Posts: 3
Threads: 0
Joined: Mar 2010
Reputation:
0
Hey everyone, just dropping by to say hello, this is my first post. I posted here because I recently purchased a float tube (FC4). I never ever been float tubing, nor have I seen anyone do it before (except online), but it just seems like soooo much fun. I have been lurking around the forums and the archives and have a pretty good idea of how to "trick out" my tube. But I do have a couple of questions though. I purchased waders, boots and fins. I also have a pfd. What else do I need that is required by the lakes and harbours to be aloud to go out? A whistle? What about the orange thingy I hear people talking about? Is that required and by what way does it have to be displayed? Also, what lakes can you float tube at night? Corona lake etc... And what is required for night fishing.
Sorry for so many questions, but I have never been and don't want to go to a lake and be denied access cause I am missing something.
Also, I have searched the forums a bit and could not find anything about WHERE to launch a float tube in particular lakes or harbours.
Again, thanks for your help. Hopefully the next thread I start will be of me catching fish on my new float tube!
Thanks all and tight lines!
-Stringer
[signature]
Posts: 106
Threads: 0
Joined: Mar 2010
Reputation:
0
I am also a first timer to float tube fishing. I ordered an ODC 420 float tube that should arrive tomorrow! I also bought waders, a pfd, and fins. I hope someone corrects me if I am wrong, but I'm pretty sure you can launch a float tube any where you can get to the water. At least that is what I plan on doing. I've never heard of any float tube regulations, so I am curious to know if there are any?
[signature]
Posts: 710
Threads: 0
Joined: Mar 2009
Reputation:
0
Hi. The archives will answer most questions. Safety is high priority- see "abandon ship", I would not go at night for that reason. Generally launch tube anywhere, orange flag required in some states, Ca has most stringent regs and fees for just about everything you can imagine. Google up state regs for special requirements.
Hope this helps.
Pon
[signature]
Posts: 11,107
Threads: 3
Joined: Mar 2006
Reputation:
0
Welcome to the board. Yes CA has the the most regs but for most states it is launch where you can. A tube can go almost anywhere. For safety equip, a whistle is not a bad a idea. I have an orange flag for my toon but that I use on larger reservoirs where the power squadron is so that they can see me. If you do plan on fishing at night make sure you have lights. Either a head lamp or a clamp on navigation light. I have a white clamp on that works both as navigation and a light for tying on baits. Also have a LED head lamp. When you start the pimpin of your tube be sure to post pics so that we can see what you've done.
[signature]
Posts: 3
Threads: 0
Joined: Mar 2010
Reputation:
0
Thanks all for the replies. I will definitely be looking up CA regs etc... But just as a start the only thing I am missing is an orange flag of sorts. Can it be bright yellow? As for night fishing, I just mentioned it because, I have a lot more free time at night and enjoy night fishing. I know the harbors are 24/7... I don't know what lakes in So. Cal. allow float tubing at night. All I need at night is an LED headlamp? Or do I need some kind of other beacon or glow stick of some sorts?
Gonna start pimpin my tube today. Going to buy pvc and some other stuff, and start the measuring. Will keep everyone posted on my progress.
[signature]
Posts: 19,235
Threads: 1
Joined: Nov 2005
Reputation:
1
I am sure CA has the law of the coast guard. That will mean, HORN/WHISTLE, compass, rope, and thereis a requirement as to how much ORANGE is needed. No other color.
Head lamp would be for you, I am betting you will need a green and red light on your tube. They do make them in flashlight style.
[signature]
Posts: 42
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul 2009
Reputation:
0
In CA you need to have 144 Sq/in visible, which is 1 square foot. Must be Safety/Blaze Orange. You need to carry a whistle and have a PFD handy. I've seen some with an old school orange life preserver on the back of the seat to do double duty. Most SoCal lakes are NO CONTACT meaning you must wear waders.
[signature]
Posts: 19,235
Threads: 1
Joined: Nov 2005
Reputation:
1
Thanks. I couldn't remember the size.
As far as the waders,....heck yeah, don't know whats been in there[laugh][laugh]
[signature]
Posts: 710
Threads: 0
Joined: Mar 2009
Reputation:
0
There are a few guys from Ca that might be able to help when they see your message on night fishin. In Tx, I got pulled out while fishin from a larger pontoon from a lighted harbor area by GW because "boys been drinkin tonite" and "you'll get run over".
Pon
[quote Full_Stringer]Thanks all for the replies. I will definitely be looking up CA regs etc... But just as a start the only thing I am missing is an orange flag of sorts. Can it be bright yellow? As for night fishing, I just mentioned it because, I have a lot more free time at night and enjoy night fishing. I know the harbors are 24/7... I don't know what lakes in So. Cal. allow float tubing at night. All I need at night is an LED headlamp? Or do I need some kind of other beacon or glow stick of some sorts?
Gonna start pimpin my tube today. Going to buy pvc and some other stuff, and start the measuring. Will keep everyone posted on my progress.[/quote]
[signature]
Posts: 87
Threads: 0
Joined: Jan 2010
Reputation:
0
Well I fish Laguna Niguel it is a private lake but, they don't require anything really even though it is a small lake I don't, but would be smart just to bring whistle just in case.
[signature]
Posts: 7,663
Threads: 0
Joined: Oct 2006
Reputation:
0
try this link to find out about specific lakes to fish.. not ALL lakes allow float tubes here in San Diego and there are quite a few that used DO NOT allow personal watercraft of any kind due to quagga mussel and/or mud snail intrusions...
each lake has its own specific regualtions to some extent but in general
no contact with the water .. that means you must wear waders
144 sq of safety/blaze orange that must be visible above water level (I think it is 12 inches minimum)
pfd must be worn at all times
whistle or air horn must be on board and in reach..
as I said before each lake may have their own stipulations so check the lake you want to fish in..
as for private lakes like Corona and Laguna Niguel they tend to be much more lax in regulations but a common sense approach would be your best bet..
each lake listed in the following link has a contact number so if you are unsure give them a call to get specific, current information on their regulations..
[url "http://sdfish.com/index.php/table/places-to-fish-in-san-diego-county/lakes/"]SD fishing lakes link..[/url]
hope this helps
MacFly
[signature]
Posts: 3
Threads: 0
Joined: Mar 2010
Reputation:
0
You guys have given me some great info. Thanks a lot! Everyone in these forums are really helpful. I now know what I need to get out and do some float tube fishing. Thanks again, and thanks for link!!!
[signature]
Posts: 110
Threads: 0
Joined: Apr 2008
Reputation:
0
I mainly fish Upper Otay lake here in San Diego and the park rangers tend to leave all the float tubers alone with the exception of occassionally checking the fishing permits. I have personally never seen them hassle anyone for not having the required orange safety flags or whatever. However, on some of the larger lakes I'm sure that would be a different story. Most of the tubers who fish UO are regulars and we pretty much know each other and the lake is so small that if someone did happen to get into trouble, which is highly unlikely, someone would be able to come to their assistance in a couple of minutes. Still, the safety requirements are there for a reason - your safety, and I DO have all the stuff that I'm required to have by CA state law. Never hurts to be prepared in any situation, IMO:o)
PS: I think you are going to love float tubing!! I know I was "hooked" the very first time I went out - no pun intended:o)
[signature]
|
