Tube'n

Well it’s been a long time since I have made a post so here is my attempt to play catch up. A few weeks ago I got my Tube (pictured above) and I love it! I went with the Orange color to help increase my visibility to boaters. Picking my tube was easy for me, I wanted something that would give great stability, would hold me out of the water instead of sitting in the water, would be easy to maneuver and would not break my bank. After reading all of the reviews online I chose the Fish Cat 4 which I have dubbed “the General Lee” due to its color. It met all my criteria and then some. It was comfortable to be in and very stable. My wife did not want me going out without first testing it so we went to her parent’s pool. I leaned every which way and still could not tip it over. Even leaning forward I never felt unstable. I am very happy with my choice. Choosing my waders was much more difficult. I am not a tall guy nor am I short and skinny. So it was hard to find a pair of waders that would fit comfortably. I went with my wife to Sports Authority and tried on some different types (and let me say putting on Neoprene waders over your clothes in the back of a store is not a fun process). I finally decided on a pair of Stearns Hodgman Lakestream Lite Breathable Stockingfoot Waders. They are much roomer and lighter then the neoprene ones yet still kept me warm. Finally for my fins I just got a pair of Creek Company Tube Fins and they do the job (not much to say, there just fins).

So with my gear all ready I hit Lake Perris. It was Sunday March 26th and it was a nice overcast day when took the General Lee out for her maiden voyage! The General isn’t too heavy but it was somewhat awkward walking from the car to the beach in waders carrying the tube and my pole. After reaching the water I had no problems entering the tube and getting my fins on. Since this was my first tubing outing I wanted to stay close to shore so I worked my way down the dam. It is a strange experience having you legs dangle in the water and not getting wet but it is one that I enjoy. About mid dam I hit a 13in Rainbow on a Panther Martin. It was awesome! I had heard the fights were better in a tube due to not having as much leverage and they were right! I had the Rainbow on the Generals apron for measurement when the fish sparked back to life and flopped off! So no picture but it was a pretty fish. I stayed out on the water for about 6 hours (7am – 1pm) and got the one trout. It definitely tires you out being on the water kicking around that long. I think once I get more time on the water my legs will get used to it more and I will be able to not be as tired at the end of the day. All and all it was a great day! Now all I need is for Bobby to get a tube…..

Just another Adventure

So there we were staring down two coyotes.
"What Should we do?" Asks Bobby
I could tell he was scared and so could the coyotes.
"Don't worry Bobby." I say as I pull out my Cold Steel blade, "There are scarier things on this road then Coyotes."
Bobby looks at me questionably and asks "Like what?"
"Me!"
But wait, I am getting ahead of myself, lets go back a tic.
Bobby and I got to Silverwood about 6:45. The lakes main gates were closed and were to open at 7. We waited patiently for the ranger to arrive reliving our pasts lives in Vana'diel. Finally the moment came and the gates were opened. After waiting in a long line and driving all the way into the park Bobby aka Magellan says to me, "I think we went in the wrong entrance".
Now we are back on the road pulling off at the Miller Canyon exit. After a little confusion where to go and a brief encounter with a Corrections Facility we find the road to the lake. The gate is closed so we decide to hike in. We took only the bare necessities, fishing poles and gear. We left the ice chest and chairs in the X-terra and headed out. A mile into our hike to the lake we come across the coyotes as mentioned above and it goes down exactly like that, I am not making this up.
Finally at the lake we begin to fish. I went with a rainbow trout colored 1/4 oz Rat-L-Trap and Bobby went with a yellow Jig. After several change ups and 3 hours later it is time to head back.
The road to the lake seemed forever long on the way down so we knew the walk back would hard. After half a mile we see a small trail that is headed the same direction we are. Bobby and I agree that the road looks flatter and maybe a short cut back to the car. Well about another half a mile we realize that this trail is looping back around the lake. Bobby with his sharp eyes sees a "path" going up the hill back to the road. We decide to go up the hill because it would be "quicker" then going back around. I go up take the lead and quickly realize that this hill is very unstable and the ground gives way with every step I take. On all fours I scratch and crawl up the hill. I can hear Bobby behind me and I know he is struggling as well but I just keep pushing on. At several points I consider just stopping and dying on this hill but somewhere deep inside myself I find the strength to push on. Grasping for land I grab hold of a branch and pull myself to the top of the hill and flop onto the road. I can hear Bobby almost at the top when he says "Pull me up!" so for the second time this trip I save Bobby and pull him to the road.
Back on the road we are wiped out and we still have the long road ahead of us. At this point Bobby is the one who is going strong and I am dragging ass. My legs are killing me, I can't breathe and I am pretty sure I have swallowed at least 3 gnats! Bobby is getting irritated by the gnats and we both keep thinking that around the next corner will be the car.
Finally we turn the corner and see the car! It is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen! We get into the ice chest and crack open a Weinhards Root beer. The day was over....but our adventures will continue

Heaven! 

The Hill Of Doom! (Note Bobbys Foot is making a Cameo)



I think Bobby is Dead

A little beach in Miller Canyon 

Miller Canyon 

Sunrise Near Silverwood 

Silverwood Lake

Well it is time for round Two! This Saturday Bobby and I are once again going to take on a Lake. This time it is Silverwood in Hesperia. According to the most recent fish report the lake just got an unscheduled plant of Trout last week. Hopefully those fish will stick around and come our direction. Silverwood has some good Striper and Largemouth Bass action but it is still a little slow this time of year. I am going to start with a Gulp Worm on a Carolina rig in hopes of enticing a Trout or Bass. I got quite a bit of gear from Turners this week that I am anxious to try out. I am going to give the fish lots of different looks and use differenttechniques that I don't normally use. I have a good feeling about this trip, hopefully my feeling pays off.

Fish Cat 4 Deluxe

This is the Float Tube I want. I can't Wait! The Fish Won't Stand a Chance!!

There I am fighting to Save my Lure 

The Lures!  

Think they know something we don't? 

The Dreaded Dam 

Bobby 

Perris 

It Begins

The year of fishing commences tomorrow (Saturday 1/27/06) at Lake Perris, CA. I am excited and ready to land some Bass! Myself and Bobby will head out as the weekend warriors! We have heard that the NW section of the Dam is where its at so that is where we will be. I am going to start with a 1/2 oz Rat-L-Trap and see where that takes me. Bobby is a little light on gear so we shall see what he goes with, it will most likely be a lure he steals from me.

Let it be known that the 2006th year of our Lord is to be offically dubbed the Year of Fishing! I will make an effort to contiually update this blog with our fishing adventures for you all to learn from and hopefully enjoy