05-10-2015, 11:16 PM
[quote TubeDude][#0000ff]No matter where you wade, tube, boat, swim or whatever there are potential hazards. But they are always worse in your mind than in reality.
Among nature's hazards are not only big turtles but various kinds of poisonous snakes, alligators (in the south), beavers, etc. Add in potential encounters with dogs, coyotes, belligerent bovines, rock throwing onlookers, crazy power craft and you have a whole bunch of potential excuses for not going afloat.
I have been tubing for well over 50 years...fresh water and salt...rivers and lakes...you name it. I have shared the water with turtles, snakes, gators and sharks. Never had an inkling of a close call. One exception. A large green sea turtle in the Sea of Cortez wanted to climb up on my tube with me. I just told him I had a headache.
Most turtles will boogie if they feel you kicking or walking toward them. And they usually are only harmful to people who try to catch or handle them. Just like snakes.
[/#0000ff][/quote]
Good assessment, TD!
One thing I don't know is the temperment of snapping turtles. Have they ever been known to chase for the sake of being ornery or aggressive like say, disturbed bees? I have been stung by bees and fire ants around water over my 40+ years tooning but no other bothers. Sharks and gators don't attack/chase like bees in my experience, but then I don't keep many fish- and would use an ice chest if those creatures are around. My troll motor powered toons and tubes sit with my rump and feet above water, and scare away creatures- don't need or use fins which might attract attention.
PM
PS: I keep one of these retractable razor knives pinned to my shirt for use in case I need to quickly cut free- from being tangled in a sinking tube/ toon/ anchor line, etc.
http://www.amazon.com/Pack-Our-Favorite-...KEX26ZAE1Z
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Among nature's hazards are not only big turtles but various kinds of poisonous snakes, alligators (in the south), beavers, etc. Add in potential encounters with dogs, coyotes, belligerent bovines, rock throwing onlookers, crazy power craft and you have a whole bunch of potential excuses for not going afloat.
I have been tubing for well over 50 years...fresh water and salt...rivers and lakes...you name it. I have shared the water with turtles, snakes, gators and sharks. Never had an inkling of a close call. One exception. A large green sea turtle in the Sea of Cortez wanted to climb up on my tube with me. I just told him I had a headache.
Most turtles will boogie if they feel you kicking or walking toward them. And they usually are only harmful to people who try to catch or handle them. Just like snakes.
[/#0000ff][/quote]
Good assessment, TD!
One thing I don't know is the temperment of snapping turtles. Have they ever been known to chase for the sake of being ornery or aggressive like say, disturbed bees? I have been stung by bees and fire ants around water over my 40+ years tooning but no other bothers. Sharks and gators don't attack/chase like bees in my experience, but then I don't keep many fish- and would use an ice chest if those creatures are around. My troll motor powered toons and tubes sit with my rump and feet above water, and scare away creatures- don't need or use fins which might attract attention.
PM
PS: I keep one of these retractable razor knives pinned to my shirt for use in case I need to quickly cut free- from being tangled in a sinking tube/ toon/ anchor line, etc.
http://www.amazon.com/Pack-Our-Favorite-...KEX26ZAE1Z
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