot of fish. No matter what kind you pick, the type of valve is very important. It is a little bit of effort but you can blow up most non-donut types by mouth tight enough to fish. Someday this will make the difference between your tubing or not because pumps break or get forgotten. Tire type valves used in donut tubes I have seen cannot be blown up by mouth (please tell me different anyone who knows a way). In my opinion the best valves are a large grey plastic thing with a spring button release, as used on whitewater rafts. The opening is very wide so you can blow them up by pump or mouth quickly, then you attach a fitting for a pump to bring it to very tight pressure. The spring release lets it deflate very quickly too. I have seen these on SuperCat and Wood river tubes, and expect they are on many other models now. Some valve types require you to push and hold something for them to deflate. Tire-type valves fall into this category. This means while your buddies watch their tubes deflate while sipping apprez-fishing drinks, you’ll be on the ground holding the valve and squeezing the air out. My old JW Outfitters has a Roberts valve like this but I think new ones are improved. Here are ones I have tried and the pros and cons: JW Outfitters – Osprey (their original model pontoon). Seat sits 4"+ from water, but sags and is slowed down if tubes and straps are not tight. You can just barely blow it up by mouth tight enough for good performance. Sitting so high is great for fishing, great in winter, this boat can be kicked pretty fast, but paddling it causes more surface commotion that you would if sitting deeper. It gets blown around in the wind as there is very little underwater resistance. But I can troll a half mile across a lake. The metal frame breaks down and it packs pretty small for travel, but not something you’d fit in a pack. Price was around $300 in 1994. Bucks Colt – this is a small stubby pontoon boat. The valves can be blown up by mouth but it is a contortion getting your mouth to them but it can be done. The seat is molded plastic and sits right at the surface, so your butt is colder and you miss the catamaran speed advantage of the real pontoon boats. The rigid seat makes this not the best for traveling. Price was around $190 in 1996. Wood River V Boat – Faster than a donut tube but slower than a pontoon. Seat down in the water. Very light and compact, about five pounds for the basic model with no pockets; this is the best tube I could find for backpacking. I think the V or U boat best for windy lakes as they have some of the directional stability of a pontoon with enough of you underwater to help hold in place. Needs to be pumped very tight for best performance because this one has no crossbar. Prices range from $180 to $250. Sevylor donut polyvinyl-$10-20 -the diaper tube. One last tip – to really get a tube tight by mouth only, blow it up in the cold night, or at elevation two to three thousand feet below where you will fish, and let temperature or elevation do the work for you. Are we tubers yet? Mark Vinsel www.vinsel.com I would appreciate any ideas from those of you who have experience with either tubes or pontoons. As always, please respond by e-mail as well as to the group. I’d hate to miss any info because of my unreliable server. Thanks, To reply, remove one "bs" from E-mail address
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After wrestling my canoe around today, I’ve decided that a float tube or pontoon outfit looks like a pretty good idea. Funny. I couldn’t handle the canoe on & off the vehicle as well as I did 20 years ago and, without an anchor to use when it’s windy, a canoe is a real handfull. I’ve watched fly fishermen on various lakes around here with both the tubes and pontoons. I get the idea from visiting with various fishermen that the pontoons work a bit better. But, it seems they’d be harder to haul. I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a pontoon would kind of fill it up. I would appreciate any ideas from those of you who have experience with either tubes or pontoons. As always, please respond by e-mail as well as to the group. I’d hate to miss any info because of my unreliable server. Thanks, To reply, remove one "bs" from E-mail address
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Bob, My preference is the tube. I feel I can maneuver a tube a little bit better than I can the pontoon. Although on long floats I always take the pontoon. Sitting in the water all day, especially in the winter, can be sort of a pain. Keep in mind that I’m float in rivers mostly. I think if I fished in lakes I would go with the pontoon. J.W. Outfitters has a pontoon called the "Scout" that weighs about 20lbs. The step up weighs 42lbs. but has a few more features, like the load capacity is greater. Hope this helps. Kevin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After wrestling my canoe around today, I’ve decided that a float tube or pontoon outfit looks like a pretty good idea. Funny. I couldn’t handle the canoe on & off the vehicle as well as I did 20 years ago and, without an anchor to use when it’s windy, a canoe is a real handfull. I’ve watched fly fishermen on various lakes around here with both the tubes and pontoons. I get the idea from visiting with various fishermen that the pontoons work a bit better. But, it seems they’d be harder to haul. I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a pontoon would kind of fill it up. I would appreciate any ideas from those of you who have experience with either tubes or pontoons. As always, please respond by e-mail as well as to the group. I’d hate to miss any info because of my unreliable server. Thanks, To reply, remove one "bs" from E-mail address
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I am considering purchasing a float tube. Any suggestions or comments as to brand or model?
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I am considering purchasing a float tube. Any suggestions or comments as to brand or model?
I’ve used a Buck’s Bag model "Hi & Dri" for four years now and am very happy with it. I’ve avoided "buying up" to the more expensive (and cumbersome) u-tubes, pontoons, etc. I haven’t seen anyone mention it yet but I find the front of the donut shaped tube acts as a good fulcrum to brace your knee against when paddling. For fins I’d recommend the Caddis version that you lace on. They’re a lot less expensive than the Force Fins and just as efficient (and they float). I own both types and never use the Force Fins anymore. I use Cabella’s 3 mm waders. They are relatively inexpensive, durable and comfortable. I’d also recommend getting a pair of Glacier Boots to save wear on the waders. Good Luck – float tubing’s great fun. Mike
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I am considering purchasing a float tube. Any suggestions or comments as to brand or model?
