Hey guys. I am always so jealous to hear of your wild SB Harbor fishing experiences. I am always the guy fishing from the jetty and catching nothing! I do go out on a lot of party boats though. Unfortunately, I don't think I have the gonads for float tubing - - I want my lower half above water. Kayaking would probably be better for me but I am sure that you float tubers have helpful advice as well.

I wanted to put forth a couple of questions and see what advice you can give me.

1) Will just about any kayak due for this type of fishing. Can I just go to Sportmart and pick up their blue light special.

2) What kind of boating rules do you have to follow as a float tuber/kayaker.

3) Do you just string your fish behind your float tube or kayak or do you move to shore and stow your fish as you catch them.

4) I am afraid of loss of expensive fishing poles - I am assuming you use a leash of some sort?

5) I would appreciate any other advice or suggestions you could give regarding this. I want to learn a little more so I am prepared when I actually am on the water.

Thanks,

Tree

I HAVE A MESH DIVE TYPE BAG THAT I ATTACH TO THE TUBE TO HOLD MY FISH. THE BAG SECURES WITH A CLIP OR A TIE. I HAVE PLACED HALIBUT, BASS, AND OTHER GOODIES IN THE BAG AND IT WORKS PRETTY GOOD.

LAST SUMMER MY BROTHER AND I WERE TUBING IN BELMONT SHORES FOR HALIBUT. IT WAS A LITTLE WINDY SO WE DECIDED TO TIE THE TUBES TOGETHER TO SLOW DOWN OUR DRIFT. WE WERE FISHING LIVE SMELT. I RIGGED UP MY ROD AND STARTED TO FISH. MY BROTHER ASKS ME TO HAND HIM HIS ROD. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT HE WAS TALKING ABOUT. HE HAD LAID IT ACROSS THE TUBES AND IT MUST OF FALLEN IN. HE WAS UNHAPPY TO SAY THE LEAST. HE HAS ALSO CASTED AWAY A ROD, AFTER GETTING SLIPPERY HANDS. YOU KNOW THOSE DARN MACKREL. HE HAS USED A LEASH ON OCCASSIONS SINCE. I HAVE NOT. MY TUBE HAS VELCRO STRAPS TO SECURE THE ROD WHEN YOU ARE KICKING OUT. THE ROD IS IN FRONT OF ME SO I WONT LOSE SIGHT OF IT. WHEN I WAS CATCHING SEABASS THE OTHER NIGHT I WAS HAVING A BALL. I REALLY PAYED ATTENTION TO THE ROD WHILE I WAS RELEASING FISH.

DONT WORRY ABOUT YOUR LEGS, I HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS IN SEVERAL YEARS. OF COURSE I HAVE UGLY LEGS AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET ANYTHING TO ATTACK THEM EVER. GET A TUBE, START IN A LAKE, GET THE FEEL OF IT, AND THEN GO FOR IT IN THE OCEAN.

GOOD FISHING

HOWARD

As others have posted a 18 inch diameter net and PFD are required. Also, a warning device such as a horn or whistle is required. A mirror works on sunny days and a white light at night is required. I have rod holders on my kayak so I take two rods. I'll hang a flashlight that is visible from all angles on one rod at night. Tubes do allow one to hold position well. With half your body in the water and fins on your feet, wind is less of a factor. I use a drift anchor (a cone shaped bag in the water) to combat wind. Kayaks can skim through inches of water and travel OVER kelp. This permits fishing in very shallow water or right in the thick of kelp beds. Transporting and storing a kayak is more problematic than tubes. Cost is higher though one can buy used. I have fished lakes in the Sierras but a tube would have been great on the more remote hike-in lakes. Some impoundments don't permit tubes. I fish Lake Casitas where kayaks are permitted while tubes are not. I fish kelp beds that sometimes require going out through surf. Since kayaks are faster, I can time the break, sprint and make it out. Surfing in is fun (when skills are developed). Both tubes and kayaks have their applications (as spinning and baitcasting reels do). Decide what sort of fishing you mostly do, factor in cost, transportation and storage considerations, then get the one that suits you. Both get you off the shore and allow you to access more water. That can only increase the odds of successful fishing.

Tree,

The best thing about tubes is you can move and fish at the same time. Kayaks tend to drift and it can be a real hassle when you're trying to fish a specific area. On the other hand if you want to cover a lot of ground or go long distances a kayak is better.

