Floating away
A BIT of a change of pace and a workout for the legs this week – a few of my colleagues have been out in their float tubes so I dusted off the inflatable and headed out for an after work perch hunt.
One of the lads is a convert and it’s rapidly become his new favourite thing. Most of my float tubing has been fly fishing for pike and on a few fisheries for rainbows, so it was fun to get the little lures out and set off for stripies on a little-fished loch.
No matter what method you’re using the basics are the same. You can get into this type of fishing with minimal expense if you know what you need to get and factor in what you need vs what you want.
A flotation device is top of the list because it’s the number one thing you need every time you’re heading out on the water. You’ll also need a float tube, fins, waders, basic fishing equipment and waterproof storage.
You can add on all manner of extras to make your day easier – rod holders, fish finders, leashes, sporty fins for faster top speed, specific kayak/float tube nets.
Like every aspect of angling there’s loads of cool bits to invest in, but starting doesn’t need to get complicated.
I use my wading life vest, my usual waders and some zip lock waterproof pouches. The fishing gear you’ve got plenty already, so no need to buy specific gear just yet.
Most models of float tube have pockets and leash points for stowing your gear and keeping things safe, so once you’ve got the basics you just need to work on your navigation and cardio.
When we landed and pumped up the tubes, it all came back quickly. Waddle backward into the deeper water then start cycling your legs about to generate a bit of momentum and use the wind to drift and fish or rest.
It is armchair fishing at its best. You can be as energetic or relaxed as you like but the low profile and quiet approach really lets you sneak up on fish that you’d struggle to reach from the bank.
Fishing wise it was all about the blades and soft plastics, with the top fish measuring 48cm and a few in the 35-40cm bracket.
The top method was a nedrigged lure fished on or close to the bottom. From the float tube it was easy to fish almost vertically and feel the lure touch bottom then slowly work it back.
The flat style of jighead means the lure sits up from the bottom with its rubber tail or the creature bait’s appendages waving invitingly.
Focusing on likely spots paid off. The float tube meant we could control the drift more than you would from a boat and hone in on the fish once we found them.