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On Float Tubin'
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 09/19/2004 04:34 PM
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tsurikichi
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On Float Tubin'
Hey there guys,
I am going to, once again, run a series of tips, tricks, techniques relating to float tubing, FT fishing, and lots of DIY project ideas and product introductions.
On this SECOND TRY.... I will be able to post and maintain illustrations of specific topics due to this websites recent upgrade.
This page will contain the main directory listing with each entry being numbered and in the form of a 'quote with reply'.
The latest editing/entry was made on January 17, 2005
Copyrighted illustrations are located on Allcoast's photo board at: http://www.allcoastsportfishing.com/photos/index.php Feel free to visit that board thru this link.
Directory:
1) Float Tube Teather- 9/23/04
2) Safety Float- 10/11/04
3) Seat Saddle Pack- 10/15/04
4) Lead Core Line Trolling- 10/16/04
5) Solar Power- 10/16/04
6) Float Tube/Pontoon Boat Motor Mount- 10/17/04
7) Soft Drag Bag- 10/17/04
 Hand Net Scabbard- 10/18/04
9) Float Tube Canopy- 10/18/04
10) DIY Live Bait System- 10/19/04
11) Topographic Map Reading- 10/20/04
12) Infrared Thermometer w/lazer sighting- 10/21/04
13) Marker Buoys- 10/22/04
14) Making Live Bait- 10/23/04
15) Making a Noise- 10/24/04
16) Digital Scale and Others- 10/24/04
17) 3rd Grip* Rod Holder/Holster Use On a Float Tube- 10/25/04
1 Short Handled Net Retractor- 10/26/04
19) Range Finder- 10/27/04
20) Float Tube Footwear- 10/27/04
21) Hydration System- 10/28/04
22) Tow Harness- 10/28/04
23) Live Bag System- 10/29/04
24) Ocean Conditions Check System I- 10/30/04
25) Ocean Conditions Check System II- 10/31/04
26) Bladder Shields- 11/1/04
27) DIY Thermometer Kit- 11/02/04
2 Thermometer- 11/03/04
29) Fly Rod Scabbard- 11/4/04
30) Float Tube and Pontoon Anchors- 11/05/04
31) Anchor Release System- 11/06/04
32) Tube or Pontoon Boat Caddy- 11/07/04
33) Power Pak n' Kaddy- 11/08/04
34) Combination Mount (Rod Holder and Fishfinder)- 11/09/04
35) Safety Lanyards- 11/10/04
36) Useful Snaps, Clips, and Fasteners- 11/11/04
37) Beach Launching- 11/12/04
3 Beach Landings- 11/13/04
39) Ditch Bag- 11/14/04
40) Let Someone Know!- 11/15/04
41) US/Distress Flag- 11/16/04
42) Seat Back Storage- 11/17/04
43) First Aid Kit- 11/18/04
44) Universal Utility Hanger- 11/19/04
45) Custom Fish Measure- 11/20/04
46) Recognizing Reduced Leverage 11/21/04
47) Basic Tube Setup Stages- 11/22/04
4 Zero Tolerance- 11/23/04
49) Don't Overload- 11/24/04
50) Float Tube Materials- 11/25/04
51) Techniques- Mending to Contours- 11/26/04
52) Techniques- Slow Troll- 11/27/04
53) Techniques- Point Casting- 11/28/04
54) Techniques- Banking- 11/29/04
55) Techniques- Turn Reverse- 11/30/04
56) Techniques- Swing Slide- 12/01/04
57) Techniques- Blind Casting- 12/02/04
5 Techniques- Vertical Lift- 12/03/04
59) Techniques- ZigZagging- 12/04/04
60) Techniques- Dappling- 12/05/04
61) All-In-One Fishfinder Mount- 12/06/04
62) Self-aligning Zippers- 12/07/04
63) Techniques- Landing Distances- 12/08/04
64) Why Wash Down Your Gear?- 12/09/04
65) Baggies- A Must-have Item- 12/10/04
66) Pocket Knife- 12/11/04
67) Leaving Your Tube Inflated- 12/12/04
6 Mini Digital Camera- 12/13/04
69) Tube Repair Kits- 12/14/04
70) Advanced Cleats- 12/15/04
71) Small Watercraft Radios- 12/16/04
72) Cleaning Your Tube Cover/Shell- 12/17/04
73) Parachute Cord- 12/18/04
74) Double Action Hand Pump- 12/19/04
75) Headlamp for Tubing- 12/20/04
76) Live Bait Tow System- 12/21/04
77) Call of Nature- 911- 12/22/04
7 Pack to Utility Rack- 12/23/04
79) Wind Chill Factor Fears- 12/24/04
80) Float Tube DIY Fish Finder Mount- 12/25/04
81) Storing Your Float Tube- Shor-term- 12/26/04
82) Float Tube Etiquette- 12/27/04
83) Storing Your Float Tube- Long-term- 12/28/04
84) Float Tube Utility Rack- 12/29/04
85) Float Tube Stablizer Bar- 12/30/04
86) Float Tube Running Lights- 12/31/04
87) Waterproof Storage Bags- 1/01/05
8 Carryimg or Porting Your Float Tube- 1/02/05
89) Navigation Light Design- 1/03/05
