I find that much of my float tube fishing is done alone. Not that I'm that much of a loner but I find that often my schedule and style of fishing doesn't fit consistently with others.
It is often repeated in the literature, "Always tube with a buddy." It seldom works for me so I go solo.
Do you ever tube alone? If so, what extra safety precautions do you take?
z~
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[black][size 3]All the time. Or maybe, way too often. [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]Saftey precautions ? [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]First and formost, a PFD.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]Second, a raft Knife(serrated edge) attached to my PFD.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]Thirdly, Bug Juice and sun screen.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]Fourth, A good meal before hand.[/size][/black]
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[cool][#0000ff]It is good to tube with a buddy, from the dual standpoints of companionship and safety. However, as you observe, tubing often becomes a solitary thing if you can't find anybody else available...or who shares your sense of reckless abandon.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Personally, I sometimes prefer the solitude of tubing alone. Under good weather conditions and on scenic waters it is a therapeutic experience. My term for it is "brainbroom". The only thing that ruins the meditative beauty of it all is when a pesky fish insists on playing too.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I really don't do much differently on a solo trip than I do when tubing with TubeBabe or other fellow floatation fanatics. I always go through my gear checklist and load the vehicle the night before, to avoid leaving vital components behind. Of course, those vital components include the PFD.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Because of the experience I have and the self confidence I have acquired over many years of trouble free tubing, I am not paranoid about the "what-ifs". Sure, anything could happen at any time, but major problems are not likely to happen if you plan ahead and do not take any unnecessary or risky chances.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Most of my solitary trips are within reasonable distance of assistance, if I should need it. If I launch on or near a public ramp, or near road access, I have the confidence of being able to be rescued if something unforseen happens. If I meet with something fatal, then I guess I would just have to accept the fact that it was time for my ticket to be punched and it really wouldn't matter how close I was to someone else...fishing buddy or otherwise.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]For those who are more cautious, it is suggested that you carry a cell phone (where there is reception) and/or a small radio. Even a good walkie talkie can usually get some response if you work through the channels in the event of an emergency.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Carrying an inexpensive canned air horn can be a good idea, especially on waters with lots of boating traffic. It will come in handy for signaling errant boaters of your presence as well as summoning attention if you need help.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The prevention part is more important than any device you can get to help bail you out. Pay attention to the weather and don't put yourself in harm's way. Avoid strong winds and especially stay off the water if there is lightning.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you are tubing on a large lake, you should not try to cross the lake or cover too much water. Most of the best fishing for tubers is going to be near shore anyway, so there is seldom a good reason for getting too far offshore. The further from shore you wander, the more likely you will be dodging boats. And, the greater the potential for getting caught in a sudden wind situation.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Just as with any solo expedition, it is wise to let someone else know of your intended destination...and your planned return time. Check in with them when you leave and when you return. And, don't change plans without advising your contact person.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If I am faced with going alone, or not at all, I will usually go solo. With gas prices being what they are, however, I seldom make long range trips to isolated areas when I am by myself. I stick closer to home and just find someplace to enjoy without making a major expedition out of it. You don't need distance and expense to get the therapy benefits.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Is that about the way you look at it?[/#0000ff]
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"Second, a raft Knife(serrated edge)"
Fishhound, what is the knife for? Why a serrated edge?
Z,
I prefer to float with a buddy, but due to work and family commitments, most of my trips are "spur-of-the-moment" events. Unfortunately, that means going alone much of the time. I do always have my cell phone with me and with the slightest ripple in the water, I will put the PFD on. (most guys I see just stow the PFD, even in chop.) I also tend to stay close to shore while fishing. I also fish the same areas a lot, and local knowledge of conditions is very helpful in avoiding trouble. Even still, there have been some interesting trips, including my trip on Tuesday, where I had a long kick in choppy water back to the ramp. (I stayed close to shore and was never in any real danger.) Finally, as has been mentioned, if there is lightning nearby, I get off the water ASAP.
