Buying a float tube

[JWall14]

I am looking into buying a float tube. Anyone have any recommendations and what accessories do I need or want for this. I will probably want about 2-3 rods with me during my trips. How should I store these? Anyone know of cheap waders to wear while float tubing?

[Glenn]

Float tubing for bass can be a blast! Here's a few articles to help you get started.

 

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

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

[J._Bricker]

I appreciate your videos, especially #2 @jaimeastin of the green Caddis and your mention your advise. It brings back memories of my first “boat” to go fish the Delta. I believe fishing out of that float tube made me a better fisherman because I couldn’t pickup and run to another spot, I had to fish for the fish that were there. Now it’s been regulated to sitting up in the rafters.

 

And remember to bring your PFD...

[burrows]

Savage gear has one on tackle ware house looks pretty decent.

[jaimeastin]

On 9/14/2018 at 10:45 AM, J._Bricker said:

I appreciate your videos, especially #2 @jaimeastin of the green Caddis and your mention your advise. It brings back memories of my first “boat” to go fish the Delta. I believe fishing out of that float tube made me a better fisherman because I couldn’t pickup and run to another spot, I had to fish for the fish that were there. Now it’s been regulated to sitting up in the rafters.

 

And remember to bring your PFD...

Thanks.  Yeah, I always wear my PFD.  Last thing I need to be is in the middle of a lake with all of my gear pulling me down.  I wear a fishing vest over my PFDs, so of I am in the boat, kayak, float tube or shore, I have my same termoal tackle.  

 

The float tube is like a easy chair and easily one of my favorite ways to fish.  I started with w round one and I have been moving up every since then. You are right, you have to work a spot, but the fish never mind me being there.  I can tread the water and not worry about an anchor or the wind.  I can go fishing right after work and I usually fish past sun down in my tube.

 

Thanks for watching.  I try to help others because I have learned so much from others.

[Paul Roberts]

I suggest going with a V-Tube design, like those made by Outcast. I've been in a Fish Cat 4 for somewhere near 10 yrs now. A V-tube is a great design for adding rod holders behind the seat. Mine are made from ABS tubing.

 

I also strongly suggest rigging up an anchor. Float tubes are so maneuverable that they offer excellent boat positioning control. But, even light breezes will skate you out of position pretty quickly. I use my anchor a LOT. To save weight I use small mesh bags and gather stones at pond side. Anchor line is 80lb Dacron in a big saltwater sized spin-cast reel, a Zebco 808.

 

Ditto the PFD. On small ponds in summer -mebbe not. I'm pretty hip to water and boating safety. My main concern is less about not being able to get myself to shore -float tubes are small water craft- but getting all my gear in should I get a catastrophic puncture. My tube is pretty tough, so no such issues so far.

 

And... ditto Jaime's "easy chair" description. I just love fishing from my tube. I'm comfortable all day.

 

 

[Robbass1972]

I use a Cumberland float tube. I love it. The Tube is inexpensive and it gets me off the bank and into areas most bank anglers can't get to. I wear Caddis waders. Also inexpensive. For fins I recommend dive fins and not float tube fins. With wader boots and tube fins my legs got tired after 2-3 hours. Wear large crocs that fit over the neoprene wader booty to the waters edge and take them off and put them in the back of the tube. Put on the dive fins and you are all set. 

 

I thought about a fishing kayak and went with the float tube as it fits in the back of my SUV inflated and I can be on the water in minutes. Great for hitting a pond after work for a couple of hours during the week.

 

 

[OkobojiEagle]

Choose a tube with more weight capacity than you currently need.  Have a double valve hand pump on-board.  Dress warmer than you think you will need and ALWAYS wear a PFD (I don't trust an inflatable model).  Only waist high stocking foot waders for me, and snugly belted... I don't want to be struggling in deep water with a set of chest waders full of water!  This style of fishing is glorified wader fishing,  I bring one rod (on rare occasion both a spinning and baitcasting rod), a short handled net that can ride behind my seat and only enough tackle to fit in two plano boxes small enough to fit into the storage pockets on either side of me.  Comfortable diving fins AND a wide brimmed hat.

 

Stay out of boat traffic, and away from current... plan your trip to begin kicking your way into the breeze so you have less difficulty getting home when the breeze picks up during the day.  Be careful and remember Murphy's Law!

 

oe

[burrows]

[JWall14]

On 9/21/2018 at 9:25 PM, Paul Roberts said:

 

 

 

Quick question: I believe I am going to go with the caddis sports premier plus float tube. I see that you have a diy rod holders and an electronic graph in front. Just wondering if you could explain how you made the rod holders and how you connected your electronic (and what model is that electronic). Thanks!!

[Paul Roberts]

Rod holders are made with 1-1/2" ABS tubing. They just wedge into the well in the front of the V-Tube design. Sonar is a Lowrance M68c ~8yrs old now. Transducer is portable, mounted on a section of PVC electrical conduit, It attaches to the side of the tube via a large Velcro strip. This way I can also put it on my kayak.

 

That Premier Plus looks good, very similar design to mine. V-Tube and a high seat. It'll be comfy. I use the well in the bow (behind the seat -everything is backwards in a float tube ) for the rod holder and as a live well to hold a fish or two I might want to take home. Although I'd be careful with large, spiny critters in there!