Bike Packing Just a Start In research

 So the research and learning has begun as I embark on a new adventure in my life.  As I mentioned before I will be venturing into the world of bike packing and of course fishing.  As I get ready to turn 50 I see the need to find myself again and more importantly I need to move again.  If you don't use it you lose it or so they say.  Well I kind of am starting to understand that as I see it getting hard to move like I once use to.   I am in the research phase and the areas I will be doing my research are in the following.

1. Bikes

2. Tent and sleeping gear

3. Bike Packs

4. Cooking stoves, and other items

5. Computer systems (In time)

6. Water filtration systems.

I will be sharing all that I learn with you as I start my searches and learn the in's and out's of it all.  To start of course will be with the most important part the Bike.  Now I am not new to this in anyway I have been mountain biking for years.  I have enough knowledge here to get by but as with anything you want to be better at you need to do your do diligence.  I plan to ride a mountain bike as I think I will be most comfortable in one verses a road bike.  I will be using a Hardtail and if I can swing the price a full suspension might be in the cards.  My plan is to find out what makes for a top level bike and find a used one that will fit my needs.  

I plan to stick to what I know best, or what was most common when I rode.  GT, Specialized, Trek, Iron Horse, Giant, Diamondback, and Gary Fisher.  My hunt will be for a used bike in very good condition of course.  I will not be doing this a tone at least at the start so a very good used bike should do well for me in the beginning.  One think I am currently learning about is the 29er bikes.  

(Definition:) - A 29er bike is a mountain bike with 29 inch wheels, a wheel size that has become the most popular and most capable for trail riding. 29er bikes are great for all types of rides and they offer lots of performance benefits that can make riding easier, faster, and more fun.

The Pros here are great for moving through rough terrain.  Less buck and better flow on technical terrain.  Increased traction and grip due to larger tire contact.  As for Cons I can live with being harder to jump and with and maneuvering in the air, not an issue for me at my age.  Slower acceleration compared to 27.5" MTB, I am in no rush of course. Lastly bigger wheels tend to be heavier, and that is something to consider.

I have read that disc breaks are better then the old cantilever breaks.  As my last bike had disc break I completely agree with this and will be looking for good disc breaks as well.  Last lastly will be overall bike size.  For me when I was younger I liked my bikes to be smaller so I could throw it around under me.  But I am sure now a larger bike would be a better fit.  I will be sitting in and doing some test riding soon as well and give you my feedback soon on that.  This so far has been fun even though I just started.  I will continue to do my research.

Funny last thoughts - When I was just out of high school I started Mountain biking and continued in to my late 20's with some action in my early 30's.  Back then I just grabbed a bike and hit the trail.  This time approaching 50 I need to prepare for all that I plan to do.  Don't take your youth for granite enjoy it while you have it.  I know there is much more to go over and learn about so there is more to come.

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Only my first week of preparing

 So ya not much has changed, but it has only been a week.  In preparation for setting out to start Bike Packing and Fishing I have been doing a few things.  One I have been riding my stationary bike at home in hopes of losing weight and gaining cardio improvements.   I have also be online looking at used bikes and doing much research on needed items for a simple first time trip.   

  Let's talk about my first week of exercise on the stationary bike real quick.  I have completed my 3 days for the week and plan to get one more ride in.  I have traveled 15 miles in a total of 38 minutes of riding.  I think this is alright and being that I just started the whole plan I am satisfied.  The rides right now are not tough and in time I will be increasing the duration and intensity to better challenge myself.  As before weight lose will be a goal of 40 pounds lost and right now I am looking to start by losing 5 pounds.  I have time this is not a race at least not yet.

So I currently am in search of a bike as I sold my last bike about 15 years ago.  I will be looking for 2 different types.  Both are mountain bikes as that is where I am most comfortable.  I will be looking to purchase a used Hardtail for Full Suspension bike.  I am currently looking on social media for a good deal and am not in any rush to purchase.  Though I hope to have a bike before the end of 2023 at least.  Now as I look in to these bikes I realize just how long it as been since I have been on a bike.  Brand have changed but the overall idea is still there.  Still I plan to stick with some trusted name brands from my days.  GT, Giant, Specialized,  Trek, Gary Fisher, and more.  When I get a bike I will be looking for a 29er.  the 29er are bigger tires, which allow for less energy to travel further distances as well as rolling over obstacle better.  Of course my mind is open to all ideas, for now this is my direction and desire. 

