Stop Leg Cramps While Tubing

      I know I am not alone in this statement: DAM CRAMPS!
They never happen at the right time and they hurt so bad you start cursing the fish because of the pain you feel.  It’s not their fault!  It is on you more than likely.


      So, the question is, what can you do to avoid those these miserable cramps?  I have done some research and have asked around and the answer to this is, who truly knows?  I have heard everything from stretch more, drink more water, to even drink pickle juice “What!”  I will discuss the different areas listed here to help you to avoid cramps while float tubing.  I ask that you keep an open mind and rely on the fact that not everything I list here is going to work for everyone all the time.  In my 41 years of life I have learned one very important fact:  we are all different.


      So, first off, I have read and will discuss the use of potassium to help alleviate muscle cramps.  It is a proven fact that if you are low in potassium that you could and will most likely be susceptible to cramping during activities.  So how do we replace that missing potassium? You guessed it: bananas.
Of course there are potassium supplements and I have even heard bananas and/or mustard is a great and quick source of potassium.  So make sure you have a banana in the hours before you get in to the water and maybe take a few mustard packs with you for a quick shot of what you need.  That is a simple fix right? So, now I am done and am at the end of the article.  Oh, but wait like I said we are all different. And because of this, we now know that this might not be the complete fix for some of us.


      It was stated previously that it could be your fins, the length of you fins that will denote the amount of force needed to move yourself through the water.  So you might need to experiment with the type of fins you are using.  This could be an expensive fix and the recommended fin for this remedy is:  the Force fins.  Now I have no experience with Force fins so I will not stand behind this statement.  Not because I don’t agree but only because I don’t have the experience.  This could be a true statement and maybe it has or would work for you.


Still another idea is to stretch before you get started float tubing.  Again this is simple; at least when I was younger it was simple - not as easy now a day.  To stretch before an activity you are helping your muscles to relax and get prepared for the activities ahead.  Make sure that you are doing proper stretching on the muscles that would be used while float tubing and maybe you should concentrate on the areas that you seem to have the most cramps during your outing.  For me I will be concentrating on my calf muscles.  Remember; be very careful not to over-stretch.  Only move to the point you feel the stretch.  Many years ago, Jane Fonda put out exercise videos telling you exercise until you feel the burn. And then, push beyond.  Bad news! Going beyond this could cause muscle damage.  It is also very important your muscles are warm before you start your stretch so you might want to take a light jog or do some jumping jacks before you stretch.


       Water.  You must have water.  Without water, dehydration could be the cause of your leg cramps.  So, it is stated, by the experts you should be taking in enough water daily to help you avoid those painful cramps.  Good advice while kicking around in your float tube.  Further. This seems to be another simple fix but I challenge you to really think about this.  Do you really take in enough water?  I am sure most of us after really thinking about it could safely say we are falling short of our water intake minimums and could be dehydrated and not know it.  If this is so, making a conscious effort to drink some water before your activity could significantly prevent the cramps you are experiencing, during your activities.


      Beyond these simple fixes, there are more ideas on the subject: quinine pills; Gatorade; a proper exercise program; and even pickle juice.  The quinine pills are not used anymore and I think you should heed the FDA’s warnings on this.  Now drinking some pickle juice before your outings have proven to help with cramping.  I am not sure if this works, nor do I promote it as a leg cramp cure, but stranger things have happened.  As for Gatorade and good a workout program are concerned, give them a shot as it may be what you need to help alleviate those nasty leg cramps and extend your time on the water, not to mention maintaining that svelte figure of yours…


By; JBernier

From the The Float Tube Fishing Forum Quarterly Magazine ( http://joom.ag/GtRb )