90) Stream and River Floats- 1/04/05
91) PFD Selections- 1/05/05
92) Valves Used in Inflatable Craft- 1/06/05
93) GPS Not a Necessity But- 1/07/05
94) Sea Anchor Setup- 1/08/05
95) Seat Replacement- 1/09/05
96) Spotting Binoculars- 1/10/05
97) Left/Right Rod Holder- 1/11/05
9 Popup Strippng Apron- 1/12/05
99) Float Tube seat Riser/Spreader- 1/13/05
100) Drop-netting for Fin Fish Bait- 1/15/05
*1 3rd Grip is a registered trademark.
Expect some repeats from my previous effort in addition to around 250 more entries. You'll note... I've copywrited all of my illustrations.
Hope you'll enjoy the ideas and information.
tsurikichi
Livin' the Dream !!
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09/23/2004 04:32 PM
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tsurikichi
Moderator
Private and Public Boaters Discussion Board
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Joined: 02/22/2007
Posts: 7063
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Float Tube Teather
#1 entry
This entry was made on September 23, 2004
Retractable Tether
Whether you're attempting to stay in a set position in slow moving freshwater or saltwater, an anchor isn't you're only option to maintain a set position.
Depending on the strength of the wind, current, or tide, a simple retractable tether used by dog owners might be just the alternative to having to carry, stow, and handle a coil of rope or an anchor system. I use one that's 44 feet long and has a rating of almost a hundred pounds.
Only catch is you'll need something to hook your teather to and not create a hazard for others.
Some of the stronger tethers will allow you to hold you and your fully outfitted craft in position easily. The actual weight is not being exerted on the tether but you should be careful if the current gets stronger.
Hint: Good tethers rated: 100 lbs + and 25 feet +, long are readily
available at just about any local pet store. And they're cheap.
Caution: It just makes sense that the tether cannot be retracted on
its own with the weight of the tube and tuber so you'll need
to pull a length in and retract..... then repeat.
tsurikichi
Livin' the Dream !!
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10/11/2004 08:53 AM
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tsurikichi
Moderator
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Joined: 02/22/2007
Posts: 7063
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Safety Float
#2 entry
This entry was made on October 11, 2004
Safety Float
It's a good idea to have a safety float on your float tube for those ememgencies where you will need to unfasten your anchor, sea anchor, live bag, chum bag, or bait tow.
By attaching your safety float to the rope or line of the afore mentioned accessories, you'll be able to retrieve them easily.
The quick-release buckle has become a near revolutionary feature that's brought an increased safety element to all aspects of water-sport activities thru the gear that is being developed to protect the user.
Hint: It is possible to buy floats but they can also be an easy DIY
project too. Whatever the case, you'll need to either mount
brackets of some kind or use other items on your tube to
properly anchor the float/quick-release buckle to the
accessories rope properly.
Caution: Have a float that will hold up what ever you're wanting to
keep.
tsurikichi
Livin' the Dream !!
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10/15/2004 11:43 AM
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tsurikichi
Moderator
Private and Public Boaters Discussion Board
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Private Boat Reports
Joined: 02/22/2007
Posts: 7063
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Seat Back Saddle Pack
#3 entry
This entry was made on October 15, 2004
Seat Back Saddle Pack
There are a few float tubes, many pontoon boats, and kayaks that do not have top or side pockets positioned on or around the seat.
The saddle pack design provides added storage space and a convenient place to keep a hydration system or things you'll not want to get wet with normal fishing activities.
