Float Tubing For Bass

[BassinBoy]

My parent got my one, I think it'll be a stealthy way to get into tight spots and fish small ponds/lakes.

Anyone use one?

Advice would be appreciated

[OkeechobeeAngler]

Watch out for moccasins. They like to investigate things. 

[solo_bro]

I have a Fish Cat Deluxe by Outcast, bought it on sale at cabelas for $219. It has floatation in the seat for a drier ride. This boat has replacement air bladders port and starboard, not one single bladder.

[ClackerBuzz]

small window of opportunity but they are great in July and August. the water is just too cold in our neck of the woods most of the year. a kayak will get you far more bang for ur buck. you can really cover water in a yak vs a tube. plus you can stay dry and fish a solid 9 months. if you have a car you will most likely upgrade to a kayak or canoe quickly

[Fishes in trees]

I had one back in the day.  They are a fun way to fish in the summertime.  Spring & Fall - not so much, water is too cold.  They can be a workout if where you want to fish is a long ways from where you put in.  I got dehydrated from that a couple of times.  That was a weird feeling, knowing that you are getting dehydrated while you are floating in water.  Get another inner tube and bungee a cooler inside of it to solve that problem.  Be aware that beer makes you more dehydrated.  Bring water or gatorade to solve the hydration issue.

[solo_bro]

I wear breathable waders.

[Diablos]

Something about my legs dangling doesn't sit well with me.

[OkobojiEagle]

Bass'nBoy... What tube did you receive?

 

oe

[jhoffman]

If youre gonna wear waders definitely wear a pfd.

[Glenn]

Well whaddaya know, we happen to have several articles on that subject too!

 

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/float_tube.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/float_tubes.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/float_tube_fishing.html

[NebraskaBasser]

My parent got my one, I think it'll be a stealthy way to get into tight spots and fish small ponds/lakes.

Anyone use one?

Advice would be appreciated

 

Float tubes are (just about) all I do!  I don't know your budget or what tube you got... but here are a few suggestions:

 

ALWAYS WHERE A PFD!! (as someone else noted).

 

I have two sets of waders - both are stockingfoot style.  A neoprene with jeans and/or longjohns will allow you to go when the water is 40* or warmer.  Once the water gets warm enough, I switch to the breathable type wader. 

 

Fins.  Be careful!  The float-tube specific fins - the kind you step into - seem to catch a lot of weeds (I fish VERY weedy ponds).  I've had the best luck with the open-heel type scuba fins.  You can get used ones on eBay for $20-$30.

 

I always use a "fin-keeper".  You can buy them, but I just make my own from scraps laying around the shop.  USED fins aren't terribly expensive... but most don't float; AND if you're a long ways "out" and lose one... "one fin" doesn't work very well!

 

There are tube-specific forums on the net.  I've used them to create my own rod-holders out of PVC.  I have six holders but found out that 4-5 outfits is about all that I can manager at one time. 

 

I also use cords or floats to everything that might go "overboard"... scales, pliars, mearsure-boards, etc.

 

I have a Bluetooth to my cell-phone and the phone is in a ziplock bag.  I can play music and/or news through it from my phone.

 

When I go, I usually am by myself... so I also  carry a LOUD whistle so that if the worst would happen...

 

No, tubes are not the best for larger bodies of water... for that, a kayak or other small boat might be better.  But, a lot of the ponds I fish are NOT accessible by a vehicle... I don't have a truck or 4x4 (have a Honda Accord), so I can put the deflated tube in the trunk and walk sometimes 1/4-mile through weeds and fields to get to the water... something I couldn't do with a kayak (especially by myself).

 

Any more questions or details needed?  Just drop me a PM....