03-06-2006, 01:37 AM
[cool][#0000ff]Welcome aboard and we hope this time around you have a more positive experience. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have been tubing for over half a century. As one of the "early" tubites, I have probably "endured" more learning experiences than most. In the book I am writing, since 1980, it began talking about round tubes only, because that is all there were. There was about a half chapter, with diagrams showing people how to get in and out of "donuts". I too used to watch the Saturday morning "cartoons", with supposedly knowledgeable anglers showing people how NOT to use a float tube. I rolled on the floor when I saw them climbing into the tube with their fins already on.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Just for the record, you first set the tube on the ground, then put the fins under the tube, front on the outside and feet on the inside. Then, you sit on the back of the tube while you pull the straps up over your heels. Simple. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As others have suggested, the open front craft are a world of difference. But, I would suggest a "shakedown cruise" without tackle and other gear so that you can get familiar with it.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Also, whenever you are looking for a launch site, try to find either a ramp or gently sloping sand or grass. Mud is a big no no. I used to tube in some of the brackish water canals below New Orleans for redfish and sea trout. The banks were greasy mud. At low tide, I skied down the banks on my fins and splashed down. I am lucky I was a skier as a youngster. If I flubbed it, I could have been in trouble. I fished until high tide and then the fun began. Sometimes the mud was softer than others. One time I had to pitch my rods up on the grassy bank, pull the donut up over my head (while standing in the steep mud banks) and then haul myself across the mud by pulling on the overhanging brush and reeds. I was a mess, but I got a lot of fish.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Oh, the memories. Thanks for sharing your story with us and know that we are all here to help you with your new/old hobby.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have been tubing for over half a century. As one of the "early" tubites, I have probably "endured" more learning experiences than most. In the book I am writing, since 1980, it began talking about round tubes only, because that is all there were. There was about a half chapter, with diagrams showing people how to get in and out of "donuts". I too used to watch the Saturday morning "cartoons", with supposedly knowledgeable anglers showing people how NOT to use a float tube. I rolled on the floor when I saw them climbing into the tube with their fins already on.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Just for the record, you first set the tube on the ground, then put the fins under the tube, front on the outside and feet on the inside. Then, you sit on the back of the tube while you pull the straps up over your heels. Simple. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]As others have suggested, the open front craft are a world of difference. But, I would suggest a "shakedown cruise" without tackle and other gear so that you can get familiar with it.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Also, whenever you are looking for a launch site, try to find either a ramp or gently sloping sand or grass. Mud is a big no no. I used to tube in some of the brackish water canals below New Orleans for redfish and sea trout. The banks were greasy mud. At low tide, I skied down the banks on my fins and splashed down. I am lucky I was a skier as a youngster. If I flubbed it, I could have been in trouble. I fished until high tide and then the fun began. Sometimes the mud was softer than others. One time I had to pitch my rods up on the grassy bank, pull the donut up over my head (while standing in the steep mud banks) and then haul myself across the mud by pulling on the overhanging brush and reeds. I was a mess, but I got a lot of fish.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Oh, the memories. Thanks for sharing your story with us and know that we are all here to help you with your new/old hobby.[/#0000ff]
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