|
Over the years, I have caught bass from big reservoirs
while cruising in a high-dollar bass boat and have done quite
well fishing small farm ponds from aluminum johnboats. I also
enjoy fishing from the bank. But there is another approach I enjoy
just as much. I call it “belly boat bassin',”
and most anglers overlook it.
A belly boat is a big inner tube designed for fishing.
You can look through the pages of a big tackle catalog or browse
the aisles at a local tackle retailer and find a variety of belly
boats. Most have a tough denier nylon cover over the inner tube
to help resist abrasion. They also have various storage pockets,
rod holders and inflatable backrests for added comfort.
A belly boat is ideal for fishing in places where
big bass boats or even small aluminum boats are not practical.
You can launch a belly boat just about anywhere you can step off
into the water, and this flexibility opens up a lot of fishing
opportunities. Avid belly boat anglers study topographical maps
to locate ponds, oxbows or other hidden waters that are suited
to this angling style.
Fishing from a belly boat has many positive aspects.
You can get as close to the fish as you wish because belly boats
are mobile and quiet. They also allow you to get in whatever position
is needed to fish an area thoroughly and precisely.
Anglers who fish from a belly boat for the first
time may find it a little awkward. When fishing from a boat, for
example, you can use body English to get a firm hookset. When
fishing from a belly boat, however, you have to use more wrist
action. You might have a tendency to rotate backward with a hard
hookset, but a more efficient way is to lean forward, and then
use your wrist and forearms to set the hook.
When it comes to picking a rod for belly boating,
I prefer a 6 1/2- to 7-foot medium to heavy rod. A longer rod
transmits more energy when setting the hook, which is a definite
advantage.
Landing a bass while sitting in a belly boat is
a snap because you are so close to the water. But you need to
be aware of the lure's hooks, especially if you are not
wearing waders. The last thing you want is a big bass charging
under the belly boat and firmly planting a sharp treble hook in
your leg. Ouch!
When you are fighting a bass, make sure you keep
the rod tip up and play the fish until it is tired before you
attempt to land it. Bringing the bass toward the belly boat too
quickly can allow it to tangle in your feet and legs, so fight
the fish on a long line.
Belly boaters can explore thousands of acres of
untouched backwaters, brushy streams, downed timber wetlands,
stump fields and other similar expanses. Even on heavily fished
waters, belly boat anglers can find virgin areas to wet a hook.
These pristine areas usually cannot be reached
by boats, and fishing from the bank is often not possible due
to heavy vegetation. An enthusiastic float fisherman can squeeze
between the bushes, logs, and trees, and slip through the weeds,
cattails and lily pads for an opportunity to catch a few lunkers.
So if you are interested in a new fishing experience
that puts you closer to the fish and enables you to fish new waters,
try float tubin' for bass. Trust me. You will be glad you
did.
|