Although the saddle pack is avaliable from a number of manufacturers, with a little bit of effort, this would be an excellent DIY project for someone with a few extra waterproof storage bags and some free time.
Hint: Be sure to use heavy-duty Velcro on the bottom side of the bags
rather than using straps if you do not wish to have them
mounted continously.
Caution: Avoid putting heavy or unprotected sharp objects in the
bags.
tsurikichi
Livin' the Dream !!
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10/16/2004 09:44 AM
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tsurikichi
Moderator
Private and Public Boaters Discussion Board
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Private Boat Reports
Joined: 02/22/2007
Posts: 7063
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Lead Core Line Trolling
#4 entry
This entry was made on October 15, 2004
Lead Core Line Trolling
Although conditions need to be in your favor and you're being in good shape, lead core line trolling is not as difficult or tiring as you might think.
Just as it is a common practice to fish by slow, deep trolling with a fly fishing outfit, it is also possible to troll small spoons and plugs using lead core line.
A. Rate of Sink (inches per second)
Lead core line has a measurable ips rate according to the lines weight.
B. Sustained Depth (depth per length of line)
Although dependant on the lure or bait being trolled, speed trolled, and the line rating, the average sustained depth a line, at its' furthest end, will sink is about 1 foot per every 6 feet of line out.
Each of the sections/colors seen on the lead core line is 10 feet long and simple math will tell you how deep the lure or bait should be with appromixately 3 knots of trolling speed.
Hint: Choose the 12, 15, or 18 pound test lines and smaller lures accordingly as sustained trolling may be overly tiring or difficult with the heavier lines or setups.
Caution: You won't want to make the effort of trolling if the wind, tide, or currents are anything more than what would be considered as what is expected on a 'calm' day.
tsurikichi
Livin' the Dream !!
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10/16/2004 12:24 PM
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tsurikichi
Moderator
Private and Public Boaters Discussion Board
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Private Boat Reports
Joined: 02/22/2007
Posts: 7063
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Solar Panel System for Power
#5 entry
This entry was made on October 16, 2004
Solar Panel System for Power
There are many solar panel systems out there for the outdoors and car enthusiast. Solar panels power anything from a simple auto window fan to small camping refridgerators.
The more money you're willing to spend the more amps you can generate for storage. The system described could easily run around US 300 dollars.
The system:
1) Solar panel (folding type preferred to save space)
2) Regulator
3) Cables (for all components and devices)
4) Battery (generally gel type)
A typical system should generate enough replacement power to a 6V or 12V battery to operate the following items during a float.
1) Fish finder
2) Live bait air supply system
3) Other (lights, walkman, etc.)
Hint: Look for a system that is compact, will power up to three devices on your tube, and charges a battery quickly.
Caution: Most solar panel systems are designed to supply a battery with energy for storage and not for the continual direct operation of devices.
tsurikichi
Livin' the Dream !!
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10/17/2004 05:50 AM
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tsurikichi
Moderator
Private and Public Boaters Discussion Board
Public Boat Reports
Private Boat Reports
Joined: 02/22/2007
Posts: 7063
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Float Tube/Pontoon Boat Motor Mount
#6 entry
This entry was made on October 17, 2004
Float Tube/Pontoon Boat Motor Mount
There are many cases where a boat is just too much to deal with and a float tube or pontoon boat does not have the range for a given piece of water.
Powering your craft is simply a matter of building a platform, figuring out what's the best method to securing it, and properly mouting, then powering the trolling motor.
Although some major alterations may be necessary (ex: putting a motor's shaft through the bottom of a float tube cover), these alterations are possible without jeopardizing the crafts's integrity. Things can still be kept dry.
Hint: With trolling motor's performance so improved, soon a 12V system will be powered by the normally smaller gel type rather than the standard battery. Until then..... you'll just have to have more weight on-board.
Caution: Choose materials that will be light enough to not over burden or create balance problems with the craft.
tsurikichi
Livin' the Dream !!
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10/17/2004 12:59 PM
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tsurikichi
Moderator
Private and Public Boaters Discussion Board
Public Boat Reports
Private Boat Reports
Joined: 02/22/2007
Posts: 7063
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Drag/Drift Soft Anchor
#7 entry
This entry was made on October 17, 2004
Drag/Drift Soft Anchor
Although the well equipped tube or toon has an anchor and maybe evan a sea anchor, there is yet another way to slow down the drift of your craft in a strong current or even wind conditions.