I own a Buck’s Bag and am happy with it. However, many ff’ers are starting to go with kick boats instead of float tubes. They are much safer in whitewater but are tougher to carry to a remote lake.
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I am going to get one. I have a friend that wants to sell his or I might spend a little more on a "V" shape one. — Vern My ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html Before you buy.
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I saw 2 float tubes in sportsmans guide, one was a pontoon style, 70 bucks, and the other was a traditional style, 50 bucks? something in that range… www.sportsmansguide.com i think
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I am going to get one. I have a friend that wants to sell his or I might spend a little more on a "V" shape one. –
Vern, Have you tried his tube out? Just wondered since you describe yourself as vertically challenged and I find in my tube that I like the crotch strap as tight as possible so I sit up as high as possible in the tube. That way my elbows don’t have to be raised up to cast over the tube which is more tiring. I’m 6′4". Now this is likely a peculiarity of my own since I am above average height but if you are below average you might not enjoy being down inside the tube donut- just in general. It might be that you would enjoy the V type more since they provide better flotation and you aren’t as enclosed. Just a thought. Cheers. Jon
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Thanks for the info. — Vern My ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html Before you buy.
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choc…hot dog?? i got the vienna sausage lecture. jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was at a place in the tropics that liked to feed hot dogs to a moray eel by the reef. They cautioned people not to point their finger at it and, of course, recommended that the males leave their trunks on. — Charlie…
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Vern – I’ve always had really good luck with my Buck’s Bags float tubes. I own a Hi&Dry Giant and a Top Gun, and both have proven to be real workhorses. I use them primarily on small warmwater lakes and ponds, and other than a Cottonmouth trying to climb in with me once, I haven’t had any problems with the quality or workmanship. There’s a downside to float tubes, though, and it may be a bigger issue for you than some others. You’ve been quite open about your size, and while I’m not trying to offend, you might have a few problems with a traditional float tube as a result. I’m 5-10, and I have problems launching one. I have a much bigger problem in that if you do manage to lose a fin, or get discarded monofilament wrapped around your legs, or something similar, it can be a total bitch to deal with unless you have long arms. The tube itself is VERY difficult to reach around, and trying to reach down through it doesn’t work well either. I saw a couple of very nice designs out on Ebay recently, and both are designed around the concept of "pontoon" craft. Caddis has one that is similar to a traditional belly boat, but rather than having a donut-shaped tube, it has a pontoon down either side. There’s also one out there that is made by the Creek Company, which has a fairly common "U-Boat" design but uses pontoons that are several feet long, This unit actually looks to give you a seat about 5" above the water, which can make a lot of difference if you’re fishing cold-water lakes for trout. I haven’t fished out of one, but it looks quite good. No matter which boat you get, you’ll love it. Once you get used to controlling the boat with your feet, it’s like having the ultimate mind-reading guide to put the boat "just exactly" where you want it at all times. I use mine a lot, and wouldn’t give them up. Michael – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’m in the search of my first float tube. So, all this information is very nice. What I wanted to say was, I saw a man using a small trolling motor. Another man that I saw was using a depth gauge/fish finder. What are the problems using either of these to items in a float tube?
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_____ Nice read Mike. Thank you. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Vern – I’ve always had really good luck with my Buck’s Bags float tubes. I own a Hi&Dry Giant and a Top Gun, and both have proven to be real workhorses. I use them primarily on small warmwater lakes and ponds, and other than a Cottonmouth trying to climb in with me once, I haven’t had any problems with the quality or workmanship. There’s a downside to float tubes, though, and it may be a bigger issue for you than some others. You’ve been quite open about your size, and while I’m not trying to offend, you might have a few problems with a traditional float tube as a result. I’m 5-10, and I have problems launching one. I have a much bigger problem in that if you do manage to lose a fin, or get discarded monofilament wrapped around your legs, or something similar, it can be a total bitch to deal with unless you have long arms. The tube itself is VERY difficult to reach around, and trying to reach down through it doesn’t work well either. I saw a couple of very nice designs out on Ebay recently, and both are designed around the concept of "pontoon" craft. Caddis has one that is similar to a traditional belly boat, but rather than having a donut-shaped tube, it has a pontoon down either side. There’s also one out there that is made by the Creek Company, which has a fairly common "U-Boat" design but uses pontoons that are several feet long, This unit actually looks to give you a seat about 5" above the water, which can make a lot of difference if you’re fishing cold-water lakes for trout. I haven’t fished out of one, but it looks quite good. No matter which boat you get, you’ll love it. Once you get used to controlling the boat with your feet, it’s like having the ultimate mind-reading guide to put the boat "just exactly" where you want it at all times. I use mine a lot, and wouldn’t give them up. Michael I’m in the search of my first float tube. So, all this information is very nice. What I wanted to say was, I saw a man using a small trolling motor. Another man that I saw was using a depth gauge/fish finder. What are the problems using either of these to items in a float tube?
– Mr.G http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html
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Wolfgang wrote;snip I have, on three separate occasions been bitten on the nipple by blue gills while wading at beaches in different parts of the country.
I have no nipple patterns, but I think you can see why I believe that if there were 10 pound bluegills no one would swim in the lakes. Big Dale
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In a related note, has anyone used those tubes which seem to be a composite between the pontoon boats and the float tubes? They are more or less like pontoon boats but have no frame, are lighter and generally smaller and cheaper. Any good? Jon
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Might I recommend instead that you simply wear a shirt next time. I’d hate to think what would have happened had you not been wearing any shorts.
