Bigger Fish From A Float Tube Help...

[robert]

I did some pike/walleye fishing the other day for the first time from the float tube, normally flyfish for trout from it - wonderful fun but nerve wracking. I currently own one of these:

http://www.creekcompany.com/indivdisplay.p...D=251&Cat=2

 

I hooked into a bunch of smaller pike, biggest being 5 to 6 pounds but managed one big walleye. This walleye almost took me out of the float tube, had no footing due to deeper water and it made me panic. I brought it to the surface between my fins and it shot down under me.

 

Is there a better way to bring in fish from a tube? any hints? from the side maybe? or should I be getting a seatbelt installed LOL. I wouldn't know what to do with a 20 pound pike from a tube.

[fishinhogdaddy]

Try buying a long handled net.

[Guest 420FLYFISHIN]

i was having that problem using a short 2 wt rod with a longer leader than the rod length, but a long handled net solved the proplem but if you dont want to buy new equipment then you might just have to tire them out a bit more.

[TerryH]

A long handle net obviously helps. I've also found that it is much easier to land bigger fish at the side rather than between your feet. It least that's my experience in a pontoon boat. Terry

[robert]

Thanks, i'll have to buy a net. Just one more thing to carry around. Makes sense to retrieve from the side, more stable that way.

 

thanks