If you commonly fish over sand, silt, or mud bottoms, this variation might be an excellent alternative to a regular anchor. The bag can be rigged for different conditons and retrieval just like a regular anchor that has become snagged.
Materials for a 'soft' anchor:
1) Burlap bag (heavy-duty)
2) Coat hangers (2~3)
3) Retractable dog leash (26'+/105lb rating)
4) Rope (short length)
5) Thin wire (for retrieval release trick)
6) Beach rocks
Hint: Choose a heavy-duty burlap bag or put one bag inside another.
Caution: Leave enough of an opening at the mouth so that rocks can be dumped if the bag snags.
tsurikichi
Livin' the Dream !!
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10/18/2004 05:50 AM
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tsurikichi
Moderator
Private and Public Boaters Discussion Board
Public Boat Reports
Private Boat Reports
Joined: 02/22/2007
Posts: 7063
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Hand Net Scabbard
#8 entry
This entry was made on October 18, 2004
Some of the up-scale or more expensive hand-held nets have their own scabbard or cover, retractor, and various strap configurations.
As there are a lot of things that are waiting to snag your net in close quarters, at that most important moment, it might be a good idea to have a scabbard to reduce tangles.
Either Velcro or D-rings should allow you to secure both your scabbard as well as the lanyard for your net.
Hint: You should be able to find a tennis racket cover that fits most , small standard-sized aluminum frame nets at your local thrift shop.
Caution: To insure that your scabbard has a long life, make sure you have made drainage holes that will eliminate rotting or mildew.
tsurikichi
Livin' the Dream !!
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10/18/2004 06:41 AM
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tsurikichi
Moderator
Private and Public Boaters Discussion Board
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Private Boat Reports
Joined: 02/22/2007
Posts: 7063
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Float Tube Canopy
#9 entry
This entry was made on October 18, 2004
Float Tube Canopy
If you have fished really, really hot areas, you'll understand why I built this canopy.
The following elements are important in making your canopy.
A. Extension- These are a number of items that utilize a sliding tubular adjustment design for the height of the canopy.
B. Collapsible Ribs- Allows the canopy to be folded and lain down flat out of the way.
C. Mounting Bracket- The canopy mount must be positioned near the seat as a strap on the side of the seat helps to keep the canopy poles vertical.
Hint: You'll need to spend some time finding the correct fold-up mechanism. Components can be found at yard sales, thrift stores, or your local home improvement center.
Caution: Don't expect to use this canopy in windy conditions. Make sure your canopy is balanced on the tube and positioned properly for your type of fishing.
tsurikichi
Livin' the Dream !!
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10/19/2004 06:22 AM
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tsurikichi
Moderator
Private and Public Boaters Discussion Board
Public Boat Reports
Private Boat Reports
Joined: 02/22/2007
Posts: 7063
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DIY Live Bait System
#10 entry
This entry was made on October 19, 2004
DIY Live Bait System
With the good supply of live bait avaliable throughout the year, having a live bait system will add to your fish catching capabilities.
Although the PVC pipe construction is easy to do, the customization you need to do to get the air flowing correctly, while still fishing or on the move, is not that simple a problem.
The main challenge of designing an 'in water' system is to make the holes large enough to supply a volume of air when moving and enough oxygen to be supplied during still fishing. You may have to experiement with the positioning and size of the holes of both the inner vinyl tubing and outside PVC pipe.
Hint: Most of the components can be found at your local home improvement center. You may have to also visit your local pet store if you wish to do some super improvements to the system.
Caution: Make sure you sun dry and air your entire system after each trip to avoid bacteria or mold.
tsurikichi
Livin' the Dream !!
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10/20/2004 09:40 AM
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tsurikichi
Moderator
Private and Public Boaters Discussion Board
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Private Boat Reports
Joined: 02/22/2007
Posts: 7063
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Topographical Map Reading
#11 entry
This entry was made on October 20, 2004
Topographical Map Reading
Topographical map reading is one of the basic skills of the hardcore floattube angler. Checking a topo map of a lake or reservior' surroundings is the next best thing to actually metering the water.
Aside from natural lakes, a majority of the dams and resultant reserviors were surveyed before filling, often by the Army Corps of Engineers, and you will be able to gain a general view of the bottom contours with realitive ease.
Federal, state, and local enties have made topological surveys of most areas in the U.S. Maps and marine charts are also marketed by map making companies in both traditional printing and electronic media.
