Local residents have gotten used to seeing expensive bass boats racing across the lake. After all Clear Lake is rated the number 2 bass lake in the nation and draws dozens of high profile bass tournaments. The truth is that a lot of fishermen that visit Lake County and Clear Lake don’t own a boat. They either hire a guide or fish from shore. The good news is that there are options to be able to fish the lake and be successful. Buying a small boat, canoe or kayak or even using a float tube are just a few.
The first thing to remember is that a fish doesn’t know or care what kind of craft your fishing from. In fact, more bass are caught from cartop boats, canoes and float tubes then from bass boats. One of the most successful fishermen on Clear Lake is Gary Hill of Kelseyville. He doesn’t own a boat but still fishes at least five times a week from shore or his float tube. Hill averages at least five or more bass per outing. He also catches a lot of crappie and bluegill.
The best part about using a float tube is that you can store it in a duffle bag in the closet. When you’re ready to go fishing, just toss it in the trunk of your car and head for the lake. Once there the float tube inflates within a matter of minutes and you’re off fishing. It’s the ideal fishing craft for those that live in an apartment or small home that has limited storage space.
Float tubes aren’t just for little ponds and lakes, but can be used on lakes like Indian Valley Reservoir, Pillsbury Lake and Upper Blue Lake. Even giant Clear Lake is popular among float tubers. There are even float tube bass tournaments.
Age is no barrier to using a float tube. In fact, they’re an excellent form of exercise for the senior crowd.
Today’s float tubes come in all sizes and shapes. The most popular are the ones that have separate air-filled bladders with one on each side and one for a back rest. They are easy to propel and you can move them about as fast as you can row a boat. In fact, they propel easily even in a light wind.
The tube is propelled by a pair of flippers that are strapped to your feet. Chest high waders are worn to keep you dry.
Most of the float tubes have several giant pockets where you can store your fishing tackle. Many also come with rod holders so that you can take several rods with you.
The best part of tubing (as the fishermen call it) is that you have access to bodies of water that are restricted to regular boats. For example, one of my favorite places to fish for bass is Lower Blue Lake. This gem of a lake is loaded with large bass and since there is no launch ramp, the only access is off Highway 20 with a float tube. It’s like having your own private lake.
Float tubes can be purchased from the catalog stores like Bass Pro Shops or Cabelas. The cost for the tube itself varies from $100-$200. A pair of waders will cost about $75 and fins will be another $35. For less than $250 you can be completely rigged and ready to go fishing.
The other option is to buy a canoe, kayak or small cartop boat. They are easy to store and they’re light enough to handle without breaking your back. Whereas they are a little more expensive than a float tube, the advantage is that they are more comfortable and you can still get around the lake.
A canoe can be paddled or you can use a small 2 hp outboard motor or an electric motor to propel it. It can be stored against the wall in your garage.
Cartop boats are extremely popular among fishermen. They’re ideal for trolling for trout or fishing for bass. The only downside of a cartop boat is that it can be a little difficult to load on a vehicle by yourself.
The bottom line is there are number of alternatives to buying an expensive boat and you can still enjoy the same success as the big guys in the bass tournaments.
