Float Tube / Belly Boat Fins

[FishinCricket]

Criiiiiiiiiket! PM material! I've met Flysmallie and... well... he ain't small! (But he's got a sense of humor).

Hey, don't tell me.. Talk to "slim", he started it.. (Its a cold sore, Beavis!)

and I do got a snake! One time I fed it some beer.. It slivered this way and that.. It was all $&@$ED up! **

So nanner nanner boo-boo...

Honestly I'm just trying to give him a reason to put me in his boat for a day on the lake.. Even if his sole purpose at that point is to drown me! (Im more likable, if that's possible, in person..)

** (obscure comedy reference, free guide trip down the Niangua to the first person to properly identify it's origins)

[vanven]

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Mr. Vanven ,, I TOTALLY agree with you. Using regular swim fins in a belly boat is enough to turn anyone off from ever trying to fish out of a tube. What style of fin and boat do you prefer ?

I would like to know if there is anyone else on this forum who has tried to fish from a tube and whether they liked it or not.

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I have a Trout Unlimited Togiak and love it. I like the V shaped hull and the fact that you sit a bit higher in the water in a stadium type seat. I typically bass fish out of it on small watersheds and ponds. I haven't tried fly fishing but it does have a nice stripping apron that covers your legs.

I would personally recommend a V shaped hull. They seem to cut through the water better and with less effort. There is a downside though, they tend to catch a bit more air on windy days and can be a bit harder to handle when it is windy. Tons of pockets and D-rings and straps to carry a ton of gear. I usually toss a small water tight cooler behind the seat with a few drinks and snacks in it. Beware that the area has a mesh floor so anything you put in it will get wet.

I use the standard strap onto your boot fins. They work but I would like to try a set of the scuba fins to see if they give a bit more oomph. Get some leashes for your fins, you dont want to be in the middle of a pond, kick a tree limb, and end up kicking back with one foot. It is frustrating

I love fishing this way on hot summer days. Easy to dip your hat in the water and much cooler on the legs. I typically wear light waders because muddy water is , well, creepy. There is nothing better than a nice 8lb bass taking you for a pull. I would love to find a place in the KC area to try mine out catching carp with a fly rod.

-Jerod

[solus_vero]

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Oh my ,,, What did I start ?!?! You boys play nice now !

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Yes, It is true that those little snakies get a little curious at times. No biggy though, nothing a little slap across the back wont cure. Besides, 95% of the time they are just non poisonous water snakes. It's the big, short fat ones that float on top the water you have to look out for. Oh ya, and look up in the trees before you go shaking a limb around.

I have always used the round type tubes and I find them to be quite adequate. I bought a brand new "U" shaped boat at the Bass Pro shop spring sale ($63.00) but I haven't had a chance to use it though. I plan on putting Fishing Cricket in it and letting him test,, eeerr,, I mean ,, use it. I'm sure I've got him very confused because I have a 2005 Nitro bass boat in my driveway,, ROTFL !!!! I find gas is much cheaper in my tube. Some beans and cucumbers and your good to go ,, lol.

Anyways, when I bought my new tube I also bought 2 pair of those dive fins ($40.00 each) I thought it would be nice to use them to get me where I wanted to go quickly then switch over to the side fins. And yes, you can be sure that anything you bring along WILL get wet and, unless you want to send everything you carry to the bottom, tie it onto the tube, fins and all.

I have fly fished out of the tube and although your setting low in the water, you never get over your chest, just like wading. Ponds and strip pits are the best because your not fighting a current, but, any water is good for a tube.

If anyone wants to try one out, just PM me. I have 2 tubes and my time is open.

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[FishinCricket]

Now We got him talkin', folks.. Allow me to introduce mon frer, Solus Vero! He's a decent fella, by most accounts.. Not a stalker or anything.. Just a couple nervous ticks and a bad case of the gout..

Naw, I'd vouche for ya, Solus, but it might tarnish your reputation.. I'm pretty sure these people think I'm gonzo crazy..

[solus_vero]

Darned if you didn't get this thread of topic FC (wink), but, that's alright, I'll bring her back in time.

Yes, you got me talking. That is the easy part. Getting me to shut up is the hard part.

Thank you for the introduction (I think) and your right, I'm not a stalker (By the way, your new couch looks great from the front yard).

I don't have a nervous tick, it's called tret syndrome. It can be fun in the bars but a little distracting in church.

(And what the heck is "Gout"?)

I really don't think you can tarnish my reputation anymore than my 8 ex-wives already have.