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[black][size 3]The knife is a residual from my white water rafting and sailing days. You never know when you will absolutely have to sever some rope to escape or self rescue from a tangled line of some kind. I have one permenently attached to my PFD just in case. [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]The serrated edge is more efficient at cutting wet ropes quickly.[/size][/black]
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[font "Arial"][size 3]I tube my river almost exclusively alone. I let the wife know where/when as suggested above. I have done up to 6 miles in a day by myself, although that usually makes for a loooooong walk to put in.[/size][/font]
[size 3][font "Arial"] [/font][/size]On the other hand, there is a national park and trail along one side of my river that is heavily trafficked during the warmer months, so help is never that far away if I need it.
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I ALSO OFTEN TUBE ALONE. I'M SELF EMPLOYED SO I GET TO FISH DURING THE WEEK WHEN OTHERS ARE AT WORK[cool]. I DO TAKE MY CELL PHONE WITH ME HOWEVER IF I KNOW I'M GOING TO BE IN AN AREA WITH NO RECEPTION I TAKE A WAKIE TALKIE, ALSO I TAKE MY SUSPENDER STYLE PDF. IN ADDITION I GIVE MY WIFE AN ETA AND CALL WHEN I GET OFF THE WATER OR AS SOON AS RECEPTION ALLOWS.
I MYSELF ENJOY FISHING WITH OTHERS, BUT I REALLY LOOK FORWARD TO AND ENJOY THE TIMES I FISH ALONE....VERY THERAPEUTIC SPECIALLY IN THE TUBE.
AT
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My friend Bob and I usually tube together. Even though we foften fish far removed from each other we usually meet and tether the tubes together for a coffee and snack. (His wife makes incredible brownies!) We went out to our trout club today and after lunch decided to fish different ponds. he took longer than expected to get over to the pond I was in and I was enjoying some good action. We're thinking a pair of walkie talkies would be nice for comparing notes long distance.
When Bob is busy I will often go out on my own. I really enjoy the solitude and the opportunity to commune with my Maker! One time years ago after my kayaking buddy moved away, I did a solo trip in the wilderness of Algonquin Park. I nearly died on that one as I had an anaphylactic reaction to something. For a lot of years I made sure I went out with friends but I am confident that the Good Lord watches over me and I am never really alone.
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With my buddy or my son. When on the water we go all over the lake but can see each other.
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Sounds like we're all in a similar line of thinking. I do take the inflatable PFD (and wear it.) I keep my wife posted (leave her a map and an ETA usually - she says so she knows where to hunt for the body) and call as soon as I'm off the water and back in cell phone range. I generally stay fairly close to shore (that's often where the fish are anyway). I hadn't thought of the knife, which I see could have some application. I do carry the cell phone with me but hadn't carried a radio on solo trips (though I do have a couple of them.) Might consider a change there. The small air horn is also a good idea as you could pretty well get anyone's attention who was nearby.
How about hypothermia? If a person did end up in the water during the cooler fall season or in my case, the milder winter season, how would you handle yourself to keep warm? I'm thinking some provision for building a fire in an emergency and being certain that the gas tank of the auto is topped off before I leave on the trip (for use of the heater.)
Anybody else want to chime in here?
z~
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[black][size 3]That's a good point you brought up there Zonker. [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]I forgot to mention also, that I always have fire starter with me by default. [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]The sheath of my raft knife has a pouch that holds a magnesium strip, flint and a couple of other survival essentials. [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]I also carry an extensive emergency survival pack in all my vehicles(I go out in some very romote areas with my hounds quite often) as well as extra fishing gear that always remains in the vehicle as standard equipment for those impromtu angling opportunities.[/size][/black]
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Hypothermia is not a good thing, I believe you probably won't be able to function very well, as far as getting a fire going, so I wonder if those chemical hand warmers might be better to get you warmed up untill you can build and light a fire. I don't know if this is right or not.