  

These are just some starting off ideas and pricing for me will be no more that $400, and hopefully $300 of a little less.  It can be done and once I have the bike I can then upgrade were I feel it is needed.  I will continue to do my research into all items I will need for this big adventure I will be in barking on and I hope that you will follow me all the way through.  One last thing to say I am a fishermen and part of this adventure is to go fishing on my trip as well.  So you will be seeing me talk more about the fishing aspect as well.  I will be looking into conversion rods (fly rod to spinning rod) as well as Tenkara fishing something very unique, of course compact and it looks like some fun.  Thanks again for readying and please don't hesitate to post your comments add your 2 cents I will take all the help I can get.

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My first trip with the Float Plus 1

 Light, Fast, and Comfortable those are the 3 areas that jump out on my first trip.  

The Float Plus 1 is as we like to say a next level float tube.  There are a lot of great tubes out there and many different types as well.  So yes there is something for everyone's needs.  For those that are looking for float tube that will last and take abuse the Hybrids are what you should be looking for.  The Float Plus 1 is now on that list.  

This float tube weighs in at 26.5 lbs and with the multiple handles you can carry it with easy to the water.  The handles at the seat are perfectly located and balanced for carrying.  

I have come to notice that the most of these hybrid float tubes have major a agility.  The Float Plus 1 is no different, but what I did notice as part of this agility it also has speed.  This float tube is fast, combining the agility of a hybrid and the light weight of this boat you can see there this Float Plus 1  can be fast on the water.  

The comfort is there, I was concerned by the seat valve being under the seat.  I have had to let out air pressure of seats like these before as they can be tough to sit on for long periods.  Being able to get to the valve to let out some air is very important.  So having the seat valve under the seat was a concern.  before heading out I inflated the back rest pretty firm and the actual seat just a little softer.  It was very comfortable for my first trip out.  I also feel the that the width of the setting area of over 20 inches adds to this.  



Two other observations, there are no D-Rings which we need to attach items on our tubes.  Of course these tubes are well built for gluing your attachments to including the D-Rings.  The boat come with 2 extra D-Rings that can be glued on quick and easy.  After making this comment Maikel Lambregts creator of the Float Plus systems said they did this on purpose to allow you the owner to add what you want were you want it.  I like that idea.

The other observation was that the main floor of the float tube is very slightly tilted backwards to the rear.  The idea here is that you don't have any issues of sliding forward on your seat.  Many people are talking about this currently so its great to see a company address this concern.  



So the next is the Motor which will be sent when they are ready.  I am looking forward to this add on as well.  The boat was designed for the motor.  It worked amazing with out it so I can only image what it will be like with the motor.



Thanks for reading, any questions please be sure to ask I would love to answer your questions.

The Float Tube Fishing Forum is 10 years old

Today January 5th of 2020 is the day the Float Tube Fishing Forum turned 10 years old.  This is an achievement that we will be celebrating here at the FTFF.   If you are not a member of the Float Tube Fishing Forum maybe its time to checked up out.  We educate, connect members with needed products and promote the sport for the future.
The forum is free to join and free to talk on so don't be shy join the group and get involved as we work on our next 10 years.  The Float Tube Fishing Forum We're Always On The Fish.

Why We Do, What We Do

7:30 am and the 3rd walker has noticed me and stopped with an inquisitive look, and yet again I hear what is that, what are you doing, are your legs in the water.  These questions are so normal any more I don't even stop in my backcast to answer.  Yet no matter how much time we spend in the water people cannot help but stop to find out more.  I think people generally think I am crazy, but truth be told I think they are crazy.  Why do you float tube what is it that makes you want more time on the water?  I believe it lies in the 5 senses.

