+- Fishing Forum (https://bigfishtackle.com/forum)
+-- Forum: Float Tube Fishing (https://bigfishtackle.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=396)
+--- Forum: Float Tubing General (https://bigfishtackle.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=81)
+--- Thread: Returning to Fishing & Float Tubing (/showthread.php?tid=518628)
Returning to Fishing & Float Tubing - michaelnel - 07-23-2009
Hello Everyone!
Thought I'd intro myself. Michael, 59 years old. I used to be an avid fisherman, tied my own flies, operated a commercial salmon and albacore boat on the Pacific ocean. Last time I was on the ocean was a pretty frightening experience (25' boat, out 80nm, wind came up nasty, almost 12 hours of getting hammered by blue water waves to get home). Scared me so bad I never went on the ocean again (this was about 15 years ago), and never went back to fly fishing either.
But lately I have been wanting to get back up in the mountains and doing some fishing. Bought a nice used Orvis fly rod and reel today, and have been investigating float tubing.
My first and only float tube was about 20 years or more ago, a basic Caddis model that used a truck innertube. I had a lot of fun in it and caught some nice trout in Sierra lakes. My preference was always for fly fishing, catch & release since I don't particularly enjoy eating fish and don't like to hurt them much.
So... current float tubes sure have changed! I remember mine was pretty uncomfortable, with the tube pretty much up by my armpits and my body pretty submerged. I have been doing my research on the net, and I'm thinking at this stage in my life that Freestyle H3 looks pretty good.
I was all set to order today and called them to make sure the stuff was in stock. The nice guy I talked to said that they are out of H3 right now because they have sold out of the 2009 models and the 2010 ones are just starting to come in.
He said the 2010 no longer uses a separate bladder inside the cover, and that the cover itself is now the bladder.
Anyone seen one of the new H3s yet? He said he would honor the 2009 price on a 2010 model for me when they come in and was going to call me back today or tomorrow morning with the story on availability.
So, here I am. Hope to learn from y'all and contribute when I can.
[signature]
Re: [michaelnel] Returning to Fishing & Float Tubing - macfly55 - 07-23-2009
you have come to the right site for info on float tubes..
I know that flygoddess (FG) is very familar with that line of tubes and should be able to answer any questions.. there are several others (ODB for one) who alos uses an h3..
MacFly
[signature]
Re: [michaelnel] Returning to Fishing & Float Tubing - flygoddess - 07-23-2009
WoooHooo! Sounds like Bladderless! That is the new wave. I have the Outlaw X5 and it too is bladderless.
TUFF STUFF! It should be a little lighter.
Not sure cause the outer cover is THICK! Nice easy patch kit if one should need it, but in close to 20 years of using Scadden product I have never needed to patch.
Personally, I think this is a wise choice. A bigger tube means a more secure feeling. You will still have the two inflatable seat.
Dave Scadden was one of the main designers for Outcast, and that means the Super Fat Cat, so he has been using that V design a long time.
And now he is branching out away from the two pontoons to the one piece U. More stable.
Now, what Orvis Rod and Reel did you get. I have a bunch and love them.
I am glad you picked this forum, now be sure and stop by the Fly Fishing forum and keep us up to date.
Are you going to be tying? We get small Fly Swaps going in the colder months. Great way to get new different flies.
[signature]
Re: [flygoddess] Returning to Fishing & Float Tubing - michaelnel - 07-23-2009
[quote flygoddess]
Now, what Orvis Rod and Reel did you get.[/quote]
The rod is a 8'6" 4wt 2pc Orvis Power Matrix and the reel is a Battenkill BBS II, and it's loaded with a WF 4wt Wonderline. Not top of the line, but good middle of the range stuff, and I got it all for a great price.
4wt is a little light for lake fishing, but I expect to spend more time fishing small streams and spring creeks. I may get something heavier for lakes, but first I have to re-learn flycasting! Fortunately, Orvis SF store is doing a free casting clinic this Saturday. I'll be there. I have forgotten SO much.
Quote:Are you going to be tying?
I don't think I will be tying initially, but maybe later. I enjoyed it a lot when I was tying a long time back.
[signature]
Re: [flygoddess] Returning to Fishing & Float Tubing - idahoron - 07-23-2009
Welcome back to the dark side. I was a tubber for a few years and took about 18 years off. Last year my Mother in law got me a FC4 and now I am like a junky hooked on crack. I don't care if it is a catfish or a carp, I like a hard pull in a tube.
