The prep step for bike packing and fishing

So I started out with the thought of I need to start moving more as I age.  I want to maintain my health and mobility.  As a former mountain biker and a die hard fishermen it was only natural to gravitate to the sport of Bike Packing and Fishing if it is a sport.  So with a thought in my head and a discussion with my wife a plan is hatched.

First move health and weight lose.  I said in my first post that I would not share my weight until I loosed some weight.  For me the plan is to first lose about 40 pounds total stating off with a goal of 5 pounds in a week.  How will I do this.  First its time to start moving.  I have always had an active type job but my last career change was to teaching.  While there is opportunity to move around it is nothing like what I use to do on the Ambulance and or in the Fire Station.  So I will start by planning to ride my stationary bike a minimum of 3 days a week with a goal of at least 30 minutes to an hour of ride time.   I am now 2 days on the bike and have a total for 24 minutes in as well as just short of 10 mills.  Now this might not seem like much but we all have to start somewhere.

Another area is mindful eating which I am sometimes guilty of mindless eating.  Interestingly enough I have found that I really enjoy bell pepper sandwiches for lunch.  This is just simply a half a bell pepper (color of your choice) with some lunch meet, tuna, or chicken salad on it.  very satisfying for a quick lunch.  I will also be doing some pushups and modified burpees each morning before work.  I have a mountain to climb but the waters on the other side are calling me.  With that I will leave you as I struggle but continue to grind.  I want to move more and Bike Packing and Fishing (BP&F) will be the motivation and the enjoyment of ward work and selfcare.  

I hope you will follow me as I go though this change and growth as a outdoorsman fighting for his health and wellbeing.  I invite all comments and information you would all like to share with me.  

Meeting us all at the Float Tube Fishing Forum

My plans for Bike packing and Fishing

 I have for most of my life been either fishing for biking.  So to marring the 2 is just a have to.  I evite you to follow me as I work on getting into this new sport and the twists and turns that I will come across.   Here is the reason I will be embarking on this new adventure.  I turn 50 in less then year.  My health is not where it should be and if I don't start moving I will lose my ability to move and enjoy the outdoors as I once did in my 20's and 30's.

I will be starting from scratch as I don't own a bike any more.  It has been years since I have been mountain biking at least 20 or more and probably the same for camping.  So as I say I will be starting from scratch I mean  it to the 1oth degree.  The plan is to be ready for my first trip by the summer of 2024 if not sooner.  You will be following me as 1. I lose weight to prepare for then ability to get back on a bike an become comfortable doing so once again.  2. leaning what makes for the best bike for me and my needs.  3. All the camping gear I will need to make for a comfortable time on the trail between trips.  4. The right fishing gear that I will need to take with me. 5. and finally where will I be planning to do day trips and over night trips.

This will be an adventure and I hope you will join me as I break all this down and learn the ends and outs.  I will start here I will be working on losing 10 pounds to start this adventure.  I hope to drop close to 40 before I get on a bike again.  How will I start this you ask right here in my living room.  On my Schwinn exercise bike.  The plan is to ride 3 to 4 days a week for 30 minutes to a hour a week as I get started, Baby steps.  The hope will be to get back to everyone in the next few days for a check in on my progress as well and weight lose and when I am comfortable I will share what my weight is (LOL).  I will also be share information on all the product I have researched and information I have come up with.

Of course I will be taking the Float Tube Fishing Forum along with us as well and I am sure we will all learn a lot together.  Please feel free to let me know what you think, and share any info you have that could help.  Thanks for reading and tight lines as well as keep the rubber on the road.

FTFF Thread

 

The Float Tube Fishing Forum

 So we have been running our Float Tube Fishing Forum for the last 12 years now and have had a lot of success.  We just want you to know we are still running and doing what we do best.  Helping newbies to the float tubing world get started.  If you are new and looking for information to get started or are a seasoned veteran who would like to share there knowledge.  The Float Tube Fishing Forum is the right place for you.  Join us in 2023 and be part of something you can be proud of.

Float Tube Fishing Forum  

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.

Swim Dragon By Croissant Lures

So I was doing my daily posting on Social Media when I came across a new product I had never seen before called the Swim Dragon.  The design is from Crossman Lures in South Africa and these baits are unique to say the least.

The first thing that jumped out at me was that these are made of Silicone not plastics.  So it seemed that these baits would hold up well to the abuse the Saltwater bass could fish out.  

There colors are great and the added eyes and leg make for a great added attraction.  The paddle tail is designed upside down from your normal swim paddle tail and it seem to me it helps ok the fall to move the tail more.  Craig is fast at shipping these out and the price is resonable enough for orders.  I live in Southern California when I purchased it was 5 baits for $20 including shipping.

I rig mine on a Jika Rig but you can rig them many different ways.  The Jika rig keep them close to the floor and allows me to fish them slow or fast.  I can say that the Swim Dragon from Crossman Lures has earned a place in my line up each time out.  Check them out for yourself.

www.crossmenlures.com

Instagram

@crossmanlures