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[black][size 3]Yes, hypothermia is not a good thing. I have had experience with it before - both personally myself, and with people that I have been out with. [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]One of my hobbies(or obsessions - like fishing) is primitive survival techniques. It goes along with my passion for primitive solo camping in remote areas. [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]The biggest challenge when a person is dealing with one of the stages of hypothermia, is psychological. The person is often disoriented, somewhat
and/or not thinking clearly. Making a fire, or knowing to make one, in those situations, can be difficult.[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]In a survival situation, those hand warmers (if kept dry and have not expired) might be nice, but they would not be too useful except for in a very limited fashion. They work great for maintaining warmth or comfort(I use them while skiing), but not in restoring core body heat. They might make your hands warm enough to function a little better, but that is not really the critical issue with hypothermia. [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]That said, if you actually did have the luxury of having hand warmers, by all means, you should use them ! [/size][/black]
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Perhaps the greatest means would be in avoiding hypothermia in the first place. In the water you would want to get out and start warming up right away, assuming that you're in grave danger if you do nothing. Under those circumstances you might have enough working mental capacity to do what is required. The most effective means might be starting up the car and turning on the heater.
z~
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[black][size 3]Right again Zonker ![/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]Avoiding hypothermia is the best treatment for it.[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]And, getting the vehicle started and firing up the heater could be a life saver. This may sound bad to some folks, but if you are soaked and freezing, remove your wet clothes and dry yourself off ! Wearing nothing and being dry is better. [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]A spare set of clothes in the vehicle is an important part of my survival gear. It doesn't take up much room and it has come in handy on numerous occassions. All that is needed is a shirt, pants, socks, shoes and jacket. [/size][/black]
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Yes I had thought that the hand warmers would only be good to help get you able to function. After that you would still need to get some heat somehow. There are some great ways of starting a fire but gathering the fuel could be the real difficulty.
I believe these kind of discussion are very valuable as we don't normally think about the possible dangers and what we would actually do if something were to happen to us or any one else we might be with or come upon.
I have been
out hunting and not having any matches or other survival items and that incident caused me to be more prepared for those just incase situations.
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[cool][#0000ff]Since the invention of the inexpensive butane lighters, it is inexcusable for anyone to ever go afield without something to start a fire. They work in cold weather and at high altitudes. And, if you get the extended models (Aim 'N Flame) it is easy to reach down into your tinder material to get it started. Those things are great for getting a fire going even with damp wood. Unlike matches, which can get wet and only burn for a few seconds, the butane lighters will maintain a flame until you get the fire going.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You won't find me trying to get a fire started with flint and steel, bow drill or rubbing sticks together. I sometimes joke that when I was in boy scouts we learned how to start fires by rubbing two girl scouts together...or chipping two cookies together.[/#0000ff]
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[black][size 3]Good point TD,[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]I also carry a lighter with me almost everywhere. However, one word of caution.[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]Those lighters can be made useless if you have any oils (like Smelly Jelly etc.) on your hands that transfers to the thumbwheel(the pizo-electric are a bit better) or gets in the gas jet aperature. Water, temperature and elevation can also affect them.[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]That is why(after a couple of decades of testing) I carry the Magnesium and flint - it starts always and nothing affects it. With a little practice, a person can start a roaring blaze out of almost any tinder - in even the most adverse conditions. [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]That said, because of the critical nature of having the ability to start a fire when necessary, it is a good idea to have a secondary method to do so - that is why I carry a lighter as a back up as well.[/size][/black]
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Hey Tubedude, any chance in getting some of the finer points of this added to a thread? I'd be more than willing to shrink this down if needed. Ive seen alot of stuff like this but it's always covers different points but not a good list of everything to carry. We could do somthing for different seasons[unimpressed] or somthing, let me know if this is somthing your intrested in and i'll throw a ruff draft together for you to fine tune with your years of experiance. Let me know...[cool]
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[cool][#0000ff]That would be a valuable list, if you would like to take a run at it.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You can just post it up as a separate post and as others suggest different additions, I can edit them in to your original. So, we will end up with one long list.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Once we have it completed (more or less), we will also make sure it is part of the "Best of the Best" links.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Thanks for offering.[/#0000ff]
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