Columbia night float-tubing ***UPDATE***

[fish0n]

So I'm thinking of buying a float-tube to do some (night) fishing on the Columbia for some "minnows". The thing is I have no experience whatsoever on maneuvering watercraft of any kind. What do I need to know, and what would the list be of essential equipment I would need to bring to do this safely? Or would this be to dangerous to attempt? Keep in mind I know nothing of boating so any info you could give will (more likley than not) be new to me.

[Bluto]

I wouldn't use a float tube on the columbia even in the daylight... It is somewhat deceptive on how fast the current can be. There can also be plenty of debris flowing in the CR - anything from a small stick to a huge log. Then there are the barges...

The only thing I would say about trying it at night... buy good life insurance.

[No Bail]

No way! I've float tubed lakes and have been caught in the wind when it was impossible to fin my way to the starting point. No way I want to get blown into the channel or in front of a motor vessel.

[RascallyRabbit]

A float tube was my 1st boat probably 20 years ago. I use it mainly in lakes the only river I ever drifted in it was the Russian River in California. There is no way I would have ever concidered using it in the Columbia.

Steve/RR

[ogrejager]

Yeah, what they said.

[Tinman]

You might consider a kayak instead of a float tube. With a kayak you have much more speed and range. Google kayak fishing and check out the extensive Southern California fleet that fishes the ocean from kayaks.

I strongly discourage you from float tubing the big river. The currents and boat traffic make it too dangerous

[fish0n]

UPDATE


So what would you all think of the kayak that I posted in the link; it is a Tahiti Classic 2-person Inflatable Kayak By Sevylor, for fishing at night on the Columbia? Would this still be a bad idea? The boat has gone down the length of the Amazon two times. Which is worse the Columbia or the Amazon? I would think maybe the Amazon, but I really don't know. While fishing at night I plan on staying close to the shore for the most-part; what would happen if I got too close to a barge (I mean with out getting run-over)?


http://www.amazon.com/Boats-Bags-Classic-2-person-Inflatable/dp/B00062L3NK/ref=sr_1_6/002-3826649-7138437?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1180772569&sr=1-6

[fish0n]

Reviews on the kayak: http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/showReviews.html?prod=986

[RascallyRabbit]

Is there a reason that you are looking at inflatables? I personally wouldn't be comfortable in one on the Columbia at night?

Steve/RR

[fish0n]

I will be transporting it on my bike.

Here is another one I'm considering: http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-2-Person-Deluxe-Touring-Paddles/dp/B0009PURP4/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-6071889-0991148?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1181036517&sr=8-1

[Boats]

Have you asked the questions:
1: How will I be seen by other ships and boats?
2: What will I do if I get in trouble?
3: How quickly can I move out of the way?
4: How will I summon help?
5: How will they find me?

In my opinion... This makes much sense. I wouldn't want to be out in the channel, at night, all alone, in a boat that doesn’t move fast and can't be easily seen by others.

The shoreline has many hazards as well. (Wind Dams, Debris, Swift unpredictable currents.)

Lastly, fishing hooks and inflatable boats don't usually go well together.

I'd either save for a small rigid hull boat and engine with appropriate safety equip or stick to fishing from the shore.

At the time of this writing, iFish has 13,859 registered members. Nobody wants to see that drop to 13,858.

Good luck and be safe. :smile:

[RascallyRabbit]

I will be transporting it on my bike.

If price isn't an issue I'd look at some of Sevylor's higher end inflatable canoe's and kayak's, here's the link for them http://www.sevylor.com/canoes.html (I found the K17 for under $700.00 on the web) I just don't think I'd be willing to trust my life to any of the low end inflatable kayak's, but that's my opinion. If you're still planning on using it at night, you will need to find out if it will require navigation lights?

I also agree with everything that Boats02 said.

Steve/RR