I was at a place in the tropics that liked to feed hot dogs to a moray eel by the reef. They cautioned people not to point their finger at it and, of course, recommended that the males leave their trunks on. — Charlie…
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<< Fred, interesting you mention this. I have found that the fish ignore my presence when in a float tube. I have noticed the same thing. One of the lakes I fish is a high pressure C&R lake. While pondering the meaning of life, where my beer was and when I was going to stop for lunch one day, I had a 20+ rainbow come up and sip a midge not more then a foot away from my tube. The water was relatively shallow here too. One of the great pleasure of float tubing has been the ability to observe fish cruising and feeding. You miss most of this while in a boat. Mike
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Fred, interesting you mention this. I have found that the fish ignore my presence when in a float tube. The lakes that I fish are pretty clear and I have had fish swim under me several times. A couple have even stayed under me.
Warren, I agree that fish can and do ignore us, including me standing still in my boat, on occasion, but not when rowing or, I suspect, you come along kicking those big, black, cormorant-like fins. But I have also seen a person kicking in a tube just move the school along at a constant distance until the fish disperse. I fish a shallow lake, Davis (Oregon) at 8-9 ft mostly, and the fish that my boat do not spook are the smaller ones. If I want to sneak up on something 5-6+ lbs, I have to get down on my knees and just paddle with an oar over the side. And I can just about guarantee you that tubers never, or very rarely, get into a really large fish unless they are well into their backing on a slow troll. Fred
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…I have found that the fish ignore my presence when in a float tube….
And it seems that the deeper you are in the water, the less likely fish are to be disturbed by your presence. I have, on three separate occasions been bitten on the nipple by blue gills while wading at beaches in different parts of the country.
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And it seems that the deeper you are in the water, the less likely fish are to be disturbed by your presence. I have, on three separate occasions been bitten on the nipple by blue gills while wading at beaches in different parts of the country.
Might I recommend instead that you simply wear a shirt next time. I’d hate to think what would have happened had you not been wearing any shorts. –Steve | Support project KILLFILE for the chance to win | a new bamboo flyrod! Remove meniscus from my | email address to contact me regarding the project.
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Hi, Am new to the newsgroup and have not seen anything about float tubing.
Some folks like to carry an onion sack and fill it with rocks for an anchor. I reserve the float tube for warm calm days in the summer when I can sit around in the tube wearing shorts and t-shirt.
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very nice. What I wanted to say was, I saw a man using a small trolling motor. Another man that I saw was using a depth gauge/fish finder. What are the problems using either of these to items in a float tube?
Personally, it seems like too much of a hassle. I like the float tube because of its simplicity. I leave it partly inflated in the garage. Throw it in the back of the truck with a pair of snorkel fins and I’m ready to fish. I typically borrow a canoe if I need to cover more water. As far as the sonar device is concerned, most of the ponds I fish are small enough that I can ususally figure out after a few trips what the underwater topology is like. Mu
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Just one suggestion. Since you will probably not learn to cast (that’s OK, just a fact), don’t ever try and troll close to a school of rising fish, surrounded by folks standing in boats casting maybe 50-70 feet to those fish. Don’t ever believe that since you are close to the water the fish can’t see you, as all you will do is either put the feeding off, or just move the fish out of range of the casters, and the language can then make a mess of a beautiful day. Have fun, and put ‘em back when you are through playing with them. Fred. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, Am new to the newsgroup and have not seen anything about float tubing.Went out for the first time and spent whole time finning to stay correctly to the wind. Must do more of it. You’re right down there with the fish close to the water and peace abounds. Any oldtimers with tube experience please respond/ Hugh
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Don’t ever believe that since you are close to the water the fish can’t see you, as all you will do is either put the feeding off, or just move the fish out of range of the casters, and the language can then make a mess of a beautiful day.
Fred, interesting you mention this. I have found that the fish ignore my presence when in a float tube. The lakes that I fish are pretty clear and I have had fish swim under me several times. A couple have even stayed under me. I ended up jigging for them and caught one. My friend and I are always amazed when we see the cutts and grayling swim underneath us. We tend to be able to spot the fish we would most like to catch and kind of keep track of them and the rest of the pod. As a matter of fact, one time I was out of woolly buggers except for the one I had on and got hung up on a log. I ended up finning my way into position so I could retrieve my bugger and went right over the pod of fish. When I was done I went to another position, not wanting to tempt fate twice, and proceeded to catch fish who were still in the same position. Maybe in waters where the fish are constantly being buzzed by boats and such things are different. The lakes I tube require hiking and have no boat launches so maybe are unaccustomed to floating objects. If nothing else, my experience shows the other end of the spectrum I guess. But I do agree with the part about getting too close to rising fish surrounded by people and just rising fish in general. Warren Western Conclave Guru For info: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/sp_ROFF_people/wclave/wclave.html
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I’m in the search of my first float tube. So, all this information is very nice. What I wanted to say was, I saw a man using a small trolling motor. Another man that I saw was using a depth gauge/fish finder. What are the problems using either of these to items in a float tube? — Vern My ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html Before you buy.