I have been float tube fishing for the last 20 years now, never as much as I would like but I do get out and enjoy my time when I do.  When I was fresh out of high school my hobby was mountain biking, and then like now I have always had a smile on my face after a day immersed in my hobby.  Think of your 5 senses which feed our soul all the outside stimuli we crave.  The sights in most cases are very important and being on the water feed this need very well.  The sunrise from most waters are just amazing, and there is why we do what we do.

watching the sunlight dance on the water.  Me personally I love to look through the water to the world below, my mind is filled with unlimited possibilities as I soak in all the visual stimuli.  The smells of the outdoors have always been a pleasure to me, and when I am floating on the water you are in the middle of all those smells.  Smells lead to memories and when I am out there certain smells will trigger those memories from the past, of fish caught and good times spent with friends and families.

The sound of the water or the wind, are very instrumental in our absorbing the environment.  Add to this the sound of the birds, wildlife, and the anticipation of hearing a fish break free of the water and return to the deep.  These sounds help heighten your senses and keep you in a sense of calm excitement.  Not many would agree that the taste of the outdoors would be a great thing but I say they have not experienced it as it should be.  To start early in the morning and

 get that taste of the salt in the air from the harbor we are float tube fishing, grounds you and give you the feeling of being one with your surroundings.  This leaves us with only touch left and I hold this for last because the ultimate reward for a great day of float tube fishing is to have a chance to touch your objective.  To be able to touch your reward the fish you are hunting is to make the moment real.  To hold your catch up as a picture is taken is a reward within a reward.  And even better yet with the chance to touch or hard work, we can let it go and hope to conquer it again sometime in the future.  Why do I float tube, as you can see its to feed my soul through the 5
 senses and because of the sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and

 touch I can never get enough and I always am looking for more.  I hope you can join me someday as I am sure you will see that your soul is craving the same.

6 reasons you should be using the Maxxon XPW 240

The 6 reasons you should be using the Maxxon XPW 240

1. It’s Comfortable -  Once this boat is on the water and you have the seat and backrest set up, you can spend hours on the water without any need to readjust for lack of comfort.  The XPW 240 is ready to give you a great day on the water.

2. It’s Customizable - With the XPW 240s GTS system in place let your imagination run wild.  This Grommet Track System gives you attachment point on both sides of the boat from front to back.  Create rod racks, tackle systems, or fishfinder mount ideas and have plenty of attachment points to make your customizations work for you.

3. It’s Nimble -  Don’t let the size and length fool you, the XPW 240 is by far one of the most nimble inflatable boats on the market.  This boat glides through the water with ease and can turn on a dime.  Weather fishing wide open waters or the tight slips of your local harbors the XPW 240 will handle it all.

4. It’s Stowable -  At a length of 7 ft 10 in. and 4 ft 1 in. wide you would think this boat is to big to store and transport.  Remember this is an inflatable it will break down and pack everything away into a carry bag roughly only 4 ft by 3 ft.  As you can see the XPW 240 can be stowed in it carry bag and transported in the trunk of a car or stored in a closet at home.

5. It’s Adaptable -  Kick with your fins, or row with the attached oars, maybe add a trolling motor using the motor transom.  This boat adapts you your needs on the water.  Use a trolling motor to reach your favorite fishing hole quicker than your friends.  Use the oars to get you out of a jam if you find yourself in one, or simply kick with your fins to maintain that stealth mode.  Whatever you need the XPW 240 has it ready for you.

6. It’s Sleek - Or better explained as a low profile which put the XPW 240 is in the neutral plan.  The flat nature of this inflatable boat puts you above the current in the water yet just below the wind line as well.  What does this mean less struggle for you on those days the current is strong of the winds are whipping.  You can now spend less time trying to stay on your spots and more time fishing your spots.

The Maxxon XPW 240 it's the next level.

For more details or to purchase contact us at the following floattubefishingforum73@gmail.com

What type of float tube should I choose

I was recently asked why would you choose a standard float tube or a Hybrid float tube.  Here is was I said for a response.

