05-24-2007, 01:00 PM
[cool][#0000ff]As you point out, wind is a nuisance but can have its positive side as well. Some species of fish become more active and catchable when there is a bit of breeze. Many anglers over here like a bit of "fishing riffle", which breaks up the surface clarity and seems to make the fish less wary of predators. Of course, breezes often blow insects and other food into the water too, and that rings the dinner bell.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Predator species...like pike, bass, walleye and even catfish...often gather along the windward shorelines on many of our lakes during a blow. The waves smacking the shore stir up a bit of mud and also concentrate minnows and other forage. Predators with good vision and sensitive lateral lines learn that windy and muddy waters often hold disoriented and vulnerable prey.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]But, how much wind is too much? As you suggest, that can be a combination of several factors. When you combine the size and style of your craft, your personal strength and stamina, the size and type of fins you have and the force of the wind and/or currents, you will soon learn your own limitations.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Fishing from a round boat, with more of your extremities being below the water line, will create drag and lessen the pushing effects of the wind. However, it will also reduce the amount of propulsion you get with each kick of your fins. The wind does not blow you around as much as with a higher riding craft, but you also have to work harder to make any headway against the wind.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]After "graduating" from round tubes, several years ago, I first tried the "mini-pontoon" models...like the Trout Unlimited Kennebec. I loved the higher floatation...until the wind came up. The twin high-riding round-end air chambers really caught the air, even with only a mild breeze. When there was any breeze at all, control and simple fishing became impossible. I had to work like he** to maintain any kind of position if I were casting to a specific spot.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]After examining and trying several U-boats and V-boats, I upgraded to the Outcast Super Fat Cat. There were several basic design aspects that I did not like, such as the low back seat and the wimpy apron. However, I immediately fell in love with the high-ride, easy propulsion across the water and the handling of the pointed bow/stern when the breezes kicked up. I found that I could fish with my back to the wind and maintain easy position with measured kicks that kept me where I wanted to be.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Tolerance for wind, and even preference for breezes, depends upon the kind of fishing you do. If you are throwing large lures, for large fish, moving air is not as much of a problem. However, a lot of the fishing I do is "touch" fishing...presenting tiny jigs on light gear and wispy line. Success depends upon being able to feel the slightest tick or change in the "feel" of the lure on the end of the line. When a breeze comes up it affects both casting and feel. If it gets beyond the point where I can fish well, I leave the water.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]In the final analysis, float tubing is not unlike flying. When aerodynamics engineers design planes, and plan for altitude, speed and fuel efficiency, they consider three factors: lift, thrust and drag. In float tubes we don't get much "lift", but propulsion and efficiency are definitely factors of thrust vs drag. Common sense should suggest that the higher you float and the more hydrodynamically/aerodynamically designed your craft, the more efficient the propulsion and control from your fins. And, the bigger and more efficient your fins...at converting leg energy into thrust...the better able you will be to withstand heavier breezes and to keep fishing longer.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I am firmly convinced that the V shape, with the upraised and pointed bow/stern, is the best design for anyone who wants good propulsion efficiency and control in the wind. I have fished from my Fat Cat for over 4 years...about 3 years longer than any other craft I have owned over several decades. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I have been looking for a suitable replacement for at least two years, but have not seen anything better...until recently. I now have 2 new H3 Freestyles on the way. They have all of the positives of the Fat Cats, with some extras for a large guy like myself. The key factors, to offset the higher price, is the even higher ride and greater stability. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I will be getting our new rides tricked out, and will provide a complete item by item...feature by feature...comparison between the H3 and the Fat Cats as soon as we can get them on the water for their shakedown cruise.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]But then, what do I know about it?[/#0000ff]
[signature]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Predator species...like pike, bass, walleye and even catfish...often gather along the windward shorelines on many of our lakes during a blow. The waves smacking the shore stir up a bit of mud and also concentrate minnows and other forage. Predators with good vision and sensitive lateral lines learn that windy and muddy waters often hold disoriented and vulnerable prey.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]But, how much wind is too much? As you suggest, that can be a combination of several factors. When you combine the size and style of your craft, your personal strength and stamina, the size and type of fins you have and the force of the wind and/or currents, you will soon learn your own limitations.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Fishing from a round boat, with more of your extremities being below the water line, will create drag and lessen the pushing effects of the wind. However, it will also reduce the amount of propulsion you get with each kick of your fins. The wind does not blow you around as much as with a higher riding craft, but you also have to work harder to make any headway against the wind.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]After "graduating" from round tubes, several years ago, I first tried the "mini-pontoon" models...like the Trout Unlimited Kennebec. I loved the higher floatation...until the wind came up. The twin high-riding round-end air chambers really caught the air, even with only a mild breeze. When there was any breeze at all, control and simple fishing became impossible. I had to work like he** to maintain any kind of position if I were casting to a specific spot.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]After examining and trying several U-boats and V-boats, I upgraded to the Outcast Super Fat Cat. There were several basic design aspects that I did not like, such as the low back seat and the wimpy apron. However, I immediately fell in love with the high-ride, easy propulsion across the water and the handling of the pointed bow/stern when the breezes kicked up. I found that I could fish with my back to the wind and maintain easy position with measured kicks that kept me where I wanted to be.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Tolerance for wind, and even preference for breezes, depends upon the kind of fishing you do. If you are throwing large lures, for large fish, moving air is not as much of a problem. However, a lot of the fishing I do is "touch" fishing...presenting tiny jigs on light gear and wispy line. Success depends upon being able to feel the slightest tick or change in the "feel" of the lure on the end of the line. When a breeze comes up it affects both casting and feel. If it gets beyond the point where I can fish well, I leave the water.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]In the final analysis, float tubing is not unlike flying. When aerodynamics engineers design planes, and plan for altitude, speed and fuel efficiency, they consider three factors: lift, thrust and drag. In float tubes we don't get much "lift", but propulsion and efficiency are definitely factors of thrust vs drag. Common sense should suggest that the higher you float and the more hydrodynamically/aerodynamically designed your craft, the more efficient the propulsion and control from your fins. And, the bigger and more efficient your fins...at converting leg energy into thrust...the better able you will be to withstand heavier breezes and to keep fishing longer.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I am firmly convinced that the V shape, with the upraised and pointed bow/stern, is the best design for anyone who wants good propulsion efficiency and control in the wind. I have fished from my Fat Cat for over 4 years...about 3 years longer than any other craft I have owned over several decades. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I have been looking for a suitable replacement for at least two years, but have not seen anything better...until recently. I now have 2 new H3 Freestyles on the way. They have all of the positives of the Fat Cats, with some extras for a large guy like myself. The key factors, to offset the higher price, is the even higher ride and greater stability. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I will be getting our new rides tricked out, and will provide a complete item by item...feature by feature...comparison between the H3 and the Fat Cats as soon as we can get them on the water for their shakedown cruise.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]But then, what do I know about it?[/#0000ff]
[signature]