FTFF Magazine is now up for reading

Here you go guys our first issue for 2015, take a look and let us know what you think.  In this issue and quite possible the next 3 issue we have a give away contest.  This one is for a small hand made tackle products called CoolBaits.  Check it out page 18 of the magazine this is open to all that read this magazine.
Please know that right now the magazine can only be viewed on a computer as our upgrade in over. I will be working on trying to get this fixed in the next few months.  So you cannot see this on a tablet or a smartphone for now.  But in time this will be fixed for now take a look and enjoy and please take a look at the Coolbaits contest as well as our sponsors ads.  

https://www.joomag.com/en/newsstand/the-float-tube-fishing-forum-vol-2-issue-1/0040101001410885391

Float Tube Safety First and Always

We have all been there at least once: “what did I get myself into.”  Just like our member Yellowrock got himself into a bad spot, we have or will at some point do the same thing.   All we can hope is the outcome, is a good one like PVR for Yellowrock was.  But of course, there is something to be said for being prepared.  If things are going to go bad they are just going to go bad.  But if we are prepared for these unexpected events they will almost always be stories we can share later with others.   Safety should be on all of our minds every time we head out.  And I am sure most of us think the same. But do we do what we think?  I know I am not alone in this. I have cut corners to get out on the water sooner I am also tempted to be more comfortable to stay out on the water longer.  Unfortunately we all know that it only takes once for the worst to happen.

Let’s just list some of the safety items you should have or consider to have a safe and fun day on the water.
     1. PFD (Coast Guard Approved)
     2. Whistle or air horn
     3. Wader belt if wearing waders
     4. Proper launching spot, and exit spot as well
     5. Knowledge of the water you are on
     6. Current weather reports for your area
     7. Having a partner if new to tubing

     This is a basic list that we should all use to stay safe on the water.  So, here is my question to you: how many of you think of all of these things each time out?  I will say with honesty that I don’t abide by all these rules, all the time.  The PFD is better behind me because it is just too bulky for me to sit in my seat on my ODC 420.  Whistle, what whistle? I don’t think I have ever had a whistle with me on my tube.  I just now started wearing my wader belt and even at that, I seem to forget when I first get on the water.  For me, launch sites are my strong point, I have always felt safe to launch because I think that part of the process through very well.  I have a pretty good knowledge of the waters I fish but I am sure I could know more.  I try to stay up on the weather but in So/Cal, it is not a real big deal as I'm sure it is in other parts of the country.  Finally I will say my first time out tubing was solo and it was a very nerve racking trip, but I guess I liked it enough to continue for the last 20 years.

     So, how can we make this easier for us to be better about safety while float tubing?  First of,f as for the PFD, having an inflatable vest would make it more appealing to wear my PFD.  The inflatable vests are not bulky, so I can sit in my tube without feeling like I have no room.  Whistles? ok, so I just need to go and get a whistle. That was easy.   For launching and exit sites, do your homework use Google maps, or ask around and always use flat ground with a firm surface to launch out from.  Smart phones have made it easier to be aware of current weather in your area and for the saltwater guys there are apps on tide, which is a great resource to have, as well.  Read reports of others trip to waters you are planning to try out.  Our members are good at giving information of what to expect when you get out there.  Finally, join the FTFF if you have not already done so, you will find plenty of people that will help you get ready for your first outing and you might even find a fishing partner for your first trip out.                  

More articles like this at:
https://www.joomag.com/en/newsstand/the-float-tube-fishing-forum-vol-1-issue-3/0081505001405147900

Float Tube and Fishing Seminar

The Float Tube Fishing Forum, will be hosting a Fishing and Float Tube Fishing Seminar.  We are going to be taking the general public out on a local park lake for an opportunity to try out float tubing.  We should have fly fishing demonstrations, knot tying classes, learn how to choose the right fishing pole for the right situations.  This event will be open to the general public and be all about education.  It should be a lot of fun as well as a wealth of information, it is all in the planning stage right now but is looking really good.