I believe that it is really up to the individual and their personal needs and wants.  I can see that is a fisherman that float tubes a few times a year would see value in a basic bladder type float tube.  You would not have to spend a lot really under $200 and you are in a great tube that will do great.

But if you are like me and when you fish it is from a float tube then they hybrids are the boats you should be looking for.  They are pricy, but you know the old saying you get what you pay for.  They Hybrid boars have no bladders and are made of PVC or Hypolone materials.  They are long lasting materials so if you take care of them they will last you for years to come.

This is just the basic and there is more to this than this but, simple food for thought here guys are you a die-hard tuber.  Or are you just the type of fisherman that loves to break out a tube for the trout opener and maybe once or twice more for the year.  Once you understand this about yourself you can make a better choice Standard or hybrid.

If you have any questions or want to know more come check us out at the Float Tube Fishing Forum

Fishfindermount.com System mounted to my XPW240

Here is the video and explanation on how to mount your fishfindermounts.com system on your hybrid float tube.  I was lucky enough to be able to add mine to my Maxxon XPW 240 here is how to do it and some pictures of how it turned out.

The final product

For questions and comments contact us at floattubefishingforum73@gmail.com

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Float Tubes are changing in the US are you on board

Maxxon Inflatables, Seven Bass Design, Savage Gear are just some of the top new brands that are out there in the U.S. market that are changing the Float Tube Fishing world.  Most of us that have been float tubing for years now are used to the old standbys of Cumberlands and Fish Cats.  Outcast and Classic Accessories have been for years the top choices.  That is changing and here is why. 

For years in Europe, they have been what are called hybrid boats.  What is a hybrid boat you ask well it is simply a float tube on steroids.  These are float tubes that have more to offer.  The big difference is the material its made of.  Most of them are either made of high-quality PVC or Hypalon.  These materials are unique to our sport at least here in the U.S.  The PVC and Hypalon materials make these boats 10x stronger which can handle some much more abuse from the fisherman.  These boats have no bladders which in some cases limit the overall weight of the boat.  The Seven Bass Expedition and Explorer are only 16 to 18 lbs so much much lighter than most. 

 
Some of these hybrid boats are heavier which can be an issue but besides the weight increase, they offer other options for moving around.  Most of the Hybrid boats have motor mounts so adding a trolling motor is fast and simple.  Some also come with oars a few if the top level hybrid float tubes out there with oars and or motor mounts are the Maxxon XPW 240 (Motor Mount and Oars), the Savage Gear 170 (Oars no Motor Mount) the Seven Bass Flatform ( Motor Mount and Oars) and the Maxxon 239 (Oars and no Motor Mount)
                                                       

                                     

Some of these hybrid boats offer us new options storing our tackle on them as well.  The older boats come with side packs that are sewn on with the hybrid boat most have cliplines or Gromet track systems that allow you to take their packs and attach them where you want them or maybe even DIY your own tackle packs.   Most of Seven Bass hybrid boats have the clipline and the Maxxon hybrid boats have the GTS.  With these systems, you can add whatever you want to where ever you want it.

 

We have options now in the U.S. and the options are with these Hybrid boats.  If you like to float tube fish and are looking for a new float tube why not try looking at some of these boats.  I can say they are worth every penny and you will not be disappointed.   

For more info and to order contact us at floattubefishingforum73@gmail.com

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The Element by Seven Bass

Introducing the ELEMENT’s size and shape is most similar to the SBD and incorporates responsive design features as defined by the North American waterways. This float tube generally fits all body types and is one of the most popular due to increased seat and weight capacity. V-shaped weighs approximately 15 lbs. and has two color-coded internal air chambers for easy inflation. We’ve incorporated a PVC bottom to minimize the risk of puncture from underwater hazards. For improved visibility, there is a security flag holder and bright orange accents. An adjustable foam seat positioned above the waterline for greater comfort. The Clipline consists of nylon webbing and Velcro which runs the length of the float tube. It is designed for versatility and to efficiently anchor loose equipment with lanyards and secure cargo side bags. There are two back seat rod holders, and open storage space behind the seat, ideal for assorted fishing extras (small cooler, pan net, etc.). Our exclusive pocket apron conveniently allows anglers to keep their lures and tackle essentials close at hand. The shallow pocket with double zip closer fits an assortment of small tackle boxes. Cargo bags sold separately. - Maximum weight capacity 300lbs.
For more information or to order contact us at floattubefishingforum73@gmail.com
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Seven Bass One Entry level float tube with muscle

