[dante]

Greetings everyone!

This is my first post so I'd like to start by thanking the Broeren's for starting and administrating this site. Also, thanks to the posters for all your great tips and advice!

As for me, I used to fish a lot as a kid. If my bat and mitt weren't tucked in my bike, then the 'ol Zebco was! After a hiatus of many years, (too many!), I've returned to my source of happiness as a kid. Fishing has a way of quieting my mind from the static of life.

So here's my question(s)...

For Valentine's Day, my girlfriend bought us a couple of belly boats. (She's a fishing geek like myself). However, neither one of us has ever used one before. So...

What kind of waders does one need?

What size/style fins should we try?

Is it difficult to "land" fish, especially bigger fish, without losing our gear?

What are some of the situations, conditions, or locations that YOU like to use a belly boat?


I've only been fishing in earnest for the last couple of years and since our gear, (and funds for that matter), are somewhat limited, we thought belly boats might be kind of fun to try. Any comments would be much appreciated.

Thanks again, everyone. Maybe someday we can return the favor with some hot tips of our own!

~Dante

PS... We like to return everything we catch back into the water.

 

[NeWcS]

PS... We like to return everything we catch back into the water.

Thats what I love to hear.

As for waders I've only ever worn Neoprene waders for both wading and and belly boating. They dont cost alot of money and you'll stay warm(Which may or may not be a good thing). As for fins ive tried 2 kinds and the ones I liked the best are the ones you step onto, NOT the ones that go onto your toes.

Its not hard to land fish. The thing I dont like is they are not built for speed.

Hope this helps alittle

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[OURAY]

Dante,

The type of wader you use depends on where you are going to fish. I use a 5mm neoprene wader because I generally fish high mountain lakes where the extra thickness helps keep me warm. I fly fish off my float tube primarily for trout. I can move into areas quietly without spooking fish. I am sure it works the same for other species. You can loose gear if you are not careful. Most float tubes come with pockets and such to help this from happening. Its alot of fun I am sure you will enjoy it.

 

[James]

My local lake is Lake Estes, and I've fished it so much the past couple of years, that I was getting bored with it. I got a bellyboat this summer and it has given the lake a new life. Instead of fishing the same old spots, I can fish all over (w/out having to pack up the car). It is very peacfull alone, and a blast w/ friends. Sitting low in the middle of the lake makes it seem like a whole other place and makes me appreciate my home lake. I'm not that good, and sometimes it gets akward (it gets pretty windy sometimes), but I'd recommend it to anyone. I think one of my favorite things about it (so far), is being able to get to where the fish are rising & use a fly and bobble (on my spin rod). Well, have fun.

 

[dante]

Thank you Jay and OURAY! I sure appreciate your input. We'll definitely look for those style fins and neoprene.

And James, we prefer using flies and a bubble, too! We really have a lot of success with them. I agree... sometimes it's the lack of speed that's the appeal. One time, I was slowly retrieving a cast when a cow elk quietly crept down to the water's edge for a drink not more than 60 yards from me.

Fishing is so much more than just fishing! (....kind of a Zen thing, I guess).

~Dante

 

[gotmusky?]

I have always wanted to get a belly boat for years now but just never got around to it. I know they are reasonably priced but I have one fear. My buddy recently told me that a coworker was in his belly boat and a snapping turtle grabbed onto his fin and wouldn't let go. Unfortunately he had to kill the thing. anyone ever hear of anything like that? I would also like to know if anyone can recommend a good belly boat? i.e. manufacturer, store to buy from, shape?

 

[Nawanda]

Dante,

Any wader works, but consider if you are going to be in cold, spring or fall water. If so, you need insulated waders of Neoprene and thick ones.

Fins don't matter as much.

You won't lose your gear with good pockets on your tube and a good vest. Tie things down with flexible "bunji" cord type strings.

 

[Guest]

Hey....if money isn't a big issue, I recommend you FORGET about NEOPRENE waders!!!

hey are uncomfortable and make you SWEAT in there...if you want to fish all day, and don't want the clingy, sticky feeling...look at some BREATHEABLE waders...GORETEX or otherwise...You can always layer underneath them with other breatheable fabrics (NO COTTON), and you will be comfortable in ANY conditions.

I fish the Taylor, The Blue, and and other rivers in the dead of winter, and I have never been cold in my Simms Guide Weight breathable waders with long johns and fleece layered under them...

THAT way, I don't have to own different waders for the summer, when I am fishing the saltwater flats in FL, or TX...

One pair fits ALL.

If you want soemthing less expensive than the SIMMS, then consider dropping into the Orvis Store across the street from Park Meadows Mall in South Denver Metro area, and ask about entry level breathables...Tucker, the GM is VERY expereinced, and will help you pick the RIGHT thing for your budget and for the types of fishing you wish to undertake, seasons, etc...

One more quick thought-I left my Simms waders in the baclk of my truck with an automotive battery I forogt was there for a couple weeks while driving around like a mad man...the battery was roilling around baclk there and got ACID all over my waders...you can still see where the acid tried to burn through...THEY DO NOT LEAK AT ALL!!!!!

I LOVE my SIMMS !

 

[Zman]

Wow...tie die battery acid wash breathable waders...it is just a matter of time before chicks in NY city are wearing them...and who would of ever thought you could go across the street to an Orvis shop and find something cheaper...wow is that an oxymoron...thanks for the info on breathable...I always wore flyweights even at ice off at Spinney and the Delaneys...I hate neoprene...they make me feel claustrophobic and sweaty...I have no problem generating heat...and in neoprene...it doesnt have anywhere to go...thanks again...

 

[jamiehughes]

if i were you i would (and did finally) spent the hundred bucks on the force fin adjutable fins. they are definetly worth the money. my girlfriend and i tried like 4 different types of fins, including ones in picture on previous post, before trying these. we really feel that there was no comparison. most people that disagree with us have never owned a pair before. if you are fishing in the wind you will really appreciate these fins as they seem to be a lot less work to use than the others.

 

[Guest]

Dante, I must agree with Jamiehughes!!!

I've tried several typed pf fins, and FORC FINS are WORTH the money...they ARE much heavier to carry if you are on a packing trip, or horseback and limited as to how much weight you want to haul, but you will move faster, and have more control.

LOVE 'EM!

 

[dante]

Wow, thanks for all the tips, everybody. I'm taking notes and saving up. That's what's great about this site... the experience of others who are willing to share.

 

[Montano]

One last item everyone else forgot to advise you about.
No-Doze......If you bought a tube that fits you right (they all fit differently) you'll find it's like fishing from your favorite lazy boy. And on those summer days, with a warm sun beating down on you and that cool water underneath its hard to stay awake. ENJOY!
I fished from tubes for many years but now because of an equalibrium problem I can't enjoy my favorite way of fishing.