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_______ You ask some very interesting innocent questions Vern. I happen to own one of those electric trolling driven float tube motorized systems. There are some who are physically incapable or who need help to get around a pond or lake because of leg problems, heart problems, or whatever. The gauge/fish finder is a bit much regarding using too much technology in a sport that requires we use our wits, we experiment and we suffer the slings and arrows in order to be successful. Those who use fish finders in float tube are basically fishing for the wrong reasons but in my opinion, sae-la-vie! To each his own. (I imagine I spelled that wrong and I will hear about it?) Did I say . . . "slings and arrows?" Duck! Here they come Vern! LOL! Mr. G. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m in the search of my first float tube. So, all this information is very nice. What I wanted to say was, I saw a man using a small trolling motor. Another man that I saw was using a depth gauge/fish finder. What are the problems using either of these to items in a float tube? — Vern My ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html Before you buy.
– Mr.G http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html
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Hi Vern, I have used a Buck’s Bag belly boat for some 15 odd yrs now and find it a relaxing way to fish. A lower back problem has plagued me for 20 yrs or more (too many hrs on the road!) but after 1 or 2 hrs in the float tube all the pain or discomfort are magically gone. My first Buck’s Bag was stolen out of my hatchback Toyota while I was at work one day, and it was immediately replaced. (I couldn’t be without it) The only damage ever suffered was one day I left it in my Toyota inflated (in Florida, no less) and came back 8 hrs later to find the denier outer-covering split wide open by the heat-expanded truck inner tube. A quick trip to an awning shop had it sewn up and good as new. Living in LV could produce the same results if you store your tube fully inflated in the sun. I still have and use my Buck’s Bag, the denier outer covering is sun-faded, but all the zippers still work and the stitching is still in place. As a safety precaution, replace the inner tube at least once every 2 yrs or so, and never store it completely deflated (the creases in the tube will eventually start to show small cracks) and that ain’t good. I don’t have a problem with mounting "gadgets", ie: trolling motor or depth finder, but that is just something else for your flyline to catch on when casting. BTW, the depth finder *is* sort of a "fish finder" as it’s primary use is to let you see bottom structure, thus in an obtuse way, is a "fish finder." I’ve always had the notion of mounting a depth finder, but just can’t bring myself to add stuff to a "clean" platform. Cabela’s sells 1 and 3 pound anchors just for float tubes and/or pontoon boats, a good investment IMO. Just one other caveat, buy flippers that are designed for float tubes, not something meant for scuba diving. The droopy tips on the scuba fins will trip you up in fine style on your first attempt to get in the tube. Be sure to draw a crowd and sell tickets if you use the wrong fins, because you will surely put on a fine comic act in just getting in your tube! Get one Vern, you won’t regret it. Frank Church Elkhart, IN USAF RETIRED I’m in the search of my first float tube. So, all this information is very nice. What I wanted to say was, I saw a man using a small trolling motor. Another man that I saw was using a depth gauge/fish finder. What are the problems using either of these to items in a float tube? — Vern My ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html
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Excellent thread started by Hugh: Snipped some to save space: The final step is choosing where you want to fish. Look for structure areas like points, bays and rock slides. Weed beds are also a great place to fish over and around. I usually put on a wooly bugger and fish deep as I paddle towards my destination (forgive me George, I know you consider this trolling but I find it highly effective!). This lets me search the water and experiment with patterns as I move around. Once you find your hot spot you can cast into and work the bank with either line. If you have any more questions feel free to email me. Mike, Spokane, WA
______ Mike, you reminded me of another thing I do sometimes and that is to carry a compass with me when tubing in a lake or large pond. Paddling backwards, sometimes can be difficult because one may have to keep turning around to keep on coarse. I will make this example simple. If I want to paddle backwards 360 degrees we know we only have to look down at the compass and keep the needle on 180 degrees or the reciprocal of the heading you want. Its not often we need to do this, but there are times getting around an area is made easy by simply having one. No big deal, but I usually have one in one of my storage bags . . . just in case Hugh, and Mike. Nuff said. — Mr.G http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html
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<< Hi, Am new to the newsgroup and have not seen anything about float tubing.Went out for the first time and spent whole time finning to stay correctly to the wind. Must do more of it. You’re right down there with the fish close to the water and peace abounds. Any oldtimers with tube experience please respond/ Hugh Hugh, welcome to one of the most relaxing ways to fish. I float tube extensively during the warm months and sometimes during the not so warm months. George pretty much covered the how to’s of using a tube. The only thing I might add is that take a bit of time before you launch to determine where you want to go and observe what is happening. It is a lot like fishing a river. Turn over a few rocks in the shallows to see what insects are living there. Like George mentioned, scuds are often quite abundent. Are the chironimids hatching or is there a mayfly hatch occuring. If you figure that out you can form your strategy. Having an idea how you want to fish really comes in handy in choosing a floating vs. sinking line. If little to no surface action then I go with a sinking line and a wooly bugger or scud imitation. Lots of chironimids or other surface action then I go ontop. I prefer to carry a second rod in my rod holder strung up with a floating line and use a sinking line on my primary rod. Changing lines in a float tube is a drag!! The final step is choosing where you want to fish. Look for structure areas like points, bays and rock slides. Weed beds are also a great place to fish over and around. I usually put on a wooly bugger and fish deep as I paddle towards my destination (forgive me George, I know you consider this trolling but I find it highly effective!). This lets me search the water and experiment with patterns as I move around. Once you find your hot spot you can cast into and work the bank with either line. If you have any more questions feel free to email me. Mike, Spokane, WA
