Classic Accessroies Colorado Pontoon Boat

   

      I had the pleasure of give one of these boats away on our Float Tube Fishing Forum just recently. We have a annual toy drive for the spark of love, and Classic Accessories has for the last 4 year donated to the cause.  I thought I would take a quick moment to give a small review about the Colorado Pontoon Boat.   To start after receiving the pontoon boat at home I decided to build it so that I could take proper pictures for our members to know what they were competing for.  

      It is a fairly easy boat to build as I was able to have it together in the my living room with in an hour.  Being the first Pontoon boat I had built I figure that is not to bad.  you start with the pontoons and inflate to almost full capacity.  The combination quick inflation/ deflation valves made inflation quick and simple these are a great improvement on the basic valves you still find on float tubes.  After the pontoons are inflated you then are able to add the mounting assembly to the pontoons  which is used to attach the seat to as well as to have have the pivot spot for the oars.  

      Next you add the seat assembly which is simple attached with pin system assembly which make it easy to assemble and disassemble.  Then you attach the back basket and anchor arm.  This piece has both a anchor pulley and a plate to mount a trolling motor to.  Finally you need to attach the foot resets and add the oars and you are ready to go.  Overall I believe this Pontoon boat is a great product from Classic Accessories.  If you are in the market for a 9' pontoon boat this is one you might want to look at.  Below is a list of spec's that  you might find helpful in making your discussions.    

Special Features 

• High storage capacity; includes 10 mesh pockets, 12 zippered pockets and two insulated drink holders
• Wire rear storage and battery platform
• Rod holder can be mounted in three different positions on each oar stand
• Anchor system with fillable mesh bag; cleat and pulley controls can fit on right or left side of boat
• Sturdy two position motor mount for trolling
• Detachable foam fly patch

Boat Specifications

• 9' pontoons
• 400 lb capacity
• River rating—Class 1
• Assembled size: 108"L 56"W 26"H
• Weight: 71.5 lbs

Comfort Features

• Three oar-lock positions
• Seat and footrests adjust to a wide range of leg lengths
• Padded fold-down plastic seat

Safety Features

• Safety labeling as per ABYC standards
• Rides high for improved visibility
• Unique dual-side stripping apron with fish ruler allows entry and exit without unclipping
• Non-slip footrests

Construction Features

• Heavy-duty pontoons with abrasion-resistant PVC bottoms and tough nylon tops
• Bronze oar-locks
• Powder-coated steel tube frame
• Rugged 7' two-piece aluminum oars
• Cold and heat-resistant bladders
• Combination quick inflation/ deflation valves

Chatterbaits in Newport Harbor

     So I got this wild idea OK maybe it is no big deal but for a one trick pony it is a big deal.  "I am going to fish a chatterbait in the saltwater and catch a spottied bass, or die trying".  So last week in one of our forum events that just happened to be in Newport Harbor.  I had spent the week reading up on Chatterbaits and asking question on the forum, and I started to build my confidence up.  So it was almost time to pack up and head out to Newport for some float tubing with the crew, of course I still needed the chatterbaits if I was going to try this for myself.  So with not much time left I headed down to the local Wal-Mart (the last stop in tackle when you are not near a real tackle shop) to pick up my arsenal.  Not much to choose from so I left with a white 3/8 oz. and a blue 3/8 oz. chatterbait from Z-man lures.

     I figured I would attack to each lure a trailer and what better trailer for saltwater bass fishing the a Big Hammer Ring Hammer.  Armed with some knowledge and a few chatterbaits I hit the harbor with a determination to at least get a strike or two with my new found baits.  This was a big learning curve but I stuck with it for as long as I could bare it.  I guess it was good the bite was tough, because after casting for an 3 hours with no bites I was ready to through in the towel.  But I pushed on and just before I got out of the water it happened.  A grump of a spot bounded my chatterbait as if it was pissed off at all the vibration my bait was throwing off in the water.  This was a pure react strike, full on aggression to seek and destroy but chatterbait.  That last and only fish on the day left me with a desire to continue to throw a these baits and continue to expand my arsenal on the water.  I have been continuing my reading and studying of these baits and have recently came across some pro's that have said take off the skirt and show off the trailer in all its glory.  I have now been removing the skirts and will be sure to report back on how this has work for me in the salt for the always fun to catch Spotted Bay Bass.

