12-15-2003, 06:46 PM
[cool][size 2]Here we are...smack spang in the middle of the cold months. Ain't many places in the country where a float tuber can still launch their craft and count on some action. As I write these words, my mind returns to some great winter fishing down below New Orleans, for winter redfish and sea trout.[/size]
[size 2]But, if time and finances do not allow us to go where there is winter tubin', we have to find something else to occupy ourselves...and to keep from going crazy waiting for spring.[/size]
[size 2]Of course, most of us are not too proud to walk the shore, fish from a boat or drill holes in the ice...if that is what's available. I kinda enjoy all of the above, myself. I just have a special attraction for tubin' when I can and it works.[/size]
[size 2]This is the season for thinking about new years resolutions...and for planning our fishing for next year. I like to make a list every year of the new things I want to try and/or the techniques I want to work on...or maybe a new species or two I'd like to target. Maybe I don't get it all done, but I find that I get farther if I set a goal than if I don't.[/size]
[size 2]My biggest target for next year is to get moved back up to Utah...not only for the fishing but for reconnecting with family and friends in the state. Much of that will depend on how healthy my mother is, and whether she can make the move with us.[/size]
[size 2]Next, I plan to keep experimenting with new designs for rod racks and sonar mounting. I have a couple of new plans in mind, with the goal of developing a system that is easy to attach to the craft, is light and holds the rods securely...along with the sonar transducer mount.[/size]
[size 2]I would also like to field (water) test at least two new sonar systems during the coming year. Most manufacturers are introducing new models this year, and some of them look to be ideal for flotation fishing rigs. What I look for is a reasonable price, and good quality. It is more important that the sonar works well than what it looks like...or what the price is. There are some "low-end" units that work better for float tubing than some of the more pricey systems.[/size]
[size 2]This will probably also be the year I graduate from "breathable" lightweight waders to some neoprenes. I am looking for something that will accomodate my large frame, without being either too tight or too bulky.[/size]
[size 2]I plan to work more with topwater lures this spring...including some new buzzbaits I have been toying with. I will also be experimenting with making more bunny fur jigs...both for deep jigging and buzzbaits.[/size]
[size 2]How about it, folks? Anybody else been doin' any creative codger-tatin'? Any dreams, wishes or goals you'd like to share?[/size]
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[size 2]But, if time and finances do not allow us to go where there is winter tubin', we have to find something else to occupy ourselves...and to keep from going crazy waiting for spring.[/size]
[size 2]Of course, most of us are not too proud to walk the shore, fish from a boat or drill holes in the ice...if that is what's available. I kinda enjoy all of the above, myself. I just have a special attraction for tubin' when I can and it works.[/size]
[size 2]This is the season for thinking about new years resolutions...and for planning our fishing for next year. I like to make a list every year of the new things I want to try and/or the techniques I want to work on...or maybe a new species or two I'd like to target. Maybe I don't get it all done, but I find that I get farther if I set a goal than if I don't.[/size]
[size 2]My biggest target for next year is to get moved back up to Utah...not only for the fishing but for reconnecting with family and friends in the state. Much of that will depend on how healthy my mother is, and whether she can make the move with us.[/size]
[size 2]Next, I plan to keep experimenting with new designs for rod racks and sonar mounting. I have a couple of new plans in mind, with the goal of developing a system that is easy to attach to the craft, is light and holds the rods securely...along with the sonar transducer mount.[/size]
[size 2]I would also like to field (water) test at least two new sonar systems during the coming year. Most manufacturers are introducing new models this year, and some of them look to be ideal for flotation fishing rigs. What I look for is a reasonable price, and good quality. It is more important that the sonar works well than what it looks like...or what the price is. There are some "low-end" units that work better for float tubing than some of the more pricey systems.[/size]
[size 2]This will probably also be the year I graduate from "breathable" lightweight waders to some neoprenes. I am looking for something that will accomodate my large frame, without being either too tight or too bulky.[/size]
[size 2]I plan to work more with topwater lures this spring...including some new buzzbaits I have been toying with. I will also be experimenting with making more bunny fur jigs...both for deep jigging and buzzbaits.[/size]
[size 2]How about it, folks? Anybody else been doin' any creative codger-tatin'? Any dreams, wishes or goals you'd like to share?[/size]
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