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Hi, Am new to the newsgroup and have not seen anything about float tubing.Went out for the first time and spent whole time finning to stay correctly to the wind. Must do more of it. You’re right down there with the fish close to the water and peace abounds. Any oldtimers with tube experience please respond/ Hugh
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Hi, Am new to the newsgroup and have not seen anything about float tubing.Went out for the first time and spent whole time finning to stay correctly to the wind. Must do more of it. You’re right down there with the fish close to the water and peace abounds. Any oldtimers with tube experience please respond/ Hugh
Tubing has had many books written about the subject and I suppose I could write a few chapter here and now myself for you. The primary secret to float tubing is staying warm. If the tube is moving, you’re trolling. If your still in the water and casting, you’re fly fishing. You have to think in patterns that imitate lake and pond life. Leaches and minnow patterns and thinking more like a lake rather than a river will assist you into that direction. Look into having and/or tying fairy shrimp and Crawdads patterns. The flesh of the fish you’re catching will tell you what they are usually eating. If the flesh is pink, their primary diet are crustaceans which contain predominantly aquatic arthropods such as crabs, shrimps and shelled exoskeleton forms of life. These have high protein value. The fact that few tubers tie flies to imitate snails amuses me. You may wish to carry a light anchor and if you know the wind, and the lake is large, you may want to think about using two vehicles, the second is the one the wind will eventually carry you two which could be two three miles away. You will use a lot of calories to stay warm. As warm as the water will feel, any time it is below your ambient body temperature, body heat is slowly being sucked out of your body. You will need to pack carbohydrates such as bread sandwiches to keep your calorie count up. Getting cold is the one thing that can ruin tubing. Another thing is always wear a life vest and always carry a RAZOR SHARP knife on your person. Make sure you can get out of a damaged tube and that may not be as easy as you think. Until you are highly experienced, stay close together and fish in a buddy system. Your fishing buddy should never be more than a minute paddling from you. Another thing is you will do best with a long fly rod like a 9.5′er for a 5 WT. You really don’t need a long rod but to have a casting advantage because your butt is setting in the water, a longer fly rod is a big help. Also, you have fighting leverage. Remember, you can tie into a huge fish with a tube then you may know and sooner than you think. Look at your tube design and make sure you have straps you can pull to set you free if necessary. If the design isn’t safe to get in and out of, consider other designs. Also, while fishing, you may want to make sure you can change fly lines from floating, to sink tip to full sinking. The STH cassette design may be just the ticket for you to look at next time you go to your pro shop. The STH is an excellent float tube design reel. You have all your spools in storage and its a simple matter to change them while in the middle of a lake or pond. Always safety your fly rod somehow so that if you drop it in the water you have a thither on it somewhere, somehow. I’m just rambling here as I think of things for you to know and maybe this will get others to add onto the thread what I cannot possibly recall in one setting. I don’t know what the latest books are, but ordering from Barnes or Amazon a couple of them might be wise. I’m sure other fly fishermen will be more up to date in that area than I. Hope this is enough to get you kick started, but I think you should ask for some good fly patterns for ponds and lakes in ROFFT. You will need a good dragon fly and damsel fly pattern including the nymphs. The subject is endless. Good luck to both of you. You sound like my kind of people. If I can help in any other way, please feel free to contact me via E-Mail. Don’t forget to take pictures and don’t forget to buy a water proof camera and don’t forget to get real close to each other when you take that picture. Count one,two,three – lift the fish, snap the picture with water still streaming off it, and bingo! You’ve got it! — Mr.G http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html
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Does anyone out ther have any idea where I can find a set of plans to make my own float tube? The truck inner tube is no problem but I need help in getting the covering material to the right shape so it covers the shape of the tube without kinks and folds. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Joe
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: Does anyone out ther have any idea where I can find a set of plans to : make my own float tube? : The truck inner tube is no problem but I need help in getting the : covering material to the right shape so it covers the shape of the : tube without kinks and folds. For all the bother it would take, I think that it would be better and almost no extra cost to just buy one. Prices start at about $100 for a decent tube with two air chambers. — Jon Porter
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Question:
When I hunt I do not wear camo. I do not use scent-b-gon washes for my clothes. I do not spray doe estrus everywhere, or play taped hen turkey calls on a portable deck. I DO, however, use a double-barreled shotgun which was manufactured in 1990, modern magnum loads, and electric socks.
