Fishing Forum

Hi guys,

I'm a newbie with regards to fly fishing and this board. I happened to stumble across this site earlier today and liked all of the information I've been able to find. I've read through a number of posts and really feel like I'm in the right place to find out the information I need.

My wife and I (I don't think she wants me to leave her alone for hours at a time) are taking up fly fishing. I've started getting our gear together, but have a ways to go. It gets expensive when needing to buy two of everything. Anyway, I've decided to get the Fish Cat 4 tube, but I'm not sure which version to buy. I like the look of the new pumpkin color, so I'll go with that. However, is the inflatable seat on the deluxe version worth the extra $40? Has anyone tried out both versions of the Fish Cat 4? I would like to save the money, but if the extra $ is worth it for the better seat, than maybe I should splurge.

Also, I'm very interested, after reading through a number of posts, about getting a sonar hooked up on my tube. Do they get in the way much using it on a tube (I don't want to feel crowded)? I see that most of you use PVC pipe to fix up your systems, but I don't have much experience or tools for any of that. I was wondering if anyone has purchased or heard anything about the Scotty float tube fish finder mount for $19.95

https://www.allkayakfishing.com/floattube.html

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Frank
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Hi Frank! Welcome to BFT! I'm in a similar situation as you are. I've been tubing for awhile now, but I've been using the round style tube that I got some 8 or 9 years ago. I'm also going to buy a Fish Cat 4 in the pumpkin color. I'm waiting for graduation gifts so I can get it. :-)

I had the same question as you, is it worth it for the inflatable seat? For me, and how much tubing I do (can't seem to get away enough to use it all the time), it's not worth the $40. There are others that use the Fish Cat and also the Super Fat Cat which is similar just bigger, and they will tell you if you can afford it it is worth it. Send a PM to TubeDude and he'll give you a great expert opinion, or I'm sure tomorrow he'll be chiming in here as well.

Good luck. BTW that's awesome that your wife is willing to get involved in it with you!
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click on the link below it will take you to the float tube board you will find some good info

click here:[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?forum=81;"][#333366][size 1]Float Tubing[/size][/#333366][/url]
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[cool][#0000ff]Hopefully you have had the opportunity to follow aquaman's suggestion and check out the "Best of the Best" archives on the Float Tubing board. Lots of chit chat on the FC4.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]In addition to whatever you might find there, let me add my insights on the differences in seats. I have fished with both inflatable and rigid foam seats. The "hard" foam seats are really not uncomfortable. There is some give to them. But, with the inflatable seats, you can adjust the firmness to provide your own personal comfort level.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The downside to the inflatable seats is that they ARE inflatable. That means potential problems with leaky valves or leaks in the air chambers themselves. I have the Super Fat Cat (also by Outcast) with the inflated seats. I like the ride, but I have had to repair three pinhole leaks in the bottom cushion. All three of the leaks have developed at the end ofone of the indentations in the top part of the seat...each leak on a different spot, and each where the end of the fabric seam cover ends. There are four of these indentations, and I have had three of them leak over the past year.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Those are the only leaks I have had in my craft, but they have been a nuisance. I always carry a length of clear plastic tubing, to help me add air if needed while out on the water, but if your seat goes flat, you need to go ashore to get out and air it back up. Once I am back home, it is easy to remove the seat itself and find and repair the leak, but those are quality issues that should never happen.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I do not know anyone else who has the inflated seats, so I don't know if that is a common problem. All I can say is that even though the foam seats are bulkier, and require more storage space when the craft is deflated, they are less likely to cause problems when you are fishing. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As far as the transducer mount goes, you can use anything that will hold the transducer right. The Scotty works, but it does require spending more and it is metal and heavier.[/#0000ff]
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Hi cat_man and thanks for the welcome to the board and your response. I have never owned a tube before, but the consensus seems to be to avoid the round tubes at all cost if possible. I originally went to Sportsman’s Warehouse with the intention to buy a round tube when the salesman told me about Outcast’s Fish Cat 4 series. I have since put in a lot of time researching the tube and various opinions from people that have used it.
I finally decided on the Fish Cat 4, but then realized I was not sure if I wanted the deluxe or not. I spent a lot of time reviewing a lot of previous posts, but I never came across anything describing the difference between the foam and inflatable seat. I need a very good reason to spend the extra money for a seat. My wife wants to get into the game with me, but she has her limits when it comes to what is deemed necessary for fly fishing gear. Like you, I will probably have trouble getting away as much as I will want, so the cheaper option will probably be the way to go. I can then put the extra money toward good fins or a fish finder.
Good luck with graduation and the surplus of funds that you will soon be enjoying. I’ll be looking forward to reading about what you decide regarding the Fish Cat 4 once you decide to get it.
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Hey TubeDude! Thanks for the response and for sharing your opinion. I had already read through as many Fish Cat threads as I could find based on similar threads to the one aquaman generously provided, but never found the answer I was looking for. However, I was able to get just about everything else answered, so I offer my thanks to all of those that take the time to post your ideas and experiences for the rest of us.
I have to say, after reading your message, that I’ve decided to go ahead and get the Fish Cat 4 (not the deluxe). You brought up a point that I had not even considered, but one that I should have. When I’m fishing, I’m always leaving things like pliers or fingernail clippers in my back pockets. The chances are probably not that great that anything would happen, but the thought of having to deal with putting small holes in the seat is something that I can live without (not to mention the occasional quality control leak you mentioned). Everyone I’ve talked to really likes the inflatable seat, but I’m thinking that I will be happy with the foam seat as well. Based on other equipment that I still need to get right now, I think I’ll go with the foam seat and put the extra money toward something else.
One question I have now is about adding extra toys to the tube. Once I get my tube, I’ll probably make a couple of trial runs with as little gear as possible to get adjusted. Once I’ve figured things out, I’ll begin to upgrade. I was wondering how much is too much (I guess this will depend on the person). If I add items such as rod holders and a sonar, along with the usual net and something to keep the fish alive in, will I be feeling cramped? Does the gear tend to get in the way of casting or landing fish? Since I’ve never been in a tube, these are a couple of the questions I was not sure about.
As for the sonar I was planning on getting the Eagle Cuda 168 or 168EX (based on recommendations from these message boards), but was not sure about the battery. Sportsman’s Warehouse sells small (12V I believe) batteries and chargers for the fish finders, which they have on the shelf just below the finders. Does anyone have any experience with using these batteries with your sonar and tube?
Thanks,
Frank
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Try this link, it was very helpful to me and answered all questions I had on the subject. FWIW, I went with the foam seat, because I know what a spaz I am and that I would invariably poke holes in the air filled seat.

