Anyone Use A Float Tube?

[DocNsanE]

(not sure if this is the right section of the forums for this topic, sorry mods, don't hesitate to move it if it isn't)

 

Hey all,

 

 I'm thinking about picking up a float tube. I plan to buy a john boat sometime in the next 4-5 years but for now it just isn't possible. I don't have a hitch on either of my cars either, and with two young kids (4mo and 2.5y) the time I have to go fishing is very limited. I figured a float tube might be the answer as I have a small bay a minute from my place that I could easily get around in a tube and I can set that thing up in less than 5 minutes and be fishing.

 

 

Anyone here have any experience with a tube? What are some things I should look for? Any particular models you have experience with that you'd recommend (or not?). I'm fairly limited to the selection they have at basspro.com because I got a gift certificate for my birthday (which is today ).

 

 

I was looking at the Outcast Fish Cat 4-LCS but am really open to any ideas you may have.

 

Thanks for your insight!

[papajoe222]

Back in the day we called them belly boats. A truck inner tube with a canvas cover and seat. they were inexpensive and fun to fish from.  I used one for over a decade and can tell you they are fun to fish from and have some advantages over a kayak or a jon boat, the least of which is portablilty.  Many of the the current offerings are self inflatable, or at the least have a self contained pump, either of which allows you to deflate them after use.  You will be limited to the amount of gear you take along only if you don't think outside the box.  I towed extra gear on a platform I attached to a bike inner tube and was able to keep the float tube free of excess gear.

Two things that made it's use a learning experience were the fact that being in the water I was able to feel slight changes in the water temperature.  You will learn quickly how big a benefit that is.  The other was learning just how strong a bass is.  I lost count of the times a decent sized fish towed me 50 yards or so before I could land it. 

The biggest drawback is the speed at which you are able to move around.  That, too, I found to be beneficial as I was able to concentrate on the general area I was in before moving on.

A word of caution if you decide on an inflatable, get one with a strong exterior. More than once a hooked fish imbedded a treble into the canvas as I attempted to land it, one time puncturing the bladder.  Oh yea, if there are snakes in the area, they are attracted to your little, floating island so stay alert.    

As for models, I'd look for one that you will sit high in and that has some sort of apron and places to store some gear.

Happy Birthday, and enjoy your gift.

[J Francho]

Paul Roberts does. Look some of his posts up.

[frogflogger]

You'll catch more fish

[Bladesmith,]

Too many water moccasins in the waters I fish.

[BW208]

I fish from a personal pontoon.  Being in the water like that in ponds freaks me out so I opted to be up out of it haha.

[Paul Roberts]

Here's a bit on my FishCat. It's been a good boat:

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/24424-float-tubes-catching-on-slowly/

[Jeff H]

I've been wade fishing all my life, and am finally going to add a float tube to the game.  I've got one picked out at Cabela's, just waiting for it to go on sale.  If not, I'll    probably have it by mid June.  This is the one I decided on.....

 

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=743402&categoryId=0&parentCategoryId=0&subCategoryId=0&indexId=0&productVariantId=1607486&quantity=1&itemGUID=&WTz_l=Header%253BSearch-All+Products&destination=/user/wishlist.jsp

[RMcDuffee726]

Get a kayak...I promise you.

[gulfcaptain]

Nothing like being pulled around by a 5-6lb bass and trying to keep him out of your feet as you land them.  Great fun, love tubing although I haven't used mine in a couple years.  

[wnspain]

Tubed for more years than I care to share.  Great way to fish and provides plenty of opportunity to learn the finer points of fishing slow. As for boats, the U-tube design is easier to get in and out of. There are plenty of accessories to support your every need (e.g. rod holders, fish finders, extra tackle storage, etc.). If snakes are a problem, cabelas makes 1000 denier chest waders that are darn near as tough as snake boots. 

[Fin Stalker]

I had a Fish Cat 4 and loved it. Only reason I got rid of it is because I moved to an area infested with alligators and sharks. 

[VegasFishing]

The Creek Company ODC420 is currently on sale for $150 on their website...