As far as rules go I would assume we have to follow the same rules as kayaks and I don't really know what those are. The rules I do know are that you need at least an 18 inch diameter net (DFG rule) and a coast guard approved life vest. You don't have to wear it - you just need to have it. You probably should have some kind of sound device (one of those little horn things), and a light if you're out before dawn or after dusk. Occasionally the Harbor Patrol has said certain things like we have to stay inside the swim area because we are swimmers but swimmers aren't required to carry life vests so I'm sure this is just an example of them trying to flex their muscles and not an actual rule. At the same time I've had the harbor patrol tell me to hang out for a while (at dusk) because the seabass bite should pick up. You should also follow some simple common sense rules such as staying out of the way of boats using the harbor for what it was built for, not terrorizing birds, not getting in the way of boats getting bait, etc. Crap like that can only lead to us not being able to use the harbor for fishing - and that would be a real bummer! Bottom line - STAY OUT OF EVERYONE'S WAY!!

I don't know anything about kayaks but my friend has a Malibu Two and really likes it for fishing.

I have always just put my fish on a stringer and never had any trouble. I have thought about cutting the dorsal spines on seabass just so they won't pop my tube. The dive bag idea sounds pretty good. I tried a gunny sack but it just acted like a big anchor and I couldn't move anywhere.

I built rod holders for my tube out of PVC. In saltwater I always bring two rods and my net. In freshwater I bring three rods. I've never lost one and I have been float tubing for over 15 years. I have never used a leash. The picture on the following webpage kind of shows the rod/net holders.

(http://members.xoom.com/_XMCM/pxj_photo/album/000606.htm)

One more thing - get a round tube. Everyone I know sho has had a U-boat now has a round one. The U-boats are unstable in rough water. I also prefer float tubes that have an actual truck tire tube instead of a bladder. The only experience I've had with a bladder is my brother-in-laws tube and he could never get it to be tight enough. I've heard good things about the bladders since then so I may buy one as a spare just to try it out.

The Caddis Deluxe is pretty good and you can get it for around $80. The Caddis Pro-line is awesome and it's around $125. If you wait until the Fred Hall show you may get it for cheaper. My cousin picked one (brand new) for $30. Being the idiot I am I didn't think to get a couple myself. I won't be that stupid next year!

Pete

**************************

You can't catch tomorrow what you kill today - please practice catch and release.

Thanks for the very informative response Leapin'. I will check out the Caddis. Do you know any local dealers that carry them?

Sportmart carries a Browning model and another very large model with bladders that almost looks too bulky.

Another couple of questions...... Do you ever have any problems getting your legs wrapped up in your own line? How is the float tube fishing in the Harbor during the winter?

Thanks again,

Eric

LAST EDITED ON Jul-13-00 AT 07:26 AM (PST)

I don't like the Browning model because it wouldn't work with my rod holders. The side pockets connect directly to the back rest. The Caddis Pro-line and some other models have small pockets that connect them but they can be un-zipped and the rod holders work fine (two of my friends have the Pro-line and my rod holders).

I didn't float tube in the winter because it was too cold. We did fish from shore and during that warm period in January (before the storms). We caught quite a few halibut including a few legals (25.5 inches was the biggest).

I've never had any "problems" with my line around my legs. It has happened but it's never been anything to worry about.

I don't know of any local dealers that carry them. At the Fred Hall Show it was the Turner's booth that had the Deluxe for $30. Check out the Cabelas website (www.cabelas.com). They have both the Deluxe and Pro-line. They call them the High Sierra and Pro-line II which are supposed to be the models with bladders instead of tubes but I think Cabela's has some deal worked out with Caddis because they have tire tubes and come with a free set of fins.

You can't catch tomorrow what you kill today - please practice catch and release.

