Thinking about Da tube

[Jordan5]

I live in central Ohio and a tube would be perfect for me and a buddy of myn. i am a little more into fishing than her, is there a cheap tube or a good place to get a used one before investing in a tube and find out i don't care for it?

Thanks

G-Dane
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[IrishFloatTube]

Compared with all boats .... all float tubes are cheap.

Regarding the lowest cost tubes ... I am inclined to think that anyone who buys the basic float tubes is far less likely to have a good time out on the water fishing, or trying to fish from it.

So my suggestion is