Forgive my ignorance, but what are electric socks? Michael Smith
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Which begs a question of all who have been involved in the ’strike indicator’ controversy: What is it about fly fishing that appeals most to you? Those who relish the streamside strategy, the endless presentations into pools you just KNOW are full of trout, a cold cheese sandwich and a smoke for lunch amid the splendor of our natural settings…those are the ones I feel more akin to, and for whose sportsmen’s ethos I have the utmost respect. However, for those who consider a day without an entry into the log book of either a catch or a kill a wasted day, you are the ones who are, in my opinion, missing the point. You might as well be using dynamite on the fish and bazookas on deer. So, if I am mistaken in wanting to change the focus of this debate from hardware, then flame me at will. However, if in truth the true debate is found in the ethos of the sportsman, consider yourself well and weigh in with your position. W.E.S. Harman Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia "L’ecrivain original n’est pas celui qui n’imite personne, mais celui que personne ne peut imiter." (The original writer is not he who refrains from imitating others, but he who can be imitated by none.) – Francois-Rene De Chateaubriand, "Genie du Christianisme"
I’m sorry, but the issue should be not what technology is used, but rather the attitude and the intend with which it is employed. The purist takes issue with the uninitiated to avoid having to share, as by sharing, in his mind, he is reduced. Peter
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When I hunt I do not wear camo. I do not use scent-b-gon washes for my clothes. I do not spray doe estrus everywhere, or play taped hen turkey calls on a portable deck. I DO, however, use a double-barreled shotgun which was manufactured in 1990, modern magnum loads, and electric socks. Forgive my ignorance, but what are electric socks? Michael Smith
You don’t want to know unless your sure your waders don’t leak. Mike
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -As an all-around outdoor sports kind of guy, I find myself in the company of hunters and fishermen quite a bit. I consider myself something of a traditionalist, largely due only to the fact that I find that technology often has the effect of taking the sport out of being a sportsman. When I hunt I do not wear camo. I do not use scent-b-gon washes for my clothes. I do not spray doe estrus everywhere, or play taped hen turkey calls on a portable deck. I DO, however, use a double-barreled shotgun which was manufactured in 1990, modern magnum loads, and electric socks. With fishing it is largely the same. I do not use strike indicators, ’stink baits’ or other fly-modifications, or barbed hooks. I DO use a graphite rod, DuPont line, and nylon leaders. The point of all of this is that, at a certain point, technology can and does take the sport out of being a sportsman. I use modern equipment because it is safer and more reliable than antiques. This I find easy to defend. However, the modifications, concoctions, and natural subterfuges which technological advancement makes available to us, I believe allows the worst of us to compensate for our lack of knowledge and patience, placing more importance on the kill than the hunt (or the landing over the actual fishing). Which begs a question of all who have been involved in the ’strike indicator’ controversy: What is it about fly fishing that appeals most to you? Those who relish the streamside strategy, the endless presentations into pools you just KNOW are full of trout, a cold cheese sandwich and a smoke for lunch amid the splendor of our natural settings…those are the ones I feel more akin to, and for whose sportsmen’s ethos I have the utmost respect. However, for those who consider a day without an entry into the log book of either a catch or a kill a wasted day, you are the ones who are, in my opinion, missing the point. You might as well be using dynamite on the fish and bazookas on deer. So, if I am mistaken in wanting to change the focus of this debate from hardware, then flame me at will. However, if in truth the true debate is found in the ethos of the sportsman, consider yourself well and weigh in with your position. W.E.S. Harman Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia "L’ecrivain original n’est pas celui qui n’imite personne, mais celui que personne ne peut imiter." (The original writer is not he who refrains from imitating others, but he who can be imitated by none.) – Francois-Rene De Chateaubriand, "Genie du Christianisme"
A fine question. I fish for a variety of reasons. The strongest is that I love the sea, I go there summer and winter with or without a rod, but fishing is what turns voyeurism into an actual connection for me. That connection can be made with a 12′ surf rod, or a dropline even, but I use a fly rod. I enjoy the uncertainty of fly fishing. When I began my friends all used spinning gear, and would probably catch 20 cod before I would catch anything on the fly. But once I’d catch something they would say "I can’t believe you actually caught something on that rod." This gave me a sense of accomplishment, a feeling of overcoming an obstacle. I like that. With my surf rod I can go out and spray casts all over the place and cover a tremendous amount of water, and I will catch a fish more often than not. With my fly rod I can only fish water within 100′ of me. Sometimes this water doesn’t look like it can hold anything, and when it does it is a happy surprise. It’s this surprise I like best in fishing, and the more I tip the odds in my favor the less of a surprise it is when I catch a fish. So for me technology diminishes the joy I find in fishing. That’s why when I’m in my boat I try never to look at the fishfinder. I look at the water depth so I can find changes, then turn it off. I think the purpose of many of the technological advances in sport are marketing driven. Make something difficult easier and you get more appeal to the masses. If it took 100 hours for every fish we caught, many would not fish, so for the industry it’s good business to make the sport easier. People who are new to the sport will not notice the difference, and will probably get as much enjoyment from it as I do. I would not enjoy using their methods, and they probably would not enjoy mine, and I think that’s OK. All this makes me think back to a bumper sticker I had in the 70s that said "Short Skiis Suck". In order to make skiing easier and more widely appealing, manufacturers put out these short, easy to skid turn skiis. All of a sudden any bozo could survive a difficult run. Those of us who were still on 205s, 210s etc. didn’t care for this, and didn’t care for the difference it made in the shape of a mogul; gnarly choppy bumps instead of smooth, rounded bumps. When I think of this it seems to me that in any sport major technology shifts will be despised by those who got there without them, while the newer people will wonder what’s the big deal. That most of what I like is the traditional and most of what I don’t like is technological just tells me that I’m getting on in years :- jc
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Michael: Electric socks keep ones feet warm while hunting in sub-zero temperatures. Well, they’d keep them warm at any time, but are especially useful when hunting in seriously cold weather. Might I add they are also useful for wearing under waders when you’re going to be in super-cold water. W.E.S. Harman Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia "L’ecrivain original n’est pas celui qui n’imite personne, mais celui que personne ne peut imiter." (The original writer is not he who refrains from imitating others, but he who can be imitated by none.) – Francois-Rene De Chateaubriand, "Genie du Christianisme" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When I hunt I do not wear camo. I do not use scent-b-gon washes for my clothes. I do not spray doe estrus everywhere, or play taped hen turkey calls on a portable deck. I DO, however, use a double-barreled shotgun which was manufactured in 1990, modern magnum loads, and electric socks. Forgive my ignorance, but what are electric socks? Michael Smith
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Forgive my ignorance, but what are electric socks? Michael Smith
Look at them as part of your outdoor potty training. They teach you to pee far from you standing position, and not to dribble. 8^) Bruce….