Well,
The both have their ups and downs. For the type of fishing that I do, I'm much better off in a float tube. A kayak in the harbor is not necessary. I do a lot of surf launches like at el cap, goleta beach etc. so that's much more safe in a float tube. I have had the need to travel great distances however which would be a lot easier in a kayak. Also, much of the fishing I do is up shallow, in the surf, close to structure... And in a float tube you can easily hold your position and fish while in a kayak I would constantly need to re-position and would probably end up carrying an anchor with me or something. Float tubes are easily stored and transported and you can de-flate them if you need to. Storage of tackle and equipment is a consideration when purchasing your vessel. I wish I had thought of that when I bought my float tube. I just went for the best I could afford at the time (which wasn't much) and now I'm wishin I had saved up a little longer. Definitely go with a round boat instead of u boat. Like Pete said, they are much more stable. You'd be amazed.
When I fish Bass-N-Tubes (a float tube club) tournaments, I keep my fish in a livewell that Rob showed me how to make. It's basically made of chicken wire with a mesh drawstring top and it sits in the water next to the boat. However, when mortality isn't an issue like in the ocean, I just use one of those metal stringers with all the little clips. If I get a good fish I can put two of the clips in it and feel relatively comfortable with it staying on there. Last night my wsb did peck at my leg a couple times (I think he was mad at me) but by no means did it hurt or anything I didn't feel any pain it was just like a little tap. Didn't puncture the waders.
I can't help you out on specific models of kayaks, but anything that is stable would be choice. Expect to get constantly broad sided by wakes, swells etc. and you don't want to flip over with a rod in one hand and paddle in the other.
As far as rules go, I have never really been hassled about regulations (in this state, yellowstone is another story...). I carry a water proof whistle with me which is a good idea to have when fishing high traffic areas like the harbor because often idiots will head right toward you and then turn at the last minute just to scare you. Another option would be an air horn (that would make em turn...). I'm currently considering rigging a light pole on my float tube for night fishing at the harbor. When fishing places like the harbor just consider yourself as a by-stander or a guest and yield to all boat traffic and be courteous. We have often perceived of somebody being a jackass and ruining it for all of us and the city closing the harbor to float tubes.
I too am very afraid of losing rods. I am constantly aware of what I'm doing with my rod, how well a grip I have on it, where I'm gonna put it to land a fish or tie a knot... As long as you pay attention it will be alright (lately I've been more afraid of wsb pulling it out of my hands :D).
As soon as I have enough money (which will be a while) I'm going to get myself a pontoon boat. It's basically a cross between a float tube and a kayak. It's got two inflatable pontoons with a seat in the middle and it is equipped with oars but you also wear fins for close maneuvering and holding position. Check out the bass-n-tubes page (www.bass-n-tubes.com) to see some pics. By the way, rob did that site too. Those guys have em rigged up with storage compartments, full on livewells, castro even has a bimini top. They're no good for the ocean cause you can easily fall out and not get back in, but they are great bass rigs. Sorry for the huge post, hopefully you had a coffee break in the middle or something.
-Brian

I just got a kayak a little while ago and I really dig it, but there are times whe I stare whistfully at the float tubers. I think it reakky depends on the type of fishing you want to do - if you want to fish in lakes, the harbors, near the surfline, GET A FLOAT TUBE!! Nothing is worse than trying to paddle with one hand to avoid getting caught by a set wave while trying to fight a fish with the other. Kelp beds and water that is slightly offshore is the middle ground where both work well. If you are into going offshore looking for thresher sharks or other open ocean fish, get a kayak. Also get a kayak if you are into trolling. Some popular kayak models are the cobra explorer, perception swing, scrambler xt, and malibu 2. I have a swing, which is a fast boat,but not as stable as others. Basically its all about finding what is best for you. Just make sure it has lots of deck space, a comfy seat, and hattches if possible.

At this point I think I will start with a float tube for fishing the harbor and around Goleta beach. I wouldn't mind getting a kayak too for those times that I want to fish on the outside of kelp beds. Could any of you reccomend a place in town to buy a float tube (with rod holders and what not). Or, am I better off purchasing it through the Internet. Leapin' Bass had recommended the Caddis deluxe.

Thanks for the very useful information Brian. No your posting was not too long - - hell I am at work and would much rather read a long posting about fishing than actually do work! :)

Well, I am planning on purchasing one at the end of July. Any more reccomendations or advice that you guys can give would be most helpful. Any advice on what fins to buy, wetsuits, etc.? I think my room mate will be getting a tube as well - - being a beginner at this type of fishing I am a full believer in the buddy system!

Thanks,

Eric

LAST EDITED ON Jul-13-00 AT 10:06 AM (PST)

Tree,

I have tried both waders and a wetsuit. I like the waders much better. It's nice being dry, warm, and comfortable. The hodgeman ones at Sportmart are pretty good (there is a style that is "for all uses" or something like that). I would also recommend getting some oversized diving booties (about 1 or 2 sizes bigger than your regular shoe size - try them on) to go over the feet of your waders. Not only do they protect the waders while you're in the water but you can also put your waders on at the car and walk to where you launch (not having to carry them). I didn't have the booties with my last pair and they didn't last very long once I started hitting the ocean. The waders/booties combo works great for surf fishing when it's a little cold also.

The one advantage to a wetsuit is when you have to relieve yourself. I have a method that works fine for me in the waders but most people that see me do it think I'm insane.

