Float Tube Control

Wetswinger

Wetswinger

Beneath the surface of the mud, there’s more mud.
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I'm having a problem of keeping in position when on anchor in my float tube. My tube wants to spin around alot. Working straight down wind is good but even without wind it seems to pivot. I hate to paddle when the fly gets near as I'm sure to scare the fish off. Any tips for better control? I was trying to cast to near shore and drag it over the drop off. Slight breeze off my left. Tube would eventually rotate 180 degrees. Frustration. Too much effort maintaining position instead of concentrating on the fishing..
 
I find anchoring the tube or canoe a pain. You need a long anchor line. longer the better, to reduce spin, sideways drift. If I use only 30' in 25' FOW there is not enough lead and it will spin. At 50' I sway. Putting a "V" line on your craft and attaching the anchor rope like a "Y" will help. Two anchors is about the only solution I've found.
Like Tim and Steve, I kick.
 
Ya, it's the side winds that get me. Do you cast and retrieve off to the side so you can paddle to stay in position? I guess I'll need to accept retrieving with all that motion..
 
Wetswinger said:
Ya, it's the side winds that get me. Do you cast and retrieve off to the side so you can paddle to stay in position? I guess I'll need to accept retrieving with all that motion..
Click to expand...
I don't have oars, but I'll cast and retrieve "sideways" as much as the wind will let me if I need to hold a certain position to cover a spot or area. Often the fish are spread out so I can drift downwind fan casting then work back upwind with my back to it at the speed I want. Worked up to being able to kick many hours now, even with a stiff breeze.
I found that the fish will hit surprising close to the tube, but I'm sure some fish are spookier than others.
 
I catch 1/2 of my trout on the raise. Suspend my leader for 30 sec. before the next case and bam, fish on. That's why I don't want to kick at the end of my retrieve...
 
Wetswinger said:
I catch 1/2 of my trout on the raise. Suspend my leader for 30 sec. before the next case and bam, fish on. That's why I don't want to kick at the end of my retrieve...
Click to expand...
Hear ya, Munn can be like that. I tend to get most of my movement needed between casts and accept my fate during.

Wind can make for some wizardry. Cross body, backhand casts, sideways etc. think Will Farrell in OldSchool.

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Wetswinger said:
I'm having a problem of keeping in position when on anchor in my float tube. My tube wants to spin around alot. Working straight down wind is good but even without wind it seems to pivot. I hate to paddle when the fly gets near as I'm sure to scare the fish off. Any tips for better control? I was trying to cast to near shore and drag it over the drop off. Slight breeze off my left. Tube would eventually rotate 180 degrees. Frustration. Too much effort maintaining position instead of concentrating on the fishing..
Click to expand...
What Tim said.
That's one of the benefits of having fins,
Infinite position control with hands free.
 
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