Multiple rods on a float tube?
- Thread starter Josh
- Start date
I use a super fat cat which I believe has the same seat configuration as the FC4.
I put the spare rods (up to two) pointing out the back and tuck the rod butts and reels under the strap that connects to the seat back. I then wedge a towel in on top of them to keep things in place. I can then have three rods with me if I want. Never had any issues hitting the spare rods with my back cast since they are on the opposite side of the tube from where I’m casting.
SF
I put the spare rods (up to two) pointing out the back and tuck the rod butts and reels under the strap that connects to the seat back. I then wedge a towel in on top of them to keep things in place. I can then have three rods with me if I want. Never had any issues hitting the spare rods with my back cast since they are on the opposite side of the tube from where I’m casting.
SF
Do you have a photo of that setup? I'm having trouble envisioning it for some reason (likely just need more coffee).
Sigh, I see we've been over this topic before. Searching? What is that?
pnwflyfishing.com
Whats your favorite DIY or store bought float tube fly rod holder
Tired of my jerry rigged fly rod holder on the float tube. Looking at trying something else. Any suggestions appreciated..
pnwflyfishing.com
I do somewhere, but would have to find it.
I circled the seat strap I stick the rods under. The reels and butt sections of the spare rods would be sitting on the seat next to your hip with the rod tips pointing out the back.
Simple and easy without have to bring anything else other then a towel to carry spare rods.
SF
I circled the seat strap I stick the rods under. The reels and butt sections of the spare rods would be sitting on the seat next to your hip with the rod tips pointing out the back.
Simple and easy without have to bring anything else other then a towel to carry spare rods.
SF
Similarly, I put the reels and rod butts in that left side pocket and zip it up as much as I can, usually pretty well as long as I don't have too much other crap in there.
Jim in Anacortes
Life of the Party
Sometimes I will take out two rods and reels on my float tube. The one I am not using is "folded" and the reel is next to my seat with the tip pointed behind me. I used the term "folded"...by this I mean that the rod that is fully ready to fish and has been "folded" by separating the rod at midsection, and then held together with velcro straps (or other means). It takes a bit of practice, but you can easily "Unfold" a rod that is set up with a fly, ready to cast in less than two minutes. You can hastily "fold" your primary rod to get it out of the way. I'm a minimalist but sometimes that second rod can be a hoot.
Jim in Anacortes
Life of the Party
I will expound on the notion of "folding" a fly rod. Especially where a float tube is involved. I can take my fly rod (that is ready to cast) and hook the fly onto the cork (or hook keeper) Separate the rod in the middle, fold it over, take up the slack line into the reel and use velcro to hold everything together. Easy Peasy. I, actually, like to mate the two pieces up with both of the smaller ends of the rod pointing forward. After a little practice this can be done quickly.
Fourbtgait
Life of the Party
When I had one, I built a “table” that rested on the top and side of the pontoon, 2 straps holding it in place. Center was plexiglass, either end had a cheap screw on 4 rod holder, foam inserts.
No picture of it but I found the idea using google like 8 years ago.
Edit, onlinr pics.
No picture of it but I found the idea using google like 8 years ago.
Edit, onlinr pics.
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absolutely!
I tempt fate.
and I like to live dangerously!
just tuck the extra right next to me intertwined between me and the seat strap....I have a buddy who uses a float on his rod, but that's lame because there's no danger of loss involved.
but that's really the best idea....when one of the pockets aren't filled with dumb stuff that you don't need.
I tend to either do as @Stonedfish mentioned or just place them tip up, reel down in the back of the tube pointed towards the back left side (right hand casting). Never had any issues with that unless it’s windy and the rods shift to my casting side (right).
I will say that having rods sticking out of the back of the tube can be problematic when bass fishing. When targeting lily pads and woody areas you are bound to get hung up, even with weed guards on your flies. Backing a float tube into these areas with rods sticking out behind you can be an issue and something to be aware of if you go that route. I’ve forgotten about my spare rods retrieving flies and I’ve probably come close to breaking a rod tip on the bank a few times.
I will say that having rods sticking out of the back of the tube can be problematic when bass fishing. When targeting lily pads and woody areas you are bound to get hung up, even with weed guards on your flies. Backing a float tube into these areas with rods sticking out behind you can be an issue and something to be aware of if you go that route. I’ve forgotten about my spare rods retrieving flies and I’ve probably come close to breaking a rod tip on the bank a few times.
This is a good point.
Wayne Kohan
Life of the Party
I just tuck all my spare rods behind me, or I have a “side table” that Outcast used to make. I like to have 3 rods typically as I often fish two at a time when I can. Bass fishing is the easiest but then I want a floating bass rod, a floating panfish rod, and some type of sinking line. For trout I can fish two sinkers at a time fairly easily.
It’s a thing but there are tradeoffs for being able to enjoy those sunnies on a 3 wt!
Fourbtgait
Life of the Party
Mine was modeled like this, except plexiglass instead of flexible.
Bruce Baker
Life of the Party
I tried carrying a second rod on my Fish Cat 4. The set up I tried was trying to use a small bungee cord that I can adjust the size and clips together to form a loop. It was okay, but if I hadn't been paying attention, I might have lost my rod, so I need to perfect it a little. I was also a little uncomfortable with my rod sticking out way behind my tube for fear of inadvertently running into something with the rod. One idea I am toying with is setting up the rod and then breaking it down in half and then putting in bungee loops. The rod won't be stocking out and secondly, with two pieces there is more rod to put in the loop versus one piece.
