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.

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.

https://floattubeforum.forumotion.com/forum

Float Tube Fishing Tournaments, Yep they have those

The Float Tube Fishing Forum has been around now for 8 years, and in that time we have developed a reputation for being in the mix of all things float tube.  Our job has been to spread the word about this amazing and sometimes miss understood sport.  It is also to promote safety, share tips and techniques and educate the newbies to the sport.  We have been doing this for the past 8 years now and I think we have done this well, but there is always work to be done and room to improve.

But about 5 years in we had some pushing from members to start a tournament series involving only float tubes.  This at the time seemed like a good idea, but quickly lead to some problems and the realization that we were not ready.  So that first attempted was ditched and we moved back to our strong suits, education, safety and just promoting the sport.  Will time heals old wounds and after about 2 years of growth we looked to be more prepared to run the Float Tube Tournament Series.  We are now in the second year and things could not be going any better.  Our tournament is open to anyone in the U.S. and we hope to expand to outside the U.S. in time.  You can fish any body of water that can be float tubed, and that includes both freshwater and saltwater.

The tournament runs for about 3 months twice a year and has some ever growing prizes.  Grand prize is a new Cumberland Float Tube and could be growing even more soon.  There are about 7 to 8 different fishing product companies that join up to promote and provide prizes like lures, apparel, and float tube related products.  At this point, we can say that this is running so well that we plan on continuing these tournaments for years to come, and if it goes like the forum it will just continue to grow and thrive as it moves on.  If you would like to know more or would like to get involved, please check out the Float Tube Fishing Forum or email us at jeffcpr2@gmail.com

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 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

Tubing the Salt VS Tubing the Fresh

I have now had the pleasure here is sunny Southern California of fish both Freshwater and Saltwater, so which one do I feel is better.  I though I knew the answer until recently.  I was always found in the Freshwater Tubing and always though there is no way on Gods green earth you will find me hanging my toes in the waters were you find thoughts toothy man eaters.
I mean I saw Jaws, and that was enough to say Saltwater fishing is to be done from shore or a nice big boat. Well after years of fishing in Freshwater from my tube and just loving it, I was approached by some friends to do a fishing session in Newport Harbor.  So I took a chance and after that I could say I was hook on tubing the salt.  Freshwater tubing is just a great time fishing, and for the most part very safe, at least safer than fishing in the saltwater.  You are in a locked body of water for the most part with very light water movement, of course there is wind issues, but using your head and planning your trips makes it fairly safe.
Being new to Saltwater I had and still have a lot to learn.  In the Saltwater you are still very safe being protected because we stay in the Harbors and Bays.  It is like fishing a big lake, the important things to know here are there is current (the Tide) and you must know which way it is going in or out to plan your trip right.  Also a big difference is the boat traffic not only is there more but bigger boats as well, and let me tell you I have seen drinking be a problem in the Harbors, so always keep your eyes open for traffic and carry your whistle for your safety.
So what do I think about Saltwater VS Freshwater, I think it is up to you to decide head out to the Salt if you have not done so yet and get a line wet.  I know now that I was missing out on a lot of fun and good fishing all those years I was worried about sharks.  I am so glad my friends pressured me into trying it (who says peer pressure is bad just kidding) I am and will always be hooked now.  But don't get me wrong the freshwater is still a great place to tube.  I think if I could find a way to balance the 2 out it would be great but for now I am content to set up my next trip to the salt.  So I guess that means I choose Saltwater it is in my blood now.
I plan on talking more about this subject if you have any comments please leave a comment so I can see it.  As always stay floating my friends.

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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BW Sport Floatpower "trolling motor for you tube"

Tierd of cramps in your legs when float tubing, or just can get througth the wind on you favorite lake. Or maybe your just plan lazy, ok scratch the last one because you are out on the water in a float tube and that does take some work.

here is an alternative to float tube fins must of you know about this, but still some out there are new check it out.

You now can enjoy float tubing like never before. Float tube with ease and confidence in windy conditions. Fish longer with little or no fatigue and cover more water in less time. The unique FloatPower design provides simple and quick attachment to virtually any float tube or pontoon raft. When used with any inexpensive electric trolling motor and battery, FloatPower provides enough power to pull your float tube, with a second or third float tube attached. This enables effortless float tubing opportunities for yourself, or with a friend.

the cost for this is just a hair under $100 and this maybe worth it for many reason, you just have to convince yourself.

The Trinity Float Tube

I dont really ever have a chance or place to do this, but I would like to try it one day. The Trinity Float tube system is designed for the float tuber that needs a light wieght tube that can be back packed into remote locations.weighs only 8 pounds. It features 5 air chambers, 2 large gear pockets, an inflatable stripping apron and a mesh cargo deck.

I dont think that it is much to look at but that is not what it is for, alot was cut out to keep it light and able to fit in to a back pack along with it pump. Made my Outcast you know thit it is quality and going to last. The only problem I can see is the cost $500 to $600 this is not a starter tube, but well worth a good look.

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

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/

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.

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.