| Re: Float tube?
I've tubed and kickboated the Salt. I'm just getting into Flys.
A few things I've picked up:
1. An anchor can save your ass!! Offshore winds can be kicked against for only so long. A 7.5# Mushroom anchor and 100' of 3/16" rope will hold you fine.
2. Beach launches can be done, but they aren't much fun if conditions aren't atleast good and preferably perfect. I flipped a U-tube in 3' rollers.
3. Sealions aren't an issue if you don't keep your fish, usually. I have had them grab a stringer with Rockfish (not a good idea anyways), and grab a Salmon off my line. In both cases being slapped with a rod sent them running, but it was way too close for comfort and I lost the Salmon anyways.
4. When launching keep everything zipped up. Even in calm lake conditions it's amazing how much you can spill when getting into your tube and underway.
5. Legally you have to have a class whatever PFD(lifevest) with you. Wear it!
6. A whistle is a good idea. Wal-mart has 1 w/ a thermometer and a compass. Clip it to your PFD. Your hard to see in a swell, but sound can alert an idiot that your there. Canned Horns are even better but are never easy to get to.
All-in-all it's not as dangerous as it sounds. I have averaged 10 salt trips a year for 8 years and have caught many fish upto a 32# Hali (not to mention 2 broke -off that were definitely bigger). I plan on going on my 83rd trip soon.
Tight lines,
Wade
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