What is a float tube?
A float tube is a small, light boat, an "improved" inflatable buoy, in which the fisherman sits, and which allows him to move on the water with the help of fins.
U-shaped when they were invented, they are now V-shaped, in order to move more easily on the water. The new float tubes are much better designed than the first generations. The seat is raised, which allows you to have your buttocks dry and to be higher on the water, which makes it easier to throw. They are equipped with pockets, a surface in front of either to put his line or his equipment. Some fishermen attach a small electric motor to move forward without getting tired.
They are very fashionable in the last few years, because they allow you to fish in lakes and rivers without having a boat, with a much simpler logistics, and a quicker launch.
Some reservoirs accept their use, sometimes for a small fee for launching them. Their number may be limited.
In fishing action, what does it look like?
In a float-tube, the fisherman moves slowly and discreetly on the water by moving backwards, thanks to his webbed legs, and can approach the fish very closely.
Once on his spot, he keeps his "boat" in place or lets it drift. The wind is an asset if it blows lightly to drift and cover ground, but when it is strong, it becomes a real disadvantage, because it forces the fisherman to paddle constantly. Sometimes, abandonment is mandatory.
Fishing by boat in reservoir
In some reservoirs, fishing in boats is offered and these are rented. This is often the case on large lakes, to be able to use all the available surface and to distribute the fishermen.
The rental often includes the boat, but also the life jacket and everything that may be necessary for fishing in the boat (bung, scope, seats,âeuros¦).
It is therefore good to know how to row to move properly.
Benefits of boat fishing
The main advantage is to be able to move quickly and thus to exploit the entire reservoir. Sometimes even to be able to fish inaccessible zones of the edge.
For surface, drowned and sub-surface fishing, in light winds, it is a real advantage to let yourself drift in the direction of the current/wind to find active fish. This "loch style" fishing is the one used by the Anglo-Saxons where a great tradition of reservoir fishing has existed for a very long time.
We make drifts with our back to the wind. The trout are facing the wind and feed mainly on chironomid hatchlings that rise from the bottom to the surface. They can also take many types of terrestrial insects that fall into the water on a windy day, including the famous "daddy longlegs".
You can fish with "chiro" but also with streamer and any other technique except static fishing (booby, bung).
You can also fish anchored on a post and then change to cover different areas. Anchoring allows you to stay and insist on a particular spot. Possibly to change technique on the same area to find what interests the fish.
Anchoring also allows fishing when there is too much wind and static fishing without anchor or drifting is not possible.
It is possible to fish standing up or sitting down, depending on your preferences, balance on the boat, and wary of trout. Some boats are not very stable and it is advisable to use a life jacket even if you can swim.
In clear water, sitting still allows you to avoid being seen by the fish that may follow and take the fly at the last moment.
