07-10-2004, 10:08 PM
[cool][blue][size 1]Hey PM, welcome to the play pen. We will be glad to help you through the initiation process. In fact, if you will shoot me a PM, with your email address, I can send you some selected chapters from my book on float tubing...including how to put together a system with all the bells and whistles. [/size][/blue]
[#0000ff][size 1]If you cruise back through some of the past threads, you will find a few discussions of different kinds of fins, waders, electronics, rod holders and just about everything to do with tubing. For more specific and personal questions, feel free to post them up or send PM to myself, T2 or any of the other regulars here. We have all gone through what you will be doing so we are sensitive to the questions and concerns.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]As a quick general statement and recommendation, let me suggest you start with Hodgman Breathlite waders. They are not the best on the market, but they are serviceable and they are under a hundred dollars. You can often find them on sale at Sports Authority and other discount sporting goods outlets for $20 less.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Of course the type of fishing you will be doing is important in choosing your waders. For fishing warm water lakes for bass, stripers, etc., you will seldom find the need for heavy neoprenes. On the other hand, if you chase winter bass, or hit the colder trout lakes, then full neoprenes will be welcome in your outfit.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]The Hodgmans come with neoprene foot pockets. These help with cold water warmth, without adding to the sweat factor in warmer water. They do have a tendency to develop pinhole leaks through the "breathable" fabric though. After a season of use, you will come in with wet spots and need to keep finding and sealing micro holes.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Once you decide you are going to get serious about tubing, you might want to consider investing in something like the Simms Guideweight waders. Lots of good reports on them, where guys have used them roughly over several years without any leaks or seam failures.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Let me know if you would like some light reading on any of the different areas of tubing. I'll be glad to share some of the stuff I have picked up over the last 40 years or so of playing with these funny boats.[/size][/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][size 1]If you cruise back through some of the past threads, you will find a few discussions of different kinds of fins, waders, electronics, rod holders and just about everything to do with tubing. For more specific and personal questions, feel free to post them up or send PM to myself, T2 or any of the other regulars here. We have all gone through what you will be doing so we are sensitive to the questions and concerns.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]As a quick general statement and recommendation, let me suggest you start with Hodgman Breathlite waders. They are not the best on the market, but they are serviceable and they are under a hundred dollars. You can often find them on sale at Sports Authority and other discount sporting goods outlets for $20 less.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Of course the type of fishing you will be doing is important in choosing your waders. For fishing warm water lakes for bass, stripers, etc., you will seldom find the need for heavy neoprenes. On the other hand, if you chase winter bass, or hit the colder trout lakes, then full neoprenes will be welcome in your outfit.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]The Hodgmans come with neoprene foot pockets. These help with cold water warmth, without adding to the sweat factor in warmer water. They do have a tendency to develop pinhole leaks through the "breathable" fabric though. After a season of use, you will come in with wet spots and need to keep finding and sealing micro holes.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Once you decide you are going to get serious about tubing, you might want to consider investing in something like the Simms Guideweight waders. Lots of good reports on them, where guys have used them roughly over several years without any leaks or seam failures.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Let me know if you would like some light reading on any of the different areas of tubing. I'll be glad to share some of the stuff I have picked up over the last 40 years or so of playing with these funny boats.[/size][/#0000ff]
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