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – …snip… The point of all of this is that, at a certain point, technology can and does take the sport out of being a sportsman. I use modern equipment because it is safer and more reliable than antiques. This I find easy to defend. However, the modifications, concoctions, and natural subterfuges which technological advancement makes available to us, I believe allows the worst of us to compensate for our lack of knowledge and patience, placing more importance on the kill than the hunt (or the landing over the actual fishing). Which begs a question of all who have been involved in the ’strike indicator’ controversy: What is it about fly fishing that appeals most to you? Those who relish the streamside strategy, the endless presentations into pools you just KNOW are full of trout, a cold cheese sandwich and a smoke for lunch amid the splendor of our natural settings…those are the ones I feel more akin to, and for whose sportsmen’s ethos I have the utmost respect. However, for those who consider a day without an entry into the log book of either a catch or a kill a wasted day, you are the ones who are, in my opinion, missing the point. You might as well be using dynamite on the fish and bazookas on deer.
This is in the same vein as my post from last week on "What is flyfishing to You: Was…". Its something that takes some meditation to answer with the convictions of truth. Your ruminations focusing on technology are well meant but the more I consider it the more I think they are perhaps misplaced. The reason is that what you describe relishing is the challenge of succeeding in a "fair chase" endeavor. This is not merely the harvesting (or R’ing) of the game but is the overcoming of obstacles barring your way to that success. Thus, for an accomplished sportsman excess technological "advantages" take the challenge and fun out of the endeavor. For those of lesser prowess, these technological advantages put them into the game closer to the same challenge level as the more accomplished individuals and can therefore experience similar joys when they succeed occasionally. As sporting prowess increases, the sportsman will often shift the balance in the "fair chase" equation back to a level that gives more challenge, thus voluntarily negating to some extent their increased skill level. This is often accomplished by going to more traditional and less technological methods (witness the resurgence of popularity in long bow archery for hunting to replace compound bows) or by setting and only seeking greater challenges for themselves (trophy bucks only, traveling to impenetrable areas to fish, targeting very selective trout, etc, etc). In the end, it is all relative to the individual. A sportsman, as I see it, certainly wants some success but not necessarily too much so that a challenge remains to be met. Where an individual falls on this scale can be shifted through technological innovation. It may be true to some extent that the ultimate purist has the least success in their sport (in terms of numbers). When I consider what flyfishing is to me I can roll over a litany of single experiences in my mind but none of them suffice as individual justifications to flyfish (or bowhunt, which falls in the same aesthetic category for me). When I look back at memories of flyfishing the conclusion that I have come to is that these endeavors are the closest thing to a striving for perfection that I may ever experience. What are the true memories at the end of a season? It is not the nice day catching many fish, one after another. It is not the various places gone, people seen, sunsets, bugs, gear, or water. These are part of the collage of experience that you can lovingly thumb through upon reflection but not the core. The core memories are the fleeting moments when the striving for perfection has been nearly achieved, the proper selection of gear for a promising spot never before considered or never properly fished before. A new insight and the laying in of the right fly on a lightly presented cast- just right. A sipping rise and a good fish on, well played and now in hand and for a moment in time everything has stopped and the universe has altered its course to revolve around that fleeting instant where judgement and skill (and perhaps some luck) have combined to meet the challenge that has been set. It may be the only fish of the day but it will be remembered long after the season ends and many more fish have been taken with less grace and spirit. So there flows the river Why. Jon (Am in total agreement on the "gotta get my game (fill in species here)" to have fun attitude described previously)
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As an all-around outdoor sports kind of guy, I find myself in the company of hunters and fishermen quite a bit. I consider myself something of a traditionalist, largely due only to the fact that I find that technology often has the effect of taking the sport out of being a sportsman. When I hunt I do not wear camo. I do not use scent-b-gon washes for my clothes. I do not spray doe estrus everywhere, or play taped hen turkey calls on a portable deck. I DO, however, use a double-barreled shotgun which was manufactured in 1990, modern magnum loads, and electric socks. With fishing it is largely the same. I do not use strike indicators, ’stink baits’ or other fly-modifications, or barbed hooks. I DO use a graphite rod, DuPont line, and nylon leaders. The point of all of this is that, at a certain point, technology can and does take the sport out of being a sportsman. I use modern equipment because it is safer and more reliable than antiques. This I find easy to defend. However, the modifications, concoctions, and natural subterfuges which technological advancement makes available to us, I believe allows the worst of us to compensate for our lack of knowledge and patience, placing more importance on the kill than the hunt (or the landing over the actual fishing). Which begs a question of all who have been involved in the ’strike indicator’ controversy: What is it about fly fishing that appeals most to you? Those who relish the streamside strategy, the endless presentations into pools you just KNOW are full of trout, a cold cheese sandwich and a smoke for lunch amid the splendor of our natural settings…those are the ones I feel more akin to, and for whose sportsmen’s ethos I have the utmost respect. However, for those who consider a day without an entry into the log book of either a catch or a kill a wasted day, you are the ones who are, in my opinion, missing the point. You might as well be using dynamite on the fish and bazookas on deer. So, if I am mistaken in wanting to change the focus of this debate from hardware, then flame me at will. However, if in truth the true debate is found in the ethos of the sportsman, consider yourself well and weigh in with your position. W.E.S. Harman Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia "L’ecrivain original n’est pas celui qui n’imite personne, mais celui que personne ne peut imiter." (The original writer is not he who refrains from imitating others, but he who can be imitated by none.) – Francois-Rene De Chateaubriand, "Genie du Christianisme"
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Question:
Wait a minute! The Deschutes River is NOT near Portland, Oregon. It’s gotta be a 3-4 hour drive, at least. And it’s not that easy to fish from shore. What about smaller streams on the slopes of Mt Hood or an hour or so west of Portland near Vernonia/Mist or down in Yamhill County (seem to remember some creeks in there near McMinnville – Yamhill River?)? Anyway, if you consider total travel time, a 3-hour drive is fairly long way to go for an hour or two of fishing. Where do busy Portlanders REALLY go?
