05-18-2005, 01:45 PM
[reply]I am new to float fishing. I went out on virgin voyage yesterday and was I in for surprise. I have a fish cat 4. I can go backwards great but everything else is worse than terrible. Can some of you on this forum PLEASE give me some advice on how to use the fins? Thanks in advance for any help. mathcarver
[cool] Thanks for the AMEN on that issue. I learned the hard way, buying things with more enthusiasm than brains...and paid for it later. You're right. If you are talking to the RIGHT tackle outlet, they know the value of "try before you buy"...and also they know about building good customer relations. If you ever make a reasonable request, about feeling/holding/touching or trying something...and you get a stern reply...you need to take your business elsewhere.
Trying out a new float tube is one thing you can often do if you know someone who has one, and they will let you launch it and put it through the paces. If not, offer to rent one, from the dealer, with the rent to apply toward the purchase...leaving a hefty deposit as evidence of your good intentions. As you pointed out, the wrong time to find out you made a bad choice is on the first day of a long trip...many miles from the dealer.
Fins, boots, waders and other gear are an easier matter. Again, bring all the clothes you plan to wear the the gear in question and be sure your intended purchase will fill the bill, in terms of comfort and function. I can't believe all the rookies I have had to assist, on the water, because they got into trouble with mismatched gear.
You make some excellent points, yourself, JR. Always good to have you contribute to our humble forum.[/reply]
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[cool] Thanks for the AMEN on that issue. I learned the hard way, buying things with more enthusiasm than brains...and paid for it later. You're right. If you are talking to the RIGHT tackle outlet, they know the value of "try before you buy"...and also they know about building good customer relations. If you ever make a reasonable request, about feeling/holding/touching or trying something...and you get a stern reply...you need to take your business elsewhere.
Trying out a new float tube is one thing you can often do if you know someone who has one, and they will let you launch it and put it through the paces. If not, offer to rent one, from the dealer, with the rent to apply toward the purchase...leaving a hefty deposit as evidence of your good intentions. As you pointed out, the wrong time to find out you made a bad choice is on the first day of a long trip...many miles from the dealer.
Fins, boots, waders and other gear are an easier matter. Again, bring all the clothes you plan to wear the the gear in question and be sure your intended purchase will fill the bill, in terms of comfort and function. I can't believe all the rookies I have had to assist, on the water, because they got into trouble with mismatched gear.
You make some excellent points, yourself, JR. Always good to have you contribute to our humble forum.[/reply]
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