Float tubes in FL

[dolf]

Any one living in FL use float tubes? I have been wanting to fish some of the bigger lakes around my area but am a little tentative about some of the bigger gators in those lakes. Has anyone heard anything about guys using them being targets for gators?

[Travlin_Man]

I have lived in Florida for over fifty years and I would not advise float tube fishing, at least not in fresh water.  I don't want to see any gators burping  float tube shreds. Also don't forget about snakes.

[TopDog]

I have lived in Florida for over fifty years and I would not advise float tube fishing, at least not in fresh water.  I don't want to see any gators burping  float tube shreds. Also don't forget about snakes.

;D ;D ;D  I agree!  

[Grey Wolf]

Are you a thrill seeker ? Like to live on the edge ? If the answer is yes to these two questions , then go for it.

Seriously I don't think that's a very good idea.

[Nick B]

Float tube in FL = Man sized bobber   ;D

[vicdotcom]

Living in florida myself, I would only use a float tube in a pool. I havent heard of any float tube incidents here in Florida but then again I dont know how many people actually float tube in our lakes.

An inflatable boat I may consider but with a float tube, your feet are kicking/dangling under the water where it may stirr up the curiosity/ agression of gators. Cottonmouths (watermoccisans) are also a concern too.

Vic

[btcprince]

i hear they are going to have a special "Darwin Award" for FL float tubers

[George Welcome]

Of course people use float tubes here, and they swim, and they water ski, and they scuba dive. Obviously a little selective reasoning is called for here, but to not use the fresh waters of Florida is absurd.

[Still a Bigbuckifan]

The gators are normal scared of you to . But we have all heard storysand the lizards get big here . try a canoe insteed

[Olebiker]

My buddy, Stumpy, uses one all the time.   ;D

[Raul]

It says you are invited for lunch.

[riverfisher]

Almost sounds like a Mythbusters episode! ;D Will a crock or alligator attack a human in a float tube? Me personally I would say yes.

[The Unabasser]

maybe you should look at a inflateable pontoon...that way you legs & feet are out of the water...

[-HAWK-]

Personally i wouldnt recomend anything inflatable in Florida waters. But to each there own. You can get an aluminum jon boat/ or canoe soo cheap, why risk it with a float tube?

[JayW]

I think it would all depend on the body of water you'd be using it in. I'm a  Central Florida native and I've done all kinds of stupid stuff, such as wading and so forth while fishing. Some places I wouldn't try it in... others, not so bad. It depends on where. I wouldn't advise it in a phosphate pit or a lake known to have large Gators. A lot of lakes around here... you don't see a lot of Gator activity. Others seem to be loaded with monster like these...

[Popeye]

Every time one of our FLA brothers asks a question about using a float tube in FLA waters, I get the "JAWS" theme music playing in my head for hours!! Sure would hate to see someone seriously injured (or worse) by one of those nasty critters in the waters down there!

[Grey Wolf]

Is Dolf still with us ??????????????????????????

[South FLA]

The problem with Florida waters is you never know what lurks beneath.  Gators are all over the place and they can be anywhere from a small private community pond to small canals.

So as most people agree don't do it, but if you do let me know so I can tie a heavy gauge shark hook around your waist and attach it to my Penn International marlin trolling rod  ;D