What I have been up to

Ok it has been some time scenes I have posted here on my blog, and I would like to let you know way. I have been working on building custom rods for some customers, been working hard (very glad I just have a job) and finally I would like to post up that I have started a forum. this forum is dedicated to float tube fishing of all kinds and all locations. http://floattubeforum.do-talk.com/

First of all it has been fun building, it is just a free site but I have learned a lot already, not that there is not more to learn. I have gathered a few sponsors, partners and affiliates. For member of the Float Tube Fishing Forum you will receive discounts of up to 25% from some of our sponsors and others will be sending sample lures for me to past out to members as well.

Our affiliates are Bass Pro Shop and West Marine and order through our site link will result in money back to the forum. My goal is to one day be able to purchase my domain and no longer be a free forum. Of course that would mean that I was making money with the forum.

As for now I am just looking for members to join up and start sharing with others let us know what is going on in your waters. Meet some new friends in your area that maybe able to meet up with you and start some fishing groups of your own.

http://floattubeforum.do-talk.com/ stop by and take a look it is free to join and it will be fun the more people we get involved in this forum. Also the next 3 members that join will receive a free sample of Alluring Baits so what are you waiting for become a members today.

Chock full of Bassin info.

In my search throught the internet, on one of my few night to myself, I came across an old bookmark. http://www.bassfishin.com/ this is a great site if you are a novice Basser like myself, and if you like to say you know what you are doing, you still might get something worth while from this site.

This site has a lot to offer, Forums, Blogs, Articles, Tackle Reviews, unusual tips, and what I like most; good video's, filled with bassin wisdom.

I have been able to pick up a few tips that I hope to use in the bass fishing adventures of my summer fishing trips.

Again, if you need some help with learning the tricks of bass fishing, or you just may have a night off and there is nothing on T.V. check this site out. You just may have a good time and learn a thing or two.

Puddingstone Gills gearing up

Last summer, I went out to Puddingstone lake (Sail Boat Cove) to float tube with some friends. It was there first time tubing, and despite losing a fin they had a good time. Fishing was not great for them but I had a much different day.

I always have one rod set up for the bait and wait fishing method so I can fish will on the move. Nothing more than a hook and bobber to float a half cut night crawler in the water will moving to the next spot. I have always found this to be a good way to locate some fish, makes for a more enjoyable day.

So will kick to my first spot and keeping and eye on one of my friends in the water, I get a bump on the bobber. I start to grab the rod and set the hook and the float is gone, I can feel it tugging pretty well. I reel it up to the tube and I see a decent Bluegill, so I set up in this spot and managed to catch a few more. Once that was done I moved to another location that has always produced for me.

The water in this spot has some good structure to fish so I start out worming for some bass with a 4 inch roboworm drop shot style. But there goes my bobber again, set the hook and land another nice gill, this spot really went off for me. I think I got at lets 10 to 12 from this location; all were good sized and nice colors as well.

I ended the day with 20+ Bluegill and 0 bass, but the numbers of gills truly made the day worth will. I am planning a trip this year to Puddingstone soon and I hope it works out as well as this day did, only time will tell.

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Lake Perris Float tubing

Lake Perris Southern California quality fishing waters:

I wanted to share some information about a lake near me that I have found to have some good float tubing qualities. The lake I am writing about is Lake Perris, and I am sure most everyone has heard of this place if not fished it already.

Lake Perris was built in the early 1970's as the last reservoir in the California Water Project to provide drinking water to Southern California residents. Nestled between Moreno Valley and Perris you will find many recreational activities to enjoy at Lake Perris SRA such as: Hiking, biking, water skiing, boating, jet skiing, fishing, swimming, horse back riding, camping and picnicking. But what are you hear for fishing right Float tube fishing so here we go.

Lake Perris was the first lake in Southern California to be stocked with Alabama spotted bass. The DFG also plants rainbow trout, channel catfish, and Florida bluegill. Green sunfish were not planted but arrived with the water from the California Aqueduct, along with tiny shrimp from San Francisco Bay that is a great food source in these waters. The lake also has a large population of crayfish or "crawdads" another great source for bass fisherman.

So my experience here at Perris while not productive was enjoyable. I ended up with one small Bluegill, not one of my more produce moments but I am writing about Perris lake because of its true potential as must truly know. My son and I hit up the dam area, as we were told this would be our best bet. The water at the time (summer of 2009) was warm stained and covered in weeds. As for Float Tube fishing this lake has some good locations for launch you tube from and some not so great places as well.