Float Tube Fishing Forum Quarterly Magazine Issue #3

http://joom.ag/JMzb

     Here is our 3rd and final magazine issue of 2014.  This was the first year for our new venture Float Tube Fishing Forum Quarterly Magazine and I will say it went very well.  There are things to work on as well as improve.  And with the start of 2015 we will be doing just those things as working hard to make this magazine a very informative and sought after publication.  Being the only Float Tube Fishing Magazine out there I feel we have done very well.  Thinks will only get better from this point forward and with hard work we will become a force in the world of fishing.  Please check it out for yourselves and see what we are up to.  Thanks for all the support from us at the Float Tube Fishing Forum.

http://floattubeforum.com 

Float Tube Fanatics has made some major growth

     A good friend of mine up in Canada has been making a selling Float Tube Fish Finder Mounts for a few years now.  He has been making a very cool product that allows Float Tubers and Pontooners to choose any fish finder we would like to take with us on our personal boats.  His whole design is simple and compact but extremely well made.  Well now he has taken his fish finder mount system to the next step.  Now you can take your fish finder and mount system with you on your kayak, Canoe or aluminum boat.  If you have not seen Float Tube Fanatics and there fish finder mount product, you need to check them out.

 


http://www.floattubefanatics.com/

Check out this great video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_VXD2d9Bfg

50% off Daiwa Reels and more

Fisherman's Access, Daiwa Day's Holiday Sales with savings up to 50% off.  Make sure you are there also for there second annual Tackle Auction, this sounds like it will be great.  December 7th times 8 am to 4 pm, all happening in Brea.

Big Hammer Swimbaits check out what's new.

       The Ring Hammer once of the newest baits from Swimbait Company Big Hammer.  This new bait is similar to there original Big Hammer swimbaits but with some obvious changes.  The new bait compared to the old bait, as you can see there are now rings or ribs on the body of the bait conpaired to the old body on the original bait.  The rings come from there Ringer worm but instead of a curly tail they added the square tail to it to achieve the amazing swimming action that so many of us come to rely on.  I feel that the ringed body give this all ready amazing swimbait just a little more to help keep the fish latched on. 

        The rings tend to give it a little more give or texture making the lure seem more life like, which will keep the fish on for just a little long for your to set that hook.  I also feel that the rings provide small pockets to help trap what ever scent you add to your lures, which most of us use.  I also really like the size it come in, 4" in length. I always us the 3" swimbaits that Big Hammer makes, but have never been a fan of there bigger sizes they bodies seemed to be bulky.  I do know that they work and this is just my opinion.  But the new Ring Hammer at the 4" length is just the right size and shape of body I feel fooling those fish.  The last time I was out I tied on of these on and in true Big Hammer form it swam in the water just like a bait fish.  Even better it landed me 8 spotted bass in a 4 hour period, maybe to some that is not impressive, but for me in my float tube, I could not have been any happier.

Fizard Check this out for yourself

OK so I came across this today and figured I would send it out to share with everyone.  What a unique idea a dough bait type material that does not fall apart in the water and acts as a fish attractant.  The cool things is that you can attach it to any hook in including your favorite lure and it will leave the sent trail behind and you reel in for a strike.  Once this bait hits the water it is activated beyond just scent, it fizzes.  When it is in the water the activation of the bait allows it to release bubbles that send out the scent trapped inside.  Go to  www.fizards.com to learn more.  (Video) http://bcove.me/ztgpp2ba

Possible Seminar on Fish Finders.

We are working on bring an online seminar to the Float Tube Fishing Forum on how to use Fish Finders specific from your float tubes, and Pontoon boats.  This is in the works for now but I am sure it will happen and I hope it will happen in December.  Please stay tuned for more details an contact me to be added to a list for e-mail reminders of this event as well as future details.

Thanks
Jeff
( jeffcpr@hotmail.com )

Update: hit a small snag but that will not stop us we will find someone that is willing to do this.  It will happen one way or another you will see.