[url "http://www.riverwire.com/outcasttubereview2.htm"]http://www.riverwire.com/outcasttubereview2.htm[/url]
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[cool][#0000ff]Hey Frank, if you live anywhere in the Salt Lake area, we have occasional get togethers where we meet either on the water or at some location (like Mike and Alan's warehouse). We bring our tricked out craft for the benefit of letting newbies see firsthand how everything goes together. There are quite a few pics posted on past threads in the Float Tubing board, but seeing the real deal can help you with the proportions, the connections, etc.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]It might seem like loading up your craft would be cumbersome, but if you do it right, it can be very efficient and greatly improve your enjoyment. I have been tinkering with rod racks, fish baskets and sonar for a whole lotta years. I should have bought stock in a PVC company, because I would have made myself rich over the years.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The big consideration is weight. If you can drive right up to where you are going to launch, it does not matter as much how much extra gear you hang on your craft. On the other hand, if you need to hike a ways before you get wet, you will learn what is essential and what is not. It's amazing how much you find you can do without, if you have to carry it.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You are correct in planning to make a shakedown cruise, with as little extra stuff as possible. If you have not done any tubing, it takes a trip or two to get used to the most effective ways to kick around and to maneuver your craft. Better to learn that first, so that you can concentrate on fishing, when you take your tackle along.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you will sent me a Private Message (PM), with your email address, I will send a couple of chapters of my (unpublished) book on float tubing. Probably some stuff in there that can help your personal learning curve. Only took me about 40 years of trial and error to figure some things out. Wish I had some of that "way back when".[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Now, in the meantime, breath through your nose and relax if you can. No need to get overworked yet. Glad to hear that you are including your spouse in your tubing plans. I have been tubing with TubeBabe since the mid 70's. She's become a pretty good fisherperson and often whups me. Of course, I chalk that up to my being a good guide and instructor.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff](EDIT) Almost forgot. Yes, those batteries at Sportsmans will do the job. I have one on my craft right now. The little trickle chargers are what you need...not the heavy duty auto kind. You might wanna look at Cabelas. They have a combo with two of the batteries (7 amp/hour) and a charger for a decent price. If you plan to outfit your spouse too, that might be a consideration.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Actually, any battery that puts out 12 volts will work. The key is how many amp hours of storage they have. Keep in mind that the SLA batteries should not be drained to the bottom. That is bad for them. They are not deep cycle. So, it is better to get a larger capacity battery and have juice left over at the end of the day, than to run a smaller battery down every trip.[/#0000ff]
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TD-
Reading this thread reminded me of a question I have been wondering about. I really hate my fins that I currently use. They are the standard black tubing fins that you step into and tighten one strap over the top of the foot. When I am launching or landing in a semi muddy area my heel slips out of the back section and then they come off. The float which is great if they are not stuck in the mud!!!! So anyway I don't like them and was going to add another strap to them to keep them on..... but then I remembered I have my diving fins that look more like the ones that you use. My question is does color matter? My diving fins are RED!!!! Will that attract fish like it does bulls in bull fighting or will it scare the you know what out of them? Just curious....
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[cool][#0000ff]Does fin color make any difference? Probably more to the fisherman than to the fish. I have gone through many sets of fins over the years, and I have tried just about every color. BUT...I have never tried red, so I could not say for sure. If you look at the attached pic, you will see that I did use some for awhile that were red, white and blue. As you can also see, a lot of bluegills saluted them.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I am guessing that the red fins would do no better or worse than any other color. Red is a basic "attracting" color for many species, so it should not repel them. I know some of the deep-diving free-diving (no tanks) spear fishermen who swear by one color or another. They usually dive in water with great visibility, and at times some species of fish are attracted by certain colors and less so by others. Chartreuse silicone fins, for example, have been observed to draw in some of the larger predator species. It can be seen for long distances in clear water. I used to wear white gloves when spearfishing for yellowtail, and could attract some into shooting range by waving my white gloves.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are not many Utah waters that are consistently clear enough where brightly colored fins could be seen at great distances. If the waters are not stained with mud, they are clouded with algae and zooplankton. Most fishing is done far enough away from the tubes that the quarry is not even going to see the fins.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you are fishing for macks, or other deep species, they would probably be too deep to notice red fins. However, if you were vertical jigging for suspended kokes, in clear water, it is conceivable that the red fins could even act as an attractant. Kokes like red and a lot of dedicated koke chasers even paint the downrigger weights red to help draw them in. Rainbows like red too. Browns and brookies are often more attracted to black, hot yellow or orange.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I know which fins you are talking about...the black ones with the thin red strap? Besides being less stable on the feet, they also have a smaller blade area than good diving fins. Since propulsion is a function of applied force...fins against the water...you will usually get more efficient propulsion with a larger blade fin. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]And then there is the subject of how rigid the blades should be. I like them fairly stiff, but with enough flex that part of the push flexes the fin and you are not kicking directly against a wall of water.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]All of that adds up to the reason why I advise tubers to "TRY BEFORE YOU BUY". Good fins are not cheap, and they should last for many years. But, if you buy cheap, and don't get good propulsion, you don't get the maximum efficiency and enjoyment out of them. And, if you are like most of us (stubborn) you are going to get your money's worth...no matter what.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]That being said, I have extra fins in the divers style I like best. I will be happy to let you try a pair, along with your own red fins, to see what the differences are and what works best for you.[/#0000ff]
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The Fish Cat 4 already has 2 bladders to inflate. If the one used for the seat gets popped then you would be in some serious trouble.