The dam area was our first choice as we could drive the truck right down to the dam and launch right on the water. Be careful as I am sure people have gotten there vehicles stuck in this area before. We had no problems other than once you drop off your gear you need to head back to park and then have to walk back which is a bit of a trek, make sure you go in pairs so that your tackle dose not go unattended. Other locations to launch the marina which is right next to the bait shop. You cannot use the launch ramp to drop off your gear so you need to carry all you gear down to the water. You must be aware that it is a long way down to the water and it is all down hill so you should take everything in one trip. Finally the other spot I was told of was in the other side of the lake, in the group camp site area. If you have paid to get in to the main part of the lake them you do not need to pay to get in on the other side you can park in the camp ground and again it is a small hick to get to the waters edge. This spot puts you close to the island which I have heard is another good spot to fish. I think this puts you on deeper water, which in the hot summer sun could be good for fishing.

Finally you should know like most lakes now there is a inspection for Quagga and Zebra Mussels which is handled at the main gate on the way in. There is also camping in the park this could be a great opportunity to turn a one day trip into a weekend fishing venture. So maybe you could make it a weekend of float tube fishing at lake Perris, let me know if you are going, I would like another crack at this Bluegill here, I have seen some monster pulled out of the lake and I want a piece of the action.

Other important information:

17801 Lake Perris Drive
Perris, California 92571
Latitude/Longitude: 33.8375 /-117.1400
Elevation: 1560 feet

Bass: 5 of legal size limit
Trout: 5
Catfish: 10
Bluegill, Red Ear Sunfish and Green Sunfish: No limit
Bull Head: No limit
Carp: No limit.

The Marina: Rentals, pontoon boats and small fishing boats. More information about the Marina is available in the Boating and Watercraft link and at 951-657-2179

CAMPING:
The family campground has 167 sites for tent camping (non-hookup sites) and 264 paved sites for recreational vehicles up to 31 feet long (hookups sites). Each site has a table, fire ring with a grill and water access. A maximum of 8 people per site only!

A minimum of 50 people constitutes as a group. For family or group reservations please call (800) 444-7275. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance and can be made up to 7 months in advance.

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New float tube fins

Ok I know that I have posted this before but I think they are worth it. Omega Flip Fins have you seen them and if so do you have them. I don't have them yet but they are on my list, I just need my dive fins to finally take a dump, and this may never happen. Really i am looking for comments for others that have used these fins before.

They are not cheap $170, but if you are a true float tuber I think that they are very much worth it. I love the way they flip up in front to alow you to walk around (no more tripping on the banks of the lake infront of everyone else). And I don't know about everyone else but I like the dive fin for its moving ability, this has that same size flipper to really help move you around.

Again do you have these and if so let us know what you think do you like them or not.

Buck Bag Float tubes

I have been float tubing for about 10 years and really never paid much attention to anything other than what I was using. Well now I am looking, and I wanted to show you the Buck Bag float tube. There are 5 different tubes to choose from and while they don’t look different than any other tube there is a big difference in the bag.
Most of the U-Shaped tubes do not have a cross bar to spread the front, instead they have a galvanized seat frame, relax the seat is padded for comfort. Some of the seat are also adjustable front and back and the they keep you higher out of the water than regular U- Shaped float tubes.
The cost of there products are from the mid $100’s to $400 + I would like to try the Mustang pictured hear on this blog. Does anyone out there have any experience with a Buck Bag float tube and if so let us know what you think. As always stay floating my friends.

I just found this online Catalog for buck bag product I think you will find it worth a look.

http://www.bucksbags.com/images/08.pdf

Local park fishing fun

I was going to go float tube today 5/25, but I have never done well in the tube in over cast weather like we had today. So my father and I headed out to the local parks to try for some catfish. Well I don’t have pictures of the cat’s we caught, they were very small, but we did catch about 10 total. I just wanted to share a few pictures I got of the park lake near my house, let me know what you think.

Puddingstone Reservoir (San Dimes CA. Frank G. Bonelli Park)

So there is this lake that I like to tube when I have the chance, and the reasons I like are numerous. The lake is Puddingstone Reservoir and the reasons that I find it a great place to Float tubes is 1. It holds large Mouth Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Carp, Catfish, and stocked trout. 2. it’s not as expensive as others lake is in the area. 3. It is fairly quiet most often, other than the skiers in the summer or Memorial Day, it stays fairly quiet. 4. Fairly easy entrance for float tubing, right on the boat ramp with no boats in your way (sail boat cove is where you launch your tube.) 5. Final reason and sometime the most important reason for me being I have small kids it is with in 3om minutes of my home.

Yes sometimes it is more important to fish closer than where the fish are biting. Don’t get me wrong the fish are there and if you are good you will find them. I have seen some great bass fishing done there and I myself have done great with the Bluegill in that lake. When Float tubing the lake you are confined to Sail Boat Cove, but that is nit a bad thing as far as I can see, to me I feel it is one of the better spot to fish do to all the structure available to fish, i.e. sunken trees and rock piles in and around the cove.

A few years back I hooked in to something that took me for a ride out there in that cove, I never got a good look at it. It made its way to the shore and hung me up in a sunken tree, I normally enjoy fishing near structure like this but, at this point I was cursing it. From what I could see there was know why I would have been able to land this fish on my tube I am think it was maybe (don’t forget a fisherman and the one that got away story) about 15 lbs. or more. So I keep going back to see if to day is the day I hook into that fish again.