To complicate matters, these maps are avaliable in a number of generally standardized scales.
If you're interested in learning to read topomaps, there are a number of websites on the internet that will teach you as much as you want to know.
The elements to basic topo map reading include:
1) Scale
2) Line color
3) Line thickness
4) Distance between lines
5) Contours
GPS and fishfinders now also have the capability to download maps and charts into their memories from just about anything..... with the exception of...... a cheaper toaster!
Hint: To get topographical maps or marine charts of your local area, check a main or central library. Copies at many librarys can be made if they have the equipment.
Caution: As there are many different maps avaliable, be careful to choose a map with the scale best suited to your needs.
The simple monotone example below shows a lake with an island that has a steep dropoff on its' north shore.
tsurikichi
Livin' the Dream !!
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10/21/2004 05:56 AM
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tsurikichi
Moderator
Private and Public Boaters Discussion Board
Public Boat Reports
Private Boat Reports
Joined: 02/22/2007
Posts: 7063
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Infrared Digital Thermometer
#12 entry
This entry was made on October 21, 2004
Infrared digital thermometer w/lazer sighting
Ever want to be able to drive along and check the water temperature of a stream, lake, or shoreline break? Although these products might be a little expensive as thermometers go, advantages of one particular model tested include:
Features include:
1) Measures surface temperatures up to a distance of 90 feet.
2) Displays both Fahrenheit (0 ~ 525 F) and Centigrade (-18 ~ 275 C)
3) Compact
4) Temperature display is backlit for dawn, dusk, and night viewing.
5) Low battery consumption 9v.
6) Lazer beam aiming for accuracy.
7) Distance to spot ratio around 8:1.
Hint: This item can be used for a variety of everyday things not necessarily associated with fishing.
Caution: Generally, only surface temperatures can be measured.
tsurikichi
Livin' the Dream !!
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10/22/2004 10:39 AM
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tsurikichi
Moderator
Private and Public Boaters Discussion Board
Public Boat Reports
Private Boat Reports
Joined: 02/22/2007
Posts: 7063
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Marker Buoys
#13 entry
This entry was made on October 22, 2004
Marker Buoys
Marker buoys come in handy when marking potential fishing spots or where your lobster traps are set. When float tubing, the depth of water fished is generally relatively shallow. Smaller, lighter buoys and smaller diameter lines can be used easily.
Use marker buoys with a good dose of common sense as they are sometimes problematic and cause territorial or freedom of movement disputes with others. Some lakes and waterway dis-allow use of buoys of any type.
Commercial Models: Sometimes sold in sets of two or three and include a holder. Usually these buoys have molded plastic bodies, line and line stop, release rings or clips, and a weight.
DIY Models: Can be made with about anything around the garage.
Plastic, styrofoam, or inflatable buoys still have the same basic component of body, line and line stop, quick-release buckles, and a weight.
Hint: I prefer the inflatable type buoy as it is light and saves space in an already overloaded float tube.
Caution: Don't let buoys drift out into open water or put them out where they may encounter common lanes of boat traffic.
tsurikichi
Livin' the Dream !!
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10/22/2004 11:12 AM
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tsurikichi
Moderator
Private and Public Boaters Discussion Board
Public Boat Reports
Private Boat Reports
Joined: 02/22/2007
Posts: 7063
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Making Live Bait
#13 entry
Making Live Bait
A good variety of baits can be fished from a float tube effectively.. especially.. live bait. There are a number of different types, models, and configurations of equipment available to gather bait for beach or near-shore float tube, pontoon, and kayak fishing.
A. Bait Pump- Although it takes a while to learn, small crabs, shrimp, and other creatures can be gathered for bait. Expect to get wet and to pay your dues to learn the most effective harvest techniques!
B. Drop Net- This type of net is often most effectively used from a dock or pier where there is good lighting to attract your quary to the bait. Use bread to attract the anchovies, smelt, etc.
C. Sabiki Rig- These rigs are great for catching all sizes of fin bait and especially effective on mackerel. Make sure you use a lure at the bottom as a weight as good fish can be taken.
Hint: You might want to have all three types of equipment at the ready as you never know what you're going to fish for with the best results until the tube hits the water.
Caution Unless you're familiar with the area, be aware of your surroundings, know that baits can be taken, and when.
tsurikichi
Livin' the Dream !!
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