just set up my Fish Cat 4, few questions

[spartafish]

ok, so i jsut set up my fish cat 4. ive read things about mold and mildew and the thing rotting if you dont dry it afterwords.

i was looking at my tube and there are two circular holes on the obttoms that seem to allow water into the foam seat cushion. is it supposed to be like that? it seems you wouldnt want the foam to get wet at all?

ive read about fins too. i went to sports authority and bought a pair made by body glove that are really comfortable for 30. and got apair thats a little big on my foot so when i get waders, my foot will still fit. my question is, are body glove fins sufficient and how much room do i need for the wader (i know there are different kinds, but ill probably get the cheapest ones ebcause i dont get cold easily anyway)?

and lastly, anyone else who may have a fish cat 4, how do you have it set up to hold all your stuff, such 000 nets, extra rods, and so on so forth. i found a little 12 can cooler that i think will fit nicely in te space right behind the back rest for food and to keep drinks cold. just a thought.

so most importantly, is the foam supposed to get wet?

[SoCalSteve]

I just got my FishCat4 this last week and have used it twice so far. I am learning bout this stuff, just like you are, but i can relate my experience of one whopping week (an eternity in some cultures...lol).

In regards to mold and mildew, it has been blazing hot, so the thing has dried out almost immediately after i pull it from the water...it is fully dry by the time i get home (usually the tube sits in the back of Soggyshoe's truck in the sun). I do however understand your concern about mold/mildew and think it is a valid concern. I personally plan on letting it dry whenever i can...honestly though, i dont even store it in a bag, i just hang it in my garage, so it dries on its own.

Foam: My foam gets wet...i cant give you a conclusive answer as to whether or not it is supposed to get wet though. I assume it is not a problem because the way they designed the tube, the foam has to get wet.

As for rigging, I have not had the chance to do any mods to it. So far ive only brought out one rod with me. I bought some small plano trays that fit nicely in to one of the side pockets. The other pocket i fill with my drybag, munchies and other miscellaneous crap. I do plan to purchase a cooler for the space behind the seat. Soggyshoe had a great idea of mounting the rod holders to the cooler itself...probably alot easier that way.

As for fins...i have no idea. I think that comfort is most important. Try them out and see what you think...if you arent comfy or feel like you arent really propelling yourself, then get other fins. I have not yet bought waders since it is so damn hot...i hear, however, that unless you are going into VERY cold water, you should avoid neoprene waders (the cheap ones). Apparently breatheable waders are the way to go...

Important: You must have a PFD on you or your tube at all times ($6 at walmart).

Final note: If you plan to fish the Castaic lagoon, bring bugspray. I got eaten alive when i was out there.

Good luck and please post all that you learn, because Soggyshoe (another gbsf member) and I are also learning. We should definately wet a line together in the future.