But all and all this is one of my favorite lakes to float tube and I feel one of the most float tube friendly lakes near me. So if you have any information to share about Puddingstone or would like to share a store please do so as always stay floating my friends.

Lacation: 120 Via Verde Ave., San Dimas, CA 91773 (909) 599-8411. Boat Rentals (909) 599-2667. Camping and RV Reservations (800) 809-3778

PVC float tube rod rack plans.

I had spent a lot of time tiring to find some body to help me make my own rod rack. There were people out there to help but in the end I had to design my own. I found that it is not very hard to do in fact I had my completed in just under about 1 hour and made or of 1 1/2 “ PVC piping. So I thought that I would post here on my blog how to make the one that I use. This is a rough drawing of the rod rack laid out in pieces with some rough measurements. I think with some time and imagination this can be adapted to fit most float tubes or kick boat. If you have comments please leave them and if you have plans that you would like to share with others please let me know and we I will post it up here as well.

Reports from the Tube

Me and my son headed out to Puddingstone May 3rd to fish form our tubes. We got there about 9am and headed out for a 4 hour trip, in sail boat cove. There was not much being caught, the water was very stained and still pretty cold to the touch. My guess is that things will start happening out there very soon, with the warm weather we are having at the moment. Below are some pictures of our day.

My son First In, and Enjoying nature

1 of the 5 crappie caught, and a Good shot of the wildlife

Me fishing the tree line

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/

Float tubing is a chance to bond

I will be heading out to Perris Lake this next Sunday for a small Tournament (listed below in the tournament section). This is going to be my first tournament I have fished since I was a teenager. And even better than that is this it is going to be with my oldest son. I am so looking forward to this for us, I think this is a great opportunity for the two of us to bond and grow. See my son is now hitting his teen years, and in full swing I might add, most of you know what I mean, for me this is not easy as it is new for me. The only other teen I have ever dealt with was myself so how does one prepare for these years with there kids.
If you are a new parent let me say congratulations, and enjoy your life it will change, challenges are ahead. For those of you that have been through this before, help me please. OK it is not that bad all the time, but when there are moments like this (he wanted to go) I know I need to grab it and take it for what it is worth. We will set out on Sunday morning to try and hook up with as many bluegill and crappie as we can find, and to try and win this tournament for the 1st place pay-out.
But I will also be using this time to teach my son how to tube and why I find fishing and float tubing to be one of my favorite activities. Again, it's a great time to bond with my son while floating on the water catching fish. If he learns something that is a plus, and if he catch’s something, even a bigger plus. But just being there with him is the biggest plus of all. Perhaps one day when he starts his family he will understand why this tournament, if his son wants to fish with him might be one of the best tournaments of his life also. As always stay floating my friends and I will be posting pictures of our big day.

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.

Photos from a float tube

One of the things that find enjoyable is taking pictures from my float tube. There are plenty of photo ops here in Southern California as most of you know. Here are just a few of the shots that I have got over the last few years. Please send in you pictures to me and I will post them as well for other to see.




This is Bolder Bay; Big Bear California



Sail Boat Cove; Puddingstone; San Demis CA.

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.

Reports from the water

This is for everyone to add to, I will start off. Ok I know that this is about float tubing, but even the best laid plans change. I could not make it out in my tube this weekend, so I hit up the local park Ralph B. Clark. Not much to report it was windy and noisy (you know parks on weekend).
What I would like to report is that I tried my black widow fly on the water today and it held together than I though. I tie my own flies, and this is one of my creations, so I gave it a toss today for the first time.
Again I caught nothing, but the bluegills were all over this fly, they were just to small to hook. Sorry the report was not more exciting, but there will be more trips. Please add you comments or blogs to this and let get things going. As always stay floating my friends.

Introduction about me and my idea

Hay there my name is Jeff and I live in Southern California. I am a fisherman of over 20 years and of the past 8 years I have had the joy of float tubing. This something I found as a kid and always wanted to try it, but could never get my father to get into it. so like I said about 8 years ago I bought my first tube and almost a soon as I had it out I had it in the waters of irvine lake.

I have to say my heart was racing, just a little nervouseness and, just pure excitment. I don't remember much after that, only that I could not wait to get back out on the water. Well I have had plenty of more trips scenes and tried many other lakes, but what about you.

Sign in and share your stores and your tips with the other people that well find there ways here. I would like to set up a place for other float tubers and belly boat fishermen and wemon to find other people that may be interested in the same things as the rest of us.

And maybe one day this will be a community of float tube and belly boaters from all over the U.S. I can see group meetings and trips and maybe a touny ot two in the future.

So please sign in and let us know what you think; stores, tips, tricks, or just try and find some one near you. I look forward to hearing from you, thanks and stay floating my freinds.