My brother-in-law recently bought the Pro-line from Cabela's (another u-boat converter). We searched around town first and didn't find anything. Watch out for Big 5 - I found some of the float tubes were not in the right boxes! Big 5 is pretty lame when it comes to fishing tackle anyway.

A thin pair of pants (like pajama pants - what my wife calls them) I have found to be the best thing to wear under waders. I used to wear shorts but after a few hot days my waders really started to stink. Sweat pants will work if it's not too hot out. They have these diving socks at the dive shop that I got recently (about $10) that are awesome. They are "fluffy" inside and slippery on the outside. Make the waders slide on and off really easily. Tuck the pants into the socks before putting on your waders (so they don't slide up).

I'm not totally satisfied with my fins. They are the "oversized fins" in the Bass Pro Shops catalog on page 109. They work fine but I think I could do better. What I would do if I were you is get the Caddis High Sierra (Deluxe) or Pro-line from Cabela's and try the free fins it comes with first. If they work for you - great! If not find something else.

Actually, I just noticed that Cabela's doesn't specify if the High Sierra comes with a truck tube or bladder. If it matters to you you might want to call them and check it out.

Also, the Caddis Rod Holder on the same page in the B.P.S. catalog is a waste of money. It sits too low and the reel touches the water. I believe Cabela's sells them also.

Here is another link to an on-line store that has Caddis float tubes. They claim they will match anyone's price. They have the Expert model which is in-between the Deluxe and Pro-line. I've talked to them on the phone and they seem pretty knowledgable.

http://www.mostlysports.com/

Pete

You can't catch tomorrow what you kill today - please practice catch and release.

Tree,
Congrats on the decision. I think you'll have a blast. The rod holder deal, is basically you have to construct your own, which is good cause you can customize it to fit individual rods/nets and to fit your individual float tube. Basically get some pvc pipe and some strapping and go at it. Both are available at OSH or Home Depot or similar stores. When I'm not fishing (which hasn't been too often) I"m scuba diving so I use jet fins which are old models, been around forever, and are awesome. Many believe that they're the best fins ever made. You can get em real cheap at garage sales and stuff. There are countless accessories that you can acquire as you get more into it. From anchors (not really necessary) to drink holders to extra storage, to just about anything you could need. Most of the stuff you can get by with re-creating yourself for cheaper or whatever. As for places to purchase, check different internet sites. http://www.thefloattubestore.com has a lot of selections. I got my boat at sport chalet in oxnard. They usually have a decent selection. Don't listen to any of the BS they tell you down there though. I had the guy forbid me to use it in the ocean. riiiiiight. I have had the worst luck with hodgman waders. They have a new float tube line out that has a higher back but the straps are velcro and they kind of piss me off cause they always come undone when you're getting into the boat. As a beginning float tuber you're ok with waders. If you're a suicidal maniac like Jamon, I would suggest a wetsuit. Jamon will charge barreling waves with a 4 ft. face without giving it a second thought. Consequently he gets quite wet very often. But for the rest of us, we don't need to charge any huge waves and we'll be ok with waders. You may want to consider something like glacier gloves just to deal with short wsb and halibut so that they don't get loose in your float tube and pop a hole in it. I don't use them but I certainly have had a need for them lately. Have fun. Let us know when you get the tube and we'll all go out and get pulled around by wsb!!!!
-Brian

My Hodgeman waders are new so we'll have to see what happens. I actually prefer the velcro straps and have not had them come loose. They help when I'm peeing or putting on (or taking off) extra clothing because I can undo them and the redo them under my arms so the strap doesn't fall in the water and get wet. My cousin has used Hodgeman for years with diving booties and has never had a problem.

I've bought 3 different types of rod holders over the years and they've all sucked. My depth finder holder works great as a drink holder when I float fishing down rivers or don't bring my depth finder. There are also small pockets in it where I usually put my pliers for quick access (except Tuesday night when I missed and dropped them in the water). I also would suggest keeping an extra tackle box with no compartments with you to throw all the lures in you have used. This will keep the saltwater off your dry lures and help prevent them from rusting. That way when you get home you can rinse just the lures you used with your rods, boat, etc. It works great.

Brian, thanks for the website URL. I have been there before but never thought to look at the accessories page.

*******************************

You can't catch tomorrow what you kill today - please practice catch and release.

Lost my first fin ever yesterday while fighting a big bat ray in my tube. I can't believe I've gone over 15 years without losing one. I didn't even realize it was gone until I was out of the water (had my mind on other things). I suggest making leashes for your fins. I made some out of velcro watch bands and nylon string (what they use for the caps on dive tanks).

You can't catch tomorrow what you kill today - please practice catch and release.