This is a great sport!

I'm really getting into this float tubing sport. I like being out there on my own, paddling around and just enjoying being on the water.

There's no motor, so the only sounds are the birds and the water and whatever activity is going on around me. I could listen to music with earbuds, of course, but I don't. I like the quiet. It's peaceful and relaxing.

I mostly tube in the harbors and I often work the docks, which means I'm often close to a lot of boats, and I'm surprised at how many people live on boats. I slowly cruise by people out on deck having their morning coffee all the time. The vast majority of people I encounter when tubing, either on docks or out on the water, smile and nod or wave. Some will ask what/if I'm catching and I always say what's true at the moment. However it goes, it's always polite. People are nice to me and I'm nice back.

I can tell that many are amused to see some old guy, covered up like a mummy, with a camera on his head, in a jumped up inner-tube paddling around the bay. I'm fine with being funny looking. I always smile back.

I was thinking about getting a fishing kayak, but after renting one and trying it out, I discovered it wasn't for me. However, while I was researching kayak fishing on YouTube, I ran across some float tubing videos and had a feeling a float tube would be right up my alley. A few minutes into my first trip out, I discovered my hunch was right. My Super Fat Cat and I clicked.

I spent most of my adult years trout fishing and my favorite form of that sport is stream and river fishing. I like the action, the moving from place to place, reading the stream and actively hunting for fish. For me, tube fishing is basically the same. Moving around, reading the structure, actively hunting for fish. I also like the intimacy of being in the water.

And needless to say, whatever drama or stress I have going on, it washes away with a few kicks and tap on the line.

After all is said and done, the main thing is that it's impossible for me to be out on the water and not have moments where I marvel at how good it feels to be there and how lucky I am to be able to do this.

I've been a tuber for all of two months now, but this is for me. I'm down for the long haul and thankful to have found this great way to fish.

Ornery Bob wrote:I'm really getting into this float tubing sport. I like being out there on my own, paddling around and just enjoying being on the water.

There's no motor, so the only sounds are the birds and the water and whatever activity is going on around me. I could listen to music with earbuds, of course, but I don't. I like the quiet. It's peaceful and relaxing.

I mostly tube in the harbors and I often work the docks, which means I'm often close to a lot of boats, and I'm surprised at how many people live on boats. I slowly cruise by people out on deck having their morning coffee all the time. The vast majority of people I encounter when tubing, either on docks or out on the water, smile and nod or wave. Some will ask what/if I'm catching and I always say what's true at the moment. However it goes, it's always polite. People are nice to me and I'm nice back.

I can tell that many are amused to see some old guy, covered up like a mummy, with a camera on his head, in a jumped up inner-tube paddling around the bay. I'm fine with being funny looking. I always smile back.

I was thinking about getting a fishing kayak, but after renting one and trying it out, I discovered it wasn't for me. However, while I was researching kayak fishing on YouTube, I ran across some float tubing videos and had a feeling a float tube would be right up my alley. A few minutes into my first trip out, I discovered my hunch was right. My Super Fat Cat and I clicked.

I spent most of my adult years trout fishing and my favorite form of that sport is stream and river fishing. I like the action, the moving from place to place, reading the stream and actively hunting for fish. For me, tube fishing is basically the same. Moving around, reading the structure, actively hunting for fish. I also like the intimacy of being in the water.

And needless to say, whatever drama or stress I have going on, it washes away with a few kicks and tap on the line.

After all is said and done, the main thing is that it's impossible for me to be out on the water and not have moments where I marvel at how good it feels to be there and how lucky I am to be able to do this.

I've been a tuber for all of two months now, but this is for me. I'm down for the long haul and thankful to have found this great way to fish.

Hi ya Bob,

Thanx for sharing your feelings and your positive float tube experiences with us.
I started this year my self and I've experienced that each inner harbor has it's own identity and personality:
LAH is very commercial and isolated
LAB is extremely friendly and welcoming  
HH is friendly and welcoming
NPH is friendly yet reserved and at times hostile (depending on where you fish in the harbor)
DPH is unknown to me, it's still on my bucket list

I agree with you 100% OB that:
"whatever drama or stress I have going on, it washes away with a few kicks and tap on the line".
There is this since of serenity and peace that always over comes me as well, while I'm floating with a line in my hands!