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(Now, back on topic) ,,, The fins that were on e-bay slipped away and the manufacturers haven't called me back, so, I'm still looking to find those side fins. Everyone look in your garage and dig out those old fins.

The finders fee (a kiss from FC) and $50.00 is still up for grabs.

[FishinCricket]

Missed the ones on eBay by a couple bucks, man.. I hate bid bots! lol

come to think of it, I am WAAAY to competitive to be messin' with auctions...

[ness]

I didn't have the patience to read through all the posts, but to answer an early question: yes, I love to fish from a tube. It's a relaxing and comfortable way to get around on smaller water. Lotsa times the best water is out of reach from shore, so a tube gets you in there. Also, since you're driving with your feet, your hands are always free -- unlike a canoe or pontoon.

I've got the v-shaped Force Fins, and I use the straps to keep from losing them. Yep -- they're a pain to walk in, so I just minimize the walking. No matter what, it's never pretty when I enter or exit the tube though.

The trick with a tube is to just take it slow and fish as you go. If you hop in and immediately try to head a couple hundred yards over to your spot, you won't enjoy it too much.

[solus_vero]

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-UPDATE -

I Called "Fishmaster Manufacturing" in Oklahoma and ordered a pair if "Paddle Pusher" fins. They sell them for 1/2 of what they are auctioning off for on E-bay ,, AND THEY ARE NEW !!!

Not only that, but, the little lady I spoke with was the owner. Her name is Jeannie and I must say she was one of the most pleasant people I have ever spoke with. She was VERY personable and helpful.

She told me she is the only one who makes these type of fins and used to sell them through Bass Pro, but, Bass pro was charging way too much and she decided to drop them and sell these fins, float tubes, bags and ETC her self. SHE WAS WORRIED ABOUT HER CUSTOMERS AND DIDN'T WANT BASS PRO CHARGING SO MUCH. That is an attitude you wont find in business nowadays (except for a car salesman I know who goes by the name of "Fishin Cricket)!!!

So, I don't need a pair of fins now. And thanks too Flysmallie I'm going to have a great summer.

Flysmallie ,, you won the finders fee ,, you do know what that means right ?!? YUP ! A great big wet kiss from Fishin Cricket. Just post the following info right here on this thread and I'll personally drive him to you. ,,, Here is the info I need ,,,

(Real) Name

Date of birth.

Address,

Work address

Home, work, cell phone numbers,

Social Security Number,

Bank account numbers,( Checking and savings)

Mothers Maiden name

your favorite pets name

shoe size

As soon as you post all this info, I'll drive FC to you, PERSONALLY.

I know you are looking forward to the kiss as much as I am looking forward to recording it on video.

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[FishinCricket]

Oh, dear lord....

(BTW, My waders don't get along with belly boats, I'll have to wait til summer to see if I like them..)

[solus_vero]

Oh, dear lord....

(BTW, My waders don't get along with belly boats, I'll have to wait til summer to see if I like them..)

Quick fishing report - Wednesday March 10th, Bennett Springs State Park.

Fly rods,

wet flys and tiny jigs.

I caught maybe 5 average trout, 1 chub minnow, and 1 strange looking brown minnow about 2 inches long, Fishing cricket caught over 20 trout. (yes, he took me school that day).

After they released fish food pellets upstream and I was surrounded by BIG trout that wouldn't eat anything but fish pellets (By the way, if anyone knows how to tie a hook and feather on a fish food pellet,, PM me) We decided to go down stream where the spring meets the river and dawn the ol belly boats to try for some small mouths.

(This is where the day got interesting)

To see a cricket, wearing green waders, belly boat and swim fins (he looked like a giant, skinny bull frog that had eaten a huge bagel,,, whole), walking backwards down a boat launch was hilarious enough, BUT, to see his face when that COLD water went over the back of his waders, down his back into unknown territory - was PRICELESS ! I guess he was worried that certain parts of his person would melt. That's not a good thing because he is built like a flag pole with ears anyways. He said he "enough of this" and went back the the spring,, what a wussy !!!

I, however wanted to get into some fish that weren't hand fed from birth.

I ended up catching 3 smaller small mouths, 1 - 13 inch smallie and one nice,13(ish) inch trout, all in front of a large group of people fishing from shore who had been watching Cricket and I the whole time,,,, I hope someone got it all on video.

I had a great day, I'd say Cricket had a good time and no one lost an eye, so I guess one could say it was a good fishing trip.

Hey Cricket, wanna do it again this Wednesday?

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