Float tubing

[coch a bonddu]

For many years now I fancied trying out some float tubing on my local trout lakes. I have since purchased an Orvis tube and just cant wait to give it a go this coming season. Are there any special tactics, tips or extra bit of equipment that I now require to make this new experience a success?

[Ben]

mr fluff chucker or smoothound are the guys you wanna talk to i think you will find

[DamageInc]

Invest in a good pair of waders, don't even bother with cheap rubber or vinyl waders unless you don't mind getting wet. I mostly fish bass from mine, but for trout I'd recommend a net, and a pair of flippers is a must. Avoid windy days and wear plenty of sunscreen and a good pair of sunglasses, the UV rays are a lot more potent right on the water level.

[coch a bonddu]

Thanks for the advice; I’ll certainly invest in a pair of better quality chest waders. I'll let you know how I get on.

[coch a bonddu]

Another query what rod length is best suited to the job?

[A fluff chucker]

Hi CAB

I've never personally used one - seen plenty used in the States and very popular.

Good flippers needed and strong leg muscles - as that's your propulsion.
Not too much wind - although I think I saw a US guy using a small drogue?
DamageInc will be a good source of info as a user etc.

Check your lake in Wales allows their use. We cannot use them on our club water and I think they are banned from quite a few UK waters?

The reason I've been told is "it's a safety issue" - but the Americans are more careful/safety concious than us

Just use your standard fly or spinning rod - nothing special needed; unless you want a good excuse to buy a new rod

[coch a bonddu]

Thanks fluff chucker I think that I shall have to convince my good wife that a new rod is essential for this new venture

[Old Smoothound]

Originally Posted by coch a bonddu

Thanks fluff chucker I think that I shall have to convince my good wife that a new rod is essential for this new venture

Hi Coch A Boddu,

Good advice on a decent pair of waders, Neoprene for colder months and breathables for Summer use.

A little tip when float tubing, if you see big swirls at the last place you were fishing don't cast to them....because they are the result of your flippers in the water. I went float tubing a couple of seasons ago and a friend with me spent most of the morning casting to the "rising fish" trouble was he was casting to his flipper swirls

Its a great way of drifting around the water and searching out trout. keep it nice and gentle and you can get within 6-8 yards of them without spooking them. Its also a lovely way of dry fly fishing.

First time out don't go too far as you will be surprised at how tired your legs get after paddling a while.

Hope this helps.

[coch a bonddu]

Good advice about the breathable waders for summer use (another item for the birthday present list). Thanks a lot

[DamageInc]

I don't know too much about fly fishing, but a 6'6" rod is perfect for tubing, anything longer can be more of a pain.