Excellent write up ... and yes, this is a great sport Sir!
I'll be seeing you at the "Toy Drive" in NPH CGS tomorrow!  

"Happy Holidays" to you and yours!

SP Dan     <"))><

Thanks, Dan, I appreciate your reply and comments on the local harbors.

So far my personal encounters have been limited to Los Alamitos and Newport and they’ve all been positive. There are bound to be the occasional bumps in the road at some point, but overall, life on the water has been very civilized.

I’m definitely looking forward to meeting everyone in Newport tomorrow!

This will be my third time out in Newport, so I’m just barely getting to know it, but I’m dedicated to exploring all the places I can find all over So Cal. Might even get into some of the freshwater lakes down the road.

Thanks again, and I have to say, when it comes to fish counts, you’re setting the bar mighty high. I’m going to have to step up my game considerably to even be competitive in the upcoming tournament, but I'm looking forward to it!

Awesome write up sir! I totally agree with what your saying, being out by yourself...and just listening to nature......and like you and im sure lots of peeps that fish bays and harbors come across good people on there boats....keeps you stress free for that time, good stuff!! and welcome!!! were all in for the long haul!

Bob, It is nice to find another "old guy" my age that goes out float tubing! I have not ventured out yet into the saltwater bays, and I'm not sure I ever will because I am so satisfied with fishing ultralight outfits in my nearby Lake Perris for the large panfish that are in there. If you are ever out in the Riverside area, we should meet up at the lake for a little 'tubing. Right now the fishing is slowing down because of the cooler nights and lower water temps, but come March/April next year, the Redears should be spawning and fishing will be great!

Well said Ornery Bob.

The  early morning solitude watching the sun come up from the water is hard to beat.

Komori wrote:If you are ever out in the Riverside area, we should meet up at the lake for a little 'tubing.  Right now the fishing is slowing down because of the cooler nights and lower water temps, but come March/April next year, the Redears should be spawning and fishing will be great!

I've never fished for panfish, so getting a chance to learn about it from a master is too good of an opportunity to pass up! I'll definitely hit you up this spring, thanks!

Good stuff Bob. I think we all like float tubing for similar reasons

I'd skip DPH if I were you Sp Dan. The harbor isn't as fertile as other harbors. There are the three species of bass and halibut in there, but I've never done very well in there.

OB, good to see you at the CGS, Newport Saturday. I too love the solitude of fishing from a float......hope to see you at Perris..........GT

I would like to have given Perris a try but I feel as though I'd be completely out of my element in doing so.
I've never fished a FW lake for bass from a float tube nor do I have the variety of lures to pick through.

So .... even though I feel a bit left out .... I still want to wish all of you "the very best fishing experiences ever"!!
Ya'll have lots of fun and remember to bring lots of toys and give generous donations for the kid-lets for this Holiday Season's Toy Drive.

PS ... and please, let's try keep this in perspective folks ... it's all about giving to needy children during the up and coming Holidays and it's not about what's in it for any of us.

"Happy Holidays" to all!

Tight lines everyone,

SP Dan     <"))><

What do u mean, left out. Bass r Bass, salt or fresh. Get your sorry ass out their, I've got a bunch of stuff u can use...........GT

I just meant that I don't have a clue on how to hunt and fish lake FW fish ... that's all.
I'm ok at SW but clueless when it comes to FW.

At-ease men!

Komori wrote:Bob,  It is nice to find another "old guy" my age that goes out float tubing!  I have not ventured out yet into the saltwater bays, and I'm not sure I ever will because I am so satisfied with fishing ultralight outfits in my nearby Lake Perris for the large panfish that are in there.  If you are ever out in the Riverside area, we should meet up at the lake for a little 'tubing.  Right now the fishing is slowing down because of the cooler nights and lower water temps, but come March/April next year, the Redears should be spawning and fishing will be great!

Hi ya Kormori,

Would you happen to know how I can go about finding out what the predicted water temperatures for Lake Perris will be and or for all the other lakes as well?
I can not seem to find a site that will supply me with lake water predicted temperature information.

Thanx

Dan

Dan,
Last week the water temp at Perris was 63 or so. I figure for the tourney next week it will be around 60 Degrees. I hope Komori has a link for us.

I hope this helps.

The most accurate way to get water temp or any info on Perris is to ask Jerdon or Wes.