I prefer the harder seat since I already have enough cushion to sit on as is. That could only be a matter of prefference.

I have used the inflatable and the rigid seat. If I would have had the option when I bought mine, I still would have gone with the rigid seat.[cool]

Please feel free to drop by the Float Tubing board. We would enjoy having you on the roll call over there.[]
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Hey Tubedude! I'll will send a PM for sure to get a look at those chapters from your book. Any information will be great. I finally decided to just stop worrying about my purchase and do it. I ordered two of the pumpkin colored Fish Cat 4 (not the deluxe) tubes today. They should be here after the weekend since they will be drop shipped directly from Outcast's warehouse in Boise (at least that's what I was told). It may take a little time to get everything together, but I figure this is at least a start. I hope to get some good fishing in before, but my ultimate goal is to be ready to go by the fall.
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Thanks for the informatin tubeN2. I'll make sure to drop by the float tube board for role call. I have a lot to learn and I'm realizing that this is a good place to be for that.

Regards,

Frank
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Sorry to bother you guys again, but I had another question. Based on what I've read in your posts on the site, I've decided to get the Cuda 168EX, but didn't know if I should go with the Cuda 168 instead. I know from your posts that you would rather have the larger screen on the EX, but the unit seems to be considerably larger in general. Have you seen the 168EX mounted on a fish cat 4? Does it take up much space compared to the 168? As always, thanks for your advice.

Frank
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[cool][#0000ff]If I had known about the EX model when I got my 168, I would have got it. I have always had and appreciated a larger screen. The 168 is plenty good for tubing, but the larger screen gives more display and is easier to see.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The EX is only slightly wider, and not enough to make for noticeable extra size and weight. Here are some pics of the standard 168 mounted and packed inside the pocket. Figure about an inch and a half wider and you can see there is plenty of room.[/#0000ff]




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[#0000ff]As always, that is my personal opinion. We all need to make our own decisions for our own reasons.[/#0000ff]
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