Belly Boating Iowa is an effort to promote single person floatation device use, in Iowa waters. For many years, I have taken advantage of my belly boat, to get me off the shore, to where the fish feed. My floatation tube gets me far closer to cover, into the deeper waters, and, it allows me to cast into the shallows, to draw the fish out of their cover. And, as with any outdoor activity, there is safety in numbers. I like to go out with one, or, two friends, and leisurely work the shoreline.
You'll love the portability of your belly boat. It can be packed it into the trunk of most any car, carried over obstacles, and, toted across the field, to your favorite pond. There no trailer or boat licence fees, no fuel is required! I bought large tote bags, from Goodwill, to carry each of my boats, their equipment, my fins, and, a little food and water. One tote bag for each belly boat, and, all the items needed for that float tube. Keeping your gear organized, and, ready at a moments notice, will give you more opportunities to hit the water. Just grab the bags and bait, and, go!
The most appealing aspect of belly boating is the pure tranquility the angler can experience. The feeling of slowly drifting along the shoreline, and, viewing the lake at almost surface level. Whether you use swim fins, to propel yourself, or, simply coast along the shore, you will feel "more at-one" with the water. But, for me, the joy is better, when it is shared! You will love to share the experience of belly boating with others. For many, fishing is an activity that is better, when shared with friends. A small group of anglers can enjoy their time together, on the water, and, converse easily with voice activated radio communications. This way, everyone can easily communicate with each other (while keeping the noise level to a minimum), share their experience, and, cover more area more effectively. Use your cell-phone with its GPS feature on to mark your hot spots, take photos and video, etc.. And, again, there is safety in numbers!
Belly Boating can be a family affair! It is a great quiet get away for couples. Your kids and grandkids will love it. And, just like Jake, you might enjoy taking man's best friend for a cruise along the shoreline, like the man and his buddy, to the right.
Whether you purchase a traditional round tube (like the couple and their dog), a U-shaped belly boat (like the little girl), or, a pontoon style (like the one in the first photo), you will easily find one to fit you. By buying a quality product, caring for you investment properly, storing it as directed, you will have many years of quiet recreation in any of Iowa's wonderful waterways.
