The Curious Muddler

In my previous post , I discussed one of the challenges of using a float tube: getting it to drift correctly in the wind. The issue is that a float tube will naturally drift bow-downwind but you want to drift stern-first so you can cast with the wind and into undisturbed water. Paddling with your fins to maintain a stern-first orientation often slows you down to a standstill and I suggested that a solution might be to use a drogue (also known as a drift chute or wind anchor) to solve the problem. Well, I'm pleased to report that I have since tried a drogue and I found it worked really well so I want to share my experience with you. My drogue in use In this guide, I’ll explain how to use a drogue with a float tube, what equipment to buy, and how to rig it up. Using the Drogue What is a Drogue? A drogue is a simple device, typically a rectangular sheet or a sock, that is attached to the windward side of a boat by ropes. It creates drag in the water, which helps to keep the boat orien...

  So, I bought a float tube. I wasn't really anticipating wanting one, but after fishing a lot of smaller "hill" lochs for wild brown trout lately, I realised how brilliant it would be to have one for that type of fishing. Another inspiration was Douglas Heron (YouTube - Piscator UK Fishing ), who has been posting about float tube/belly boat fly fishing for a while now. Douglas was kind enough to answer a few questions I had about how the boat would handle drifting with the wind, and that really sealed the deal. Which Boat Did I Choose? I had my eye on the Savage Gear High Rider because a high-riding boat is supposed to be better for fly fishing, and on Douglas's recommendation, I opted for the larger 170cm model because it has oars, and rowing is faster than paddling with fins over long distances. I was planning to buy the Savage Gear fins, but Angling Active , where I bought the boat, was sold out, so I opted for the DAM XXL fins instead. My new boat loaded and read...