Need an entry level float tube that has all you need to get you on the water in comfort let me share the Seven Bass "One"
Seven Bass Design’s the “One RENEGADE” is available in desert camouflage and weighs just 4.5kg/8lbs. This kick boat model is equipped with all the essentials for anglers new to the sport of float tube fishing. Two vinyl air chambers and seat inserts are quick to install. The seat and air chambers are inflated separately to ensure maximum safety. Once inflated, novices to kick boating will be riding high on the water and feeling comfortably secure. Equipment and tackle can be stored in the large attached side bags, the open space behind the seat, or in our unique pocket apron. - Backpack straps are included for convenient transport when inflated - Available in camouflage: desert - Maximum weight capacity 300lbs.
For info., questions and to purchase contact us at floattubefishingforum73@gmail.com

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Seven Bass Bolt - quite a nice ride

So I thought that I would share with everyone a write up on a very unique and useful float tube the Bolt The SEVEN BASS "BOLT FLEX" is part of the RENEGADE SERIES. Developed for the North American market, there are several distinctive design features. It has a hydrodynamic V-shape, weighs approximately 11 lbs., and has two color-coded internal air chambers for easy inflation. The underbody is 1000D PVC so the contact area has improved resistance to underwater hazards. The Bolt Flex benefits from the CLIPLINE, a system of nylon webbing and Velcro strips that runs the length of the model to anchor loose gear or CARGO FLEX side bags. There are two backseat rod holders and open storage behind the back seat, ideal for assorted fishing extras. The apron has a zippered pocket for direct access to small boxes or tackle. Includes backpack straps and foot pump. Maximum weight capacity 250lbs.  With Seven Bass you cannot go wrong they have a solid product that is proven to provide you with some great time on the water.  Contact us floattubefishingforum73@gmail.com for more info or to purchase.

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Float Tube Fishing Guiding in Southern California

I was in my 20's when I first started float tube fishing and it has now been more than 20 years for me.  I can say that is you love to fish like me you will love to float tube like me as well.  I have enjoyed this sport so much that I built the Float Tube Fishing Forum, and have even started Writing our own online Magazine "Float Tube Fishing Forum Quarterly Magazine".  There is something about it this that just makes it so exciting.  I think its that you are in the element with your catch which is so much fun and unique.  Also just being on the water can be so relaxing and I am sure that you will enjoy this sport Float Tube Fishing just as much as I have for the last 20 years. 

So I would like to offer once again my services if you would like to go on a trip to a local Southern California location and try for the first time float tube fishing I can do that for you.  We can fish one of the following locations.

• Puddingstone
• Santa Fe Dam
• Newport Harbor 
• Huntington Harbor
• Los Alamitos Harbor

Cost would be as follows 

• $100 per person for 4 hours on the water 
• $125 per person for 6 hours on the water
• $150 per person for 8 hours on the water

I can take 2 adults at a time and I will provide float tubes and PFD's (if needed).  You can also rent from me a rod and reel if needed for $10 per trip, and if needed I can provide tackle.  Fins and waders (if needed) can also be provided but if you have pair's that fit would be best for you (another $10 charge per person per trip). 

I cannot guaranty that we will catch fish but I can guaranty that you will have fun, be safe and learn all you need to know about float tube fishing and the ability to begin float tube fishing on your own.  You can contact me here or by e-mail floattubefishingforum73@gmail.com

I can float tube most weekend Saturday - Sunday, please allow at least a minimum of 2 weeks to set up a trip and by the time summer starts, I will be available most often Monday through Sunday.