Caddis and the New Teardrop

The Teardrop by Caddis

There newest float tube is a upgrade from there Caddis Pro 2000.  This new product looks to be very similar to the Pro 2000 but there are some big differences between the both of them.  The top and pockets are made of heavy-duty rip stop material and heavy duty Tarpaulin bottom to reduce resistance in the water and protect against punctures and wear. All critical seams are double stitched. Foam seat and adjustable backrest sits you above the water for less drag and warmer days of fishing. Storage features include two large and two small pockets, front rod holder straps, two dry fly patches and cargo area behind seat. Custom Boston Valves and bladder-to-cover attachment points make filling and deflating your Premier Plus easy. Also includes florescent safety accents behind the seat, stabilizer bar and stripping apron and D-Rings for shoulder straps. The maximum weight capacity on this float tube is 325 lbs.  This is a weight increase of almost 100 lbs from the Pro 2000.

The seat or back rest appears to have been made a little taller which is a great improvement over the Pro 2000.  I would also like to point out that the two pontoons are now attached unlike the Pro 2000 create better stability in the water.  I had a Pro 2000 and I will say it is a good way to get in to a stadium seated type float tube.  There was a lot lacking in the Pro 2000 and it looks as if they have addressed some of these issue.  The tube sells for $200 which again is not a bad price for a decent entry level float tube of this quality.  I have not heard any reviews on this float tube as of yet.  If looks are any indication it should have some pretty good reviews.  

Smartbait "Color Changes Everything"

      The company named Smartbaits came o us at the Float Tube Fishing Forum and asked if we could advertise for them and help spread the word.  These baits come in a variety of different types, from soft plastics to hard plastics, all of which change color in the water.  The way this works is through temperature, as the temperature of the water changes so does the color of the bait.     Here are a picture demonstrating the color change the lures go through.

      On their website there is a lot of examples of the color change, as of course the best way to see how this works is to try the for your self.

 

      Smartbaits Inc.

808 Commerce Park Dr.,

Ogdensburg, NY, USA

E-mail: sales@smartbaits.net

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. 

4th Annual FTFF Toy Drive is underway

         It is that time of year everyone the holidays are here and it is also time for us to reflect on all the good things in our lives.  While you do your reflection, lets make sure we have take time to think about all those kids that don't have it as good as we do.  Or maybe you were one of those kids and remember what it was like to not have much around the Holidays.  Well here is our chance to once again make a difference in one of those kids life.

         This is our 4th year running our FTFF Toy Drive, where we collect toys from our members and the public to donate to the Spark of Love in December.  We have had a great time over the years and this year is going to be no different.  There are to events open to the public, one is held in Newport Harbor, and the other is in Lake Perris.  Both events are being run in early December and all information can be found in the attached flyer, and on our forum.  You can also e-mail me with any questions (jeffcpr@hotmail.com)

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.

Float Tube Fanatics Fish Finder Mount

             We have been advertising the Float Tube Fanatics over on our Float Tube Fishing Forum and I want to just give a plug again to them for a great company and product.  They have been building these fish finder mounts for a few years now they are very well made and make a very simple and compact unit to house most any fish finder.  What I found to be the best thing about there product is that everything is all combined into one spot.  The battery for the fish finder is secured in the box which mounts the finder and the strap that holds the unit to the float tube also mounts the transducer.
           
              But now they have taken this one step further and made a fish finder mount system for small boats (ie Aluminum boats or Canoe's).  There design is just like the float tube mounts but instead of a strap to hold it in place there is a strong magnet and clamp to help mount the transducer and Battery box.  They overall mounting system is just like the original float tube design but just adapted to fix the need of the small boater.

              Wade of Float Tube Fanatics is one extremely nice guy that is always willing to help you out.  He is always ready to answer any questions you might have and if you decide to purchase a unit for your float tube, pontoon boat, and or Aluminum Boat / Canoe you will not be disappointed.

http://www.floattubefanatics.com/
sales@floattubefanatics.com
1-855-784-FISH

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 growth of our forum

We have been running our forum for about 5 years now and have been growing like crazy.  The Float Tube Fishing Forum, is now I feel in the for front of this unique fishing activity.  If you are a tuber or love to get out on your Pontoon, or maybe you have been thinking of trying then you need to join our forum The Float Tube Fishing Forum.  We hold occasional friendly gatherings and  run giveaway contests for great prizes and enjoy helping others to learn the in's and out's of float tube fishing.  So check us out at www.floattubeforum.com

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