Fishing Forum

Being new to the sport, what perils can I expect to encounter while enjoying my new found hobby?
What have been some of your experiences?
Has anyone ever slipped out of their tube with waders on?
Will a PFD alone keep you up with waders on?
How about possibly a list of do's and don'ts for a new guy?
I realize there is always an inherent risk when you engage in any sport but that level of risk can be controlled to a point with good common sense.
I would just like to take extra precaution ahead of time because I've still got a lot of things on my "bucket list" LOL

I know these are an awful lot of questions but hopefully down the road, I can be one of you, (more experienced tubers) and be in a position to advise someone else that is just starting.
Thanks for all the useful tips thus far and by the way.........you are a great group of folks!
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The pdf should be enough if it is correctly sized for you. Waders full of water should be pretty much neutrally balanced in the water. The problem is when you try to leave the water. Wear a wader belt.

Most states require the Coast Guard rules of pdf and whistle.

The main dangers are wind, recreational boaters, skiers, and jet skis.
For wind watch your local forecast, stay somewhat close to shore, and get off the water if it gets rough. It is not fun to be blown clear across a large lake and have to walk back.
For the idiots that think it is a blast to blow you off the water -- I am tempted to carry a paintball gun! but I haven't succumbed to temptation yet. [crazy] I generally ignore them, or get off the water before noon.
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cpierce is right on target. Think short for your first couple of times out, unless your in really[/u][/b] good shape, your going to use muscles you didn't know you had, or like in my case forgot about many years ago. My first time out I didn't even take a pole, and stayed real close to shore. I put on quite a show for the bank fishermen, not to mention scaring away the fish for miles. I have a SFC, its great like fishing from an easy chair..
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Main risks- wind and stupid people in motor crafts.
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[cool][#0000ff]I am attaching the PDF file for one of the chapters in my book...on safety and survival. It should address most of the important issues. Since we have quite a few newbie tubers coming on board it might be helpful for others too.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You are right to be concerned. However you can feel comfortable knowing that if you don't take any unnecessary or foolish chances you are probably safer in a tube than a boat under most conditions.[/#0000ff]
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Beware of underwater trees and bushes that can entangle your fins and tube. Also beware of toothy fishes and sharp things that can deflate your tube in a hurry. Other than that, I think tubing is about as safe as fishing from shore, IMO:o)
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