how involved or simple is a fishing float tube?

[Darth-Baiter]

I have some hike in lakes.  rigid boats not allowed.  it got me thinking:  what about a float tube with shoulder straps I can hike in?  what is involved?  I want to keep it minimalist.  I'll need tube, Which one do you recommend that I can carry up a mountain trail.  swim fins?  what a pair of waders?  I have some, but mine are boot-foot.  I assume I need stocking-foot models?  is that it?  I have the PFD and fishing gear.

 

this is uncharted territory for me.

[casts_by_fly]

Are the pontoon style inflatables allowed?  Sitting in a tube in the water is okay, but sitting on top is a lot better.  Inflatable tubes but a metal frame to hold them together.

 

Also, what about an inflatable kayak?

 

If you are limited to a tube, then you'll want waders.  Type depends on the fins you choose.  Some are designed for boot foot waders and just strap/lace over them.  I'd go that route since you have waders.  Make sure the tube you pick has at least two if not three chambers.  I got a puncture once and it was close getting it back to shore.  

[Darth-Baiter]

48 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

Are the pontoon style inflatables allowed?  Sitting in a tube in the water is okay, but sitting on top is a lot better.  Inflatable tubes but a metal frame to hold them together.

 

Also, what about an inflatable kayak?

 

If you are limited to a tube, then you'll want waders.  Type depends on the fins you choose.  Some are designed for boot foot waders and just strap/lace over them.  I'd go that route since you have waders.  Make sure the tube you pick has at least two if not three chambers.  I got a puncture once and it was close getting it back to shore.  

I assumed Pontoon styles would be too heavy to hike in.  am I wrong?

 

true story. I once hiked up there last year.  I hear this fooshfooshfoosh sound.  I look behind me and there are two ladies in bikinis pumping up a SUP.  the guy fishing next to me says, "I haven't made an accurate cast since they showed up".  this lake is pretty cool. lots of swimmers.  all walks of life use it.  

[casts_by_fly]

3 minutes ago, Darth-Baiter said:

I assumed Pontoon styles would be too heavy to hike in.  am I wrong?

 

true story. I once hiked up there last year.  I hear this fooshfooshfoosh sound.  I look behind me and there are two ladies in bikinis pumping up a SUP.  the guy fishing next to me says, "I haven't made an accurate cast since they showed up".  this lake is pretty cool. lots of swimmers.  all walks of life use it.  

 

You'll have to check on the weights, but I think there are some pretty hikable ones.  I know guys hike them into the high mountain trout lakes.  And, you'd save not carrying in waders and fins.  A quick search shows me one at 43 lb which is pretty packable.  I don't know that boat but I wouldn't rule it out.

 

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/classic-accessories-roanoke-pontoon-boat

[MN Fisher]

Another option would be an inflatable fishing kayak...ya, they exist

[Darth-Baiter]

2 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Another option would be an inflatable fishing kayak...ya, they exist

I know about them.  my friend has one and I tried it.  it was awful.  wind pushed me around like a toy.

 

and I am trying to avoid pumping up anything when I am there.  I want to pack up something already inflated.  a kayak would be a non-starter.  but great suggestion.  thanks

[Deleted account]

A fat guy in a truck inner tube floating down with 3 $1000 setups and all the tackle he owns? Yeah, that's gonna be simple...

[Darth-Baiter]

wait.  did you just call me fat?

[Deleted account]

26 minutes ago, Darth-Baiter said:

wait.  did you just call me fat?

Poetic license for the visual, go back to your pie...  

[schplurg]

43 pounds? Add food, tackle, whatever else. Ain't getting far. I wouldn't anyways!

 

Not saying this is a good one but just showing you can get one much lighter. This one is 12 pounds, just a random google search.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Xspec-Inflatable-Fishing-Adjustable-Storage/dp/B09CV8CLXQ/ref=asc_df_B09CV8CLXQ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=532845793812&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14233557569825026575&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032191&hvtargid=pla-1415030929365&psc=1

[J Francho]

Seems like we're talking about two different things: tubes or kick boats.  Pros and cons to both.

[desmobob]

I have three float tubes ranging from a Backpacker Pro that weighs 3.4 lbs. including the pump, to about 20 lbs for a Outcast FatCat with backpack straps.  I also have a Dave Scadden Raptor Lite Speed X kick boat.  

 

I use stocking foot breathable waders, zippered neoprene flats booties and Force Fins or SCUBA fins.

 

For long hikes, the backpacking version is my choice.  That tube, my waders, boot and fins will fit in/on a large daypack.  For shorter or easy hikes, I like the FatCat, carried already inflated.  I prefer the kickboat for areas where I can launch near my car.  All are a load of fun and highly recommended!

 

Outcast FatCat lake trout

 

Early spring fishing from the Scadden kickboat...

 

On a small mountain lake with the backpacking tube

[desmobob]

Water temperature of the waters you want to fish may influence your choice.  In the Backpacker Pro, my thighs are partly submerged.  In the FatCat, they are mostly out of the water.  

[Glenn]

Perhaps of interest:

https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/kickboat-kayak-float-tube.html

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

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

 

[Darth-Baiter]

9 hours ago, J Francho said:

Seems like we're talking about two different things: tubes or kick boats.  Pros and cons to both.

Ahhh.  I should fire up the Google. 

[Bluebasser86]

Make sure you get your cap screwed down right after you blow your tube up. I didn't once and it's not until you're on the water and the sides start sagging that you realize it. 

[Hammer 4]

Fishing from a Float Tube is pretty simple. I fished a Lot from one, both in the salt and fresh water. What's important , at least for me was, a quality tube, and a good pair of scuba fins.

When you kick around 3 to 5 miles fins can make a huge difference, and I was doing this at 60 years of age.

JFYI, I selected the Fat Fish Cat, great customer service, and very well made.

Also, as far as rods are concerned, I've used rod from 6'8" up to my 8' swimbait rig.

[FishinBuck07]

Float tube is a blast to fish out of!  You can make it as simple as you would like.  Don't need to carry everything you own, that is why I love fishing out of mine, makes me actually fish spots better than in the boat.  We have some old coal ponds here in Ohio that were stocked with bass and other fish years ago, that is what I use mine for.  Hiking in to more secluded ponds is easier with the tube for sure.  I have the classic accessories Cumberland tube, and made a three hole rod holder to put on it so I don't have to worry about my rods disappearing  all the sudden!  Haha.  Caught my PB of almost 7# in that float tube, talk about a ride!  Haha