Float tubing

[Sportsman]

Well, after a long break due to ice and then accident I am finally climbing back aboard my float tube this weekend.

There is a lovely little loch a half hours drive from here which is fished very lightly and not overstocked so the trout are almost naturalised. I have been after permission to tube it for over two years and just heard yesterday that they are going to allow two of us to fish from tubes this year so first outing on Sunday.

Roll on

[Newt]

Enjoy yourself. If there is a more pleasant way to fish, I don't know of it.

[Elton]

Sounds fantastic. Let us know how you get on.

[Sportsman]

Well I made it to the Loch on Sunday morning. nice overcast day, good breeze and everything looking good. Only one other out on the loch in a boat so had one end all to myself.

Launched and paddled out and reminded myself of what I had been missing.

First cast I bumped a fish, so looked promising.

Second cast I bumped a fish so feeling hopeful

The next 50 or so casts nothing happened!

Changed my fly and immediately caught a trout of around 3lb. This one had been in the loch overwinter, full tail and as silver as a sea trout. It went off like a train and I didn't see it for the first few minutes. It really is something to play a hard fighting fish on light tackle from the tube

Couple of casts later I caught his twin brother and then that was it, I couldn't buy a bite. The wind got up and it was heavy going just to hold station.

Around 3 the rain started along with the wind so I figured I'd had enough fun for one day.

Great day in beautiful surroundings with the fish as a bonus, and more or less on my doorstep.

 

BTW, if anyone is up this way and fancies a day out in the tube, I have a spare with all the kit.

You can choose from

 

Pike on the fly

Wild loch with wild brownies

Beautiful loch with naturalised rainbows

Probably the best small rainbow fishery in Scotland at Haddo http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/haddo-trout-fishery.html where you can catch double figure trout from the tube. My PB came from here, 17lb on a 4wt homemade rod

Got to be worth a few days and if you want to get a cheap flight I can probably arrange to pick you up from the airport.

Edited April 28, 2009 by Sportsman

[OwdTrout]

Get thee behind me Satan, that is temptation indeed.

 

About 10 years ago I was too heavy for a float tube. As an incentive to loose weight I promised myself one if I got down enough to use it. Well over the last two years I've managed to lop off about 10 stone. Now I can use one, I have become unsure that it is something I want to do. I've been thinking more of a kayak. Then you come up with an offer like that.

 

What's more I have an invite to visit a good friend in Sutherland. It looks as though I'm going to have to give in to temptation. Mr Sportsman, I may be in touch with you, if I can arrange the rest of the trip. That's a generous offer I don't think I can resist.

 

Cheers,

OT.

[Sportsman]

Get thee behind me Satan, that is temptation indeed.

 

About 10 years ago I was too heavy for a float tube. As an incentive to loose weight I promised myself one if I got down enough to use it. Well over the last two years I've managed to lop off about 10 stone. Now I can use one, I have become unsure that it is something I want to do. I've been thinking more of a kayak. Then you come up with an offer like that.

 

What's more I have an invite to visit a good friend in Sutherland. It looks as though I'm going to have to give in to temptation. Mr Sportsman, I may be in touch with you, if I can arrange the rest of the trip. That's a generous offer I don't think I can resist.

 

Cheers,

OT.

 

You would be most welcome OT

I warn you, once you have tried the tube you will lose all interest in that Plastic Plank

 

In seriousness, it is horses for courses, the kayak would be much better on larger waters where you may want to travel long distances. The tube lends itself to a more intimate environment