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.

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

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.

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.

Float Tube Fishing Forum Gatherings

Over on our Forum we are getting ready to have a gathering, which is just a chance for us to get together and fish as a group.  Also an opportunity to pass out all the donation from tackle companies Big Hammer, Pro-Cure, and The FTFF tackle store just to name a few of our sponsors and partners.  There might be a few others companies joining in as well only time will tell.

At this point there is about 17 members of the site all meeting up at the Southern California Location (you will need to become a member to learn date time and location.)

I just wanted to post this up so that we could let everyone know what we have going on over at the Float Tube Fishing Forum.  If you would like to join in the fun please sign up at http://floattubeforum.do-talk.com/forum and start posting. There will be more to come so keep checking back and see what else we have going on.

I am still fishing just have not been on the blog for awhile

Ok so I have not been to this blog for sometime and I am sorry for that. I have been working on to other sites of mine http://www.customrod.webs.com and http://floattubeforum.do-talk.com.The Float Tube Fishing Forum is my newest endever and so far it is slowly growing.I have worked on partners and sponsors and have a few deals for my members ranging from 15% to 25% off of tackle and lures for members and affiliation programs hoping to bring money into the forum in time.

So as far as float tubing goes for me I have been doing alot of tubing in Newport Harbor and The LAB as well not to much freshwater fishing. Just end up being cheeper then paying to get in to the lakes. There have been some good fish but more just learning than anything.I di get a newer tube recently it is a Kennebec TU float tube very similar to my Gallatin TU except there is a seat in this one.I will be posting a review very soon, but let me say I like it alot so far got it off of craigslist for $70 only used twice.Well happy holiday to everyone and have a safe New Year, check me out at http://floattubeforum.do-talk.com/ and I will be back to the blog to see what else I cam share with everyone.

Newport Harbor from my tube

A follow up to (What am I thinking) on the 20th of Feb. at 6am I meet up with some friend to float tube Newport Harbor for the first time. Now I have been tubing for many years, but have managed to avoid the salt at all cost. But why, now I know there was really no reason to avoid it, wait thats right SEALS oh my word SEALS.

I have heard stories of seals messing with tubers in the bay, that was the reason, other than the salt just ruines your gear as well. But my arm was twisted and I gave in, there are 4 of us going so my odds are better that I wont get messed with by a seal. And I can always clean my gear after, so there is nothing holding me back.

The day started off with light rain and what looked like a horrible day on the water, but that was soon removed by the sun shining through as we got in the water. I mean as soon as we hit the water the rain stopped. Nerves were replaced by excitment as my friends started getting some hits. I switched jigs at match the color and with in a few casts I land my first fish a Halibut not league but a great way to beat the skunk.

later I ended up landing my first Spotted Bay Bass, with the 3rd fish right after another Spottie, this one was over 14" long weighed 1 3/4 on the scale. We all caught some before 10am and were off the water by 10:30am. You can be sure that you will be see more salt reports from me as I had one of the best times ever fishing the bay. I will be back no dought about is this is a new addiction for me, not that I need more.