Today I was out at the lake just getting a feel for the water, as well a look for the best spots to launch.  We took some time and kick the whole lake, it is shallow but it will be a great place to try float tubing for the first time.  Here are some shots of our trip on the water, if you are a local you will know which lake it will be by seeing these picture.  Any questions please don't hesitate to ask. 

Float Tube Kicking Technique Video

OK so I am not much of a GoPro genius but I thought maybe I could shoot a video showing underwater footage on different float tube Kick techniques.  Is there anyone that think this might be something they would like to see.  I will make sure to keep it simple and strait to the point, what do you think. You can see this video in the next 2 weeks on our forum and YouTube.

The Float Tube Fishing Forum Quarterly Magazine

Our Forum has put out its second magazine today (8/29).  The Float Tube Fishing Forum Quarterly Magazine Vol:1 Issue: 2 take a moment check it out for yourself.  We are doing great and have room to add some new sponsors for our December issue.  Contact us if you are interested in advertising with us, or maybe you would like to write let us know.  You can now also subscribe to the magazine just add your e-mail in the magazine and you will receive all future issues.

http://joom.ag/ZHbb

The First Float Tube Fishing Magazine

I have searched and searched and have never found a magazine that was all about Float Tube Fishing.  So if you cannot find it then I guess you have to create it.  So that is what I decided to do, and it worked out pretty good.  The first issue that was published on line has done well with over 46,000 view so far.  I am working on the next issue right now and it will be ready in September.  Here is the first issue and stay tuned for the next issue.

This is the link to the Magazine
http://joom.ag/EQXb

Here is the cover

Big Horn by Classic Accessories

The Big Horn from Classic Accessories, I just pick 2 of them.  Wow this basic tube is more than just basic, it is a great stable fully thought out u-shaped float tube.  A friend of mine has this very tube as his first float tube, and was very happy with it from the start.  It is always in his truck and ready to be used.  He also owns a Cumberland which is is first line tube, built by the same company (article on this one to come), but when there is a slight problem with a friends tube, here he comes with his Big Horn.

From what he has said and what I have seen this is not beginner float tube.  It can hold up to 250+ bls, and comes with plenty of storage on it as well.  It rides high in the water which is good as it does not have the stadium seating, which is not a down side it is just the style of this tube.  Starting price is about $150, and if you look some times you can find it for less. If you are an avid float tuber and need a quality back up.  Or a true fishermen just looking to get into his first float tube, then look into this one.  I am going to have fun truing this bad boy out.  Once I have tried it I will get back to everyone and let you all how it went, Tight Lines.

Report on The U-Boat 2000

The Creek Company makes a float tube by the name the U-Boat 2000 and I would like to talk about it right now if you don’t mind. The other day I took my son out float tubing it was his second time fishing from a tube. I had recently bought a U-Boat 2000 because it was on sale, and I though hay a back up. So this was the madden voyage of our U-Boat 2000. First I would like to say I have had this tube for a few months and would not take it out myself; there is no stabilizer bar fro the front like I am use to. This main reason that I would not try it myself, I figure the weight of me would fold it in half. My son is lighter than I am so he could use it right.
At 7 am I am starting to worry that I made a bad choose in buying this and putting him in it and on the water. But he sat down and floated away with no problems that I could see. The Creek Company has a patient on the stabilization strap that I made sure was set well be for we hit the water. The strap crosses around the back of the main tube from right front end to left front end and when set right help to hold the buoy open. After asking if he enjoyed the ride he said he had no problems, he seemed to maneuver with ease and was able to get in and out with no trouble.
This I feel would make a great first time Float tube or the perfect tube for that fishing bud that you are raising. I have to say I will be trying this one for myself soon, but there are a few things I think need to be addressed. First there are only two large pockets on each side of the tube an my son also made the same remark. Storage is lacking, and I miss having a pocket above the back rest. This tube only has the back rest. Creek Company does make the original U-Boat 2000 with this added. I bought the U-Boat 2000 for about $50 and it came with fins and a double action pump. But the true cost is about $100 to $140 so keep you eyes open you may find it cheaper at the next store.

