Tree,

The best thing about tubes is you can move and fish at the same time. Kayaks tend to drift and it can be a real hassle when you're trying to fish a specific area. On the other hand if you want to cover a lot of ground or go long distances a kayak is better.

As far as rules go I would assume we have to follow the same rules as kayaks and I don't really know what those are. The rules I do know are that you need at least an 18 inch diameter net (DFG rule) and a coast guard approved life vest. You don't have to wear it - you just need to have it. You probably should have some kind of sound device (one of those little horn things), and a light if you're out before dawn or after dusk. Occasionally the Harbor Patrol has said certain things like we have to stay inside the swim area because we are swimmers but swimmers aren't required to carry life vests so I'm sure this is just an example of them trying to flex their muscles and not an actual rule. At the same time I've had the harbor patrol tell me to hang out for a while (at dusk) because the seabass bite should pick up. You should also follow some simple common sense rules such as staying out of the way of boats using the harbor for what it was built for, not terrorizing birds, not getting in the way of boats getting bait, etc. Crap like that can only lead to us not being able to use the harbor for fishing - and that would be a real bummer! Bottom line - STAY OUT OF EVERYONE'S WAY!!

I don't know anything about kayaks but my friend has a Malibu Two and really likes it for fishing.

I have always just put my fish on a stringer and never had any trouble. I have thought about cutting the dorsal spines on seabass just so they won't pop my tube. The dive bag idea sounds pretty good. I tried a gunny sack but it just acted like a big anchor and I couldn't move anywhere.

I built rod holders for my tube out of PVC. In saltwater I always bring two rods and my net. In freshwater I bring three rods. I've never lost one and I have been float tubing for over 15 years. I have never used a leash. The picture on the following webpage kind of shows the rod/net holders.

(http://members.xoom.com/_XMCM/pxj_photo/album/000606.htm)

One more thing - get a round tube. Everyone I know sho has had a U-boat now has a round one. The U-boats are unstable in rough water. I also prefer float tubes that have an actual truck tire tube instead of a bladder. The only experience I've had with a bladder is my brother-in-laws tube and he could never get it to be tight enough. I've heard good things about the bladders since then so I may buy one as a spare just to try it out.

The Caddis Deluxe is pretty good and you can get it for around $80. The Caddis Pro-line is awesome and it's around $125. If you wait until the Fred Hall show you may get it for cheaper. My cousin picked one (brand new) for $30. Being the idiot I am I didn't think to get a couple myself. I won't be that stupid next year!

Pete

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You can't catch tomorrow what you kill today - please practice catch and release.