(https://i.imgur.com/0f2333Dh.jpeg)
I've been getting bugged by everyone at work to try float tubing. I've told them that I'm afraid of sea lions, sea lions killed my family, and I don't like sea lions. Really, I was probably putting it off because if I like it then that means I need to buy more sh!t. Finally I said yes.
It was supposed to be myself along with 4 other guys, but that plan seemed to disintegrate in the atmosphere, just as Artemis II did not! Just me and Dave. I borrowed Dave's inflatable pontoon and flippers, and he was on his Hobie yak.
I arrived around 0700. Having grabbed the pontoon off Dave the day before, I inflated it and prepped. Realized I forgot sunscreen...
(https://i.imgur.com/5PUEIjJh.jpeg)
Dave showed up around 0745 and we launched into Newport by 0800 or so.
I started with a fluke on a swing head. Dave said something about some kind of JDM soft plastic. He was on 'em quick and went 3 for 4 in the first hour. I was still trying to figure out how to turn at that point.
It took at least 2 hours before I got my first bite. Felt nice and it stole my fluke(!). Put a fresh one on and on the next mooring I nailed my first fish in what feels like 10 trips.
(https://i.imgur.com/Gaa17RFh.jpeg)
We were at the apex of our trip and finally the bite turned on a bit for me. I ended up getting 3 spotties and this ~16" halibut in 30 minutes or so.
(https://i.imgur.com/sdvUj6ph.jpeg)
Dave wanted in so I gave him the same lure. 5 minutes later, he gets hooks up. "Oh it's just weeds...[zzZZZZZzzz]!!!"
Ended up being his first legal halibut at about 26". He was about to gill it and keep it for dinner when...it made good on its name. It floundered, as it never floundered before, out of the yak, and slipped away...burgers it is.
(https://i.imgur.com/L6nvqu9h.jpeg)
Finished a little after 1100 I believe...what started as yet another cursed trip turned into something much more memorable!
I am, of course, researching float tubes now.
I've been eyeballing Kayaks and Float Tubes just for Bishop and Mammoth and still can't decide :-\
Looks like you will have a nice sun burn ;D
Was there anything you didn't like about the tube ?