www.CreekCompany.com

The Prowler Float Tube by Outcast

Outcast is one hell of a float tube and pontoon boat company. I spent a little time going through there web site and I have to say the have a lot to choose from. I just came across there Prowler Float Tube. If money was not and issue I would be ordering it right now, but it is, so I won’t. I just wanted to share with all what I found, I may be behind the times, and most people may already know about this tube. If you have one or know things about it please share with us. If you own one I would like to hear what you have to say, and if I could try it out that would be cool (LOL).
So it is made by Outcast the same company that made the Fish Cat 4 series of float tubes that so many people have and enjoy. Because of this you know this has to be a quality product. It looks some what similar to the Fish Cat in that it have the pontoon style tubes on the side that draw to a point in the rear to help move you through the water with no resistance. I like that it can handle up to 325 lbs. “no I don’t weigh that much”, “Okay I am close,” but it can handle me and anything else that I add to it. The strip apron is an adjustable table to fit your needs and from the looks of it is very sturdy and usable. One of the coolest things thing I found on this was that it came with a 54 once hydration bladder on it, so you can go on long trips and not need to stop to re-hydrate.
Is that not cool, I think that is a great ideas, yes I know you could just go get your own camel back but it already has one. I had one other idea a built in catheter system so that you don’t nee to get out to pee. Ok that maybe going a little far, but all in all I like the look of this tube and I think for any float tuber looking for there next tube this maybe worth looking into. As always stay floating my friends.


http://www.outcastboats.com/outcast/

New products for float tubing

Ok first of all I am not selling or indorsing and products, just want to talk about or bring to light any new product that are available for float tube fishing. I think I found something wealth sharing with everyone ok there. Flipfin’s by Omega Aquatics fin’s made for float tubes and kick boats.
These are not your ordinary fins, and this feature is what hooked me. The flip up, have you every felt like everyone was watch you walk in your fin, and waiting for you to fall because of them. I know that I have felt this way before, but I also know that I have never fallen at least you never saw it.
But I could not do this justice so below is a link to the page, so you can see how they work for yourselves.

http://www.omegaaquatics.com/index.php?page=products&product=navigator

So please tell me what you think and if anyone has them could you let me know what you think I would like to find out more about them? I may like to get a pair for myself one day, just need to save up for a few months to afford them.

As always stay floating my friends.

Lake Elsinore A float tubing opportunity

When I was a kid of about 8 or 9 I remember setting out to fish this lake with my cousin. We did ok a few cat fish, and some very wet shoes, were all we really got from this trip. Needless to say I was not very impressed at such a young age and over the years have never heard much good of this lake.
Well times do change, and so do the waters around us. I have not been there scene I was a kid but have read some information that has changed my mind. After reading an article in one of my favorite magazines (California Fly Fisher) April 2009, issue: title Lake Elsinore. The author states that there have been vast improvements to this body of water by the city to help mainly with their water quality issues. They laid pipes through the lake offering much needed oxygen to the water to help fight of the algae blooms. And also brought in a out side agency to help with the over flowing carp population. But there biggest addition was the hybrid bass or (wipers) that were planted to help control the threadfin shad population.
In the article they state that this lake is a up in coming bass fishing lake with plenty of bass fishing structure, (sunken brush and boat dock) all over the lake. Now with carp population in check and the algae under control, the Large Mouth Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, and the newly added Wipers numbers are up and in control.
So being that I have not been to Elsinore scene I was a kid I think it is time for a trip, to see for myself. Again this blog is about float tubes and I have not forgotten, there is float tubing allowed in the lake now, and unlike other California lakes it is still free to launch. And I love it when things are free, count me in. For more information on Lake Elsinore and the regulations go to. http://www.lake-elsinore.org/index.aspx?page=16 then scroll down and click on lake operations there you will find all the information you will need.
As always stay floating my friends.