I can make it from McMinnville to Maupin in less than three hours, less from portland. IMHO it is worth the drive, but it does make it a long day. There are some nice small streams out here in Yamhill County. They hold mostly small wild cutthroat and hatchery rainbow. They also get very low in summer and I usually stop fishing them by mid June. I would stay away from the main Yamhill River, unless you are into warmwater fish and don’t mind raw sewage. The upper forks of the Yamhill have small cutthroat and can be fun but nothing great. Tight Lines, Jay Whitworth
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Wait a minute! The Deschutes River is NOT near Portland, Oregon. It’s gotta be a 3-4 hour drive, at least. And it’s not that easy to fish from shore. What about smaller streams on the slopes of Mt Hood or an hour or so west of Portland near Vernonia/Mist or down in Yamhill County (seem to remember some creeks in there near McMinnville – Yamhill River?)? Anyway, if you consider total travel time, a 3-hour drive is fairly long way to go for an hour or two of fishing. Where do busy Portlanders REALLY go? — Ken Brown Satis elequontiae, sapientiae parum.
Seriously, people. Hit the coastal streams. The searun cutthroat are in and many streams have summer steelhead as a bonus. But seriously, my son and I target the cutthroat. They are the best fly rising fish in the state–yes we fish on top–and it is not a 3 hour drive. And if the fish are not cooperating–there is the beach, maybe the jetties, and a whole smorgasbord of good cafes and restaurants. Paul
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The Deschutes is not 3 hours from Portland. It usually takes me less than two hours to get to Maupin where there is aproximately 25-30 miles of outstanding bank fishing for steelhead and Trout. (And plenty of whitefish if you are nymphing.)
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Wait a minute! The Deschutes River is NOT near Portland, Oregon. It’s gotta be a 3-4 hour drive, at least. And it’s not that easy to fish from shore. What about smaller streams on the slopes of Mt Hood or an hour or so west of Portland near Vernonia/Mist or down in Yamhill County (seem to remember some creeks in there near McMinnville – Yamhill River?)? Anyway, if you consider total travel time, a 3-hour drive is fairly long way to go for an hour or two of fishing. Where do busy Portlanders REALLY go? — Ken Brown Satis elequontiae, sapientiae parum.
Busy Portlanders aren’t real fisherpeople. Real fisherpeople go to the …… Mike in PDX "When the trout are lost, smash the state." Tom McGuane
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: Busy Portlanders aren’t real fisherpeople. Real fisherpeople go to …. Anywhere in Idaho? (Except Leitheiser… he bailed out. Don’t really blame him, it’s tough to come back to Oregon waters after getting spoiled by all those big Cutts.) — Rick T. Rick Fletcher – http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry | That’s Idaho, not Iowa. | ad hominem University of Idaho | Upper Left Hand Corner. | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343 | No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem
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I’ll be in the Portland, OR area the end of June – beginnig of July. I’d appreciate suggestions on places to fish for 2 days (Sat and Sun). I’ll have a car and don’t have to return to Portland Sat nite.. Thanks in advance for your help. Martin
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I’ll be in the Portland, OR area the end of June – beginnig of July. I’d appreciate suggestions on places to fish for 2 days (Sat and Sun). I’ll have a car and don’t have to return to Portland Sat nite.. Thanks in advance for your help. Martin You may want to try the coastal streams–a lot closer than the Deschutes
and the searun cutthroats are the most wonderful fly rod fish you can find. A friend of mine is a guide. If you want to, call Glenn Young at (503) 642-4570. A secret–these fish are active surface takers!!!!! Let me know if you go and how you do. Paul
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The Deschutes River – where else. Call Kaufmann’s Streamborn in Portland for information on the Deschutes and guides (if you want or need one).
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Wait a minute! The Deschutes River is NOT near Portland, Oregon. It’s gotta be a 3-4 hour drive, at least. And it’s not that easy to fish from shore. What about smaller streams on the slopes of Mt Hood or an hour or so west of Portland near Vernonia/Mist or down in Yamhill County (seem to remember some creeks in there near McMinnville – Yamhill River?)? Anyway, if you consider total travel time, a 3-hour drive is fairly long way to go for an hour or two of fishing. Where do busy Portlanders REALLY go? — Ken Brown Satis elequontiae, sapientiae parum.
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writes: Wait a minute! The Deschutes River is NOT near Portland, Oregon. It’s gotta be a 3-4 hour drive, at least. And it’s not that easy to fish from shore.
Whoa! The Deschutes is about 100 miles from Portland via very good freeways. This makes it about an hour and a half to an hour and three quarters travel time. As for fishing from shore, you can’t legally fish from a boat unless you are disabled amd have the proper permits. I’ll agree that you do have to wade it to flyfish, but that’s true of most any stream!
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