First trip on my new H3

[Bassamatic]

WOW, my new H3 is everything I read and more!! It is VERY comfortable and dry! Only my lower legs got wet. I loaded both side pockets up with 6 small tackle boxes, scale, water, food, camera, cell phone, and paper towels. Even with all that on board, I was able to easily lift the H3 from the back of my Explorer Sport and carry it to the water (it also completely fit inside the Sport fully inflated).

On the water, the H3 was awesome! I didn't receive my Fishin Buddy sonor yet so I didn't construct a side mount rod holder/sonor holder. I took two rods with me and just laid the one I wasn't using on my left side. Worked just fine. I had oodles of room on the boat. It tracked and moved almost effortlessly. I did notice that I got blown around a little more than another guy who was in a conventional float tube, but heck, for this much comfort, I'll deal with the wind. The huge apron was also very nice when I had to change lures. Again, plenty of room.

All in all, even though I'm a novice float tuber, I'd have to give the H3 Freestyle 5 stars!!! I'm sure that the Fish Cats, Fat Cats, and Super Fat Cats are all pretty much in the same vein as the H3. I am very happy with my craft and plan on fishing Upper Otay again this Wednesday.

Only two problems I had were cramps in my feet due to the fins being too tight and the fact that I didn't catch any fish. Bummer!! I fished for around 4 hours until the wind started picking up and everyone else pretty much left the lake.
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[flygoddess]

Just a couple of things. Although the H3 is Urethane, I suggest you never transport it FULLY inflated, and top it off after you set it in the water for a few minutes. Around here, we have some higher elevations that would indeed POP a fully inflated boat, no matter what it is made out of.

Secondly, on the inside of each side bag there should be a pocket the length of the bag. This is the rod holder. Lift the two velcro straps and put the reel in the pocket then secure with the velcro.
I also stick mine in the back pointing away from me, that works great.

Look forward to hearing and SEEING new reports.
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[Bassamatic]

Thanks for the tips, Flygoddess!!! I really like my H3 as you can probably tell from my previous post. The lake I fish is about the same elevation as my house since both are here in San Diego, but I will check the boat once it has been sitting in the water for a few minutes. Last time I checked the water temp was 69 degrees at Lower Otay, I suspect Upper Otay might even be warmer than that since it's such a small lake. Thanks again! I'm hoping to get my Fishin Buddy this week and fabricate my side mount for it and at least 2 extra rods based on the ideas I got off this great forum. I'll take and post pictures as soon as it is done.
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[smallmouth89]

I'll second the advice Joni gave you about inflation. You need to get in the habit of semi deflating your tube and then topping it up for use. On a bright sunny warm day regardless of elevation change you could have the tube inflated softly in the back of your vehicle and find it's almost ready to go because the sun has expanded the air significantly. Carrying your tube fully inflated in your vehicle will result in split seams or even worse sooner or later. Always deflate to the soft stage and then pump it up to where you want it.

On sunny days if I pull my tube up on shore to have lunch I usually tie it to a tree and keep it afloat in the cool water. if I bring it right up on shore I will let air out of it because it will definitely expand in the warm sun.

God Bless,
Don
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[Majja]

Glad to hear you liked her. It does take a little tweaking to get the fins dialed in just right. And like others have said keep her just a little soft to allow for expansion, after all better safe than sorry.
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[spidey]

Float tubing is great, isn't it Bassamatic? I'm a newbie to the sport as well. These wonderful people got me hooked on the idea when I stumbled upon the site in late '06. I got a tube last spring and have been having a ball ever since. I was contemplating getting a small boat or a kayak at the time. Glad I went with the float tube.

I had a problem with cramps my first couple of times out too. I soon found my comfort range with the flippers and got into flippin' shape. Now my tube is almost like a part of my body. Fish would fear me... if I weren't such a hack at fishing.
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