You came to the wrong place when you logged on here. These guys (and girls) will get you big time hooked on tubbing. Your done for now, you will be tubbing every weekend like the rest of us. Oh just kiddin. You will find a lot of BIG time info here. Good luck and glad to have you back. Ron
[signature]
Re: [michaelnel] Returning to Fishing & Float Tubing - peter805 - 07-23-2009
welcome, glad you back to fishing (and fly fishing). I also
like to fish the eastern sierra . Feel free to ask any
questions and dont be shy to share.
Peter
[signature]
Re: [michaelnel] Returning to Fishing & Float Tubing - even26 - 07-23-2009
hey michael,
i'm new to this forum as well, but have found it VERY useful. i saw your posting about getting back into tubing and noticed you're also in the bay area.
would you be interested in purchasing a brand new Outcast Fat Cat (willow green). i originally purchased this one for my wife, but we have a 5 month old now and she won't be using it any time soon.
i am asking $250 w/fins since i'd like to see it get used and provided it's a local pick up. if you're interested, email me at [url "mailto:djlow8@hotmail.com"][/url]djlow8@hotmail.com[/url] and i can send you some pics.
even26
[signature]
Re: [even26] Returning to Fishing & Float Tubing - michaelnel - 07-23-2009
Even 26, yes, I am interested. The H3 folks never called me back with availability info, and I left another message for them this morning.
I need something before my trip the beginning of August, and if Mr. Scadden's organization doesn't want to take my money I will need to go somewhere else.
If your Fat Cat is "willow green", then it is a Super Fat Cat, correct?
Where are you located in the Bay Area? I emailed you twice but haven't heard any thing.
[signature]
Re: [michaelnel] Returning to Fishing & Float Tubing - even26 - 07-23-2009
hi michael,
check your email, i forwarded you some pics.
darren
[signature]
Re: [macfly55] Returning to Fishing & Float Tubing - OlDirtyBasser - 07-23-2009
Oh no, not me macfly... I had not even heard of them before this site. I think you're thinking of Bassamatic. We fish the same water.
Welcome back michaelnel...
[signature]
Re: [OlDirtyBasser] Returning to Fishing & Float Tubing - michaelnel - 07-23-2009
Well, in spite of having called them twice, left message, and emailed them, zero response from NorthFork on the H3.
Strange sales tactic. Got one on the line, don't set the hook, don't reel, leave the line loose and hope he shakes the hook.
[signature]
Re: [michaelnel] Returning to Fishing & Float Tubing - michaelnel - 07-24-2009
Dave Scadden finally called this morning. He said they didn't have any H3's, and that they had checked with their dealers and there were none to be found.
He said the 2010 would be in in time for my trip, but that it would cost more. The guy I talked to there a couple days ago said they would give me the 2010 model for the 2009 price, but I guess not.
Anyway, I'm tired of dealing with them. I'm going to buy Even26's Fat Cat and be done with it.
[signature]
Re: [OlDirtyBasser] Returning to Fishing & Float Tubing - macfly55 - 07-24-2009
soon after I posted that comment I got to thinking and realized there were two of you in the same area.. sorry for any confusion..
MacFly
[signature]
Re: [michaelnel] Returning to Fishing & Float Tubing - peter805 - 07-24-2009
I can totaly understand what u talking about (2010 H3 price).
I just hate when Im promised something and then No sorry, no can do. F that.
I would also go alsewhere or buy something alse.
Peter
[signature]
Re: [peter805] Returning to Fishing & Float Tubing - michaelnel - 07-24-2009
I'm sure I will be happy with the Fat Cat, and it's a good deal. I bought a pump for it today.
[signature]
Re: [michaelnel] Returning to Fishing & Float Tubing - peter805 - 07-24-2009
[quote michaelnel]I'm sure I will be happy with the Fat Cat, and it's a good deal. I bought a pump for it today.[/quote]
Im sure you are going to be just fine with the fat cat.
I have the super fat cat just like many other people here
and I love my ride.
Peter
[signature]
Re: [peter805] Returning to Fishing & Float Tubing - michaelnel - 07-26-2009
I met up with Darren (even26) this morning and bought the Fat Cat from him. I also bought a pair of Force Fins from him, so I am set for my early August Sierra trip (assuming my waders and wading shoes show up from Orvis).
Really looking forward to getting out there in the tube!
[signature]
Re: [michaelnel] Returning to Fishing & Float Tubing - flygoddess - 07-27-2009
Glad you are set with the SFC. I had one for many years. Funny thing however, I sold it for the H3.
As far as that goes...I guess $H*& happens.
I did see the BRAND NEW Scadden this weekend. It in a MINI OUTLAW. The boat is 8' long but similar to the Outlaw X5 with a few changes.
I am going to be checking out the new H3 however, so thanks for the heads up on that.
But then I float often and plan on doing it for many years to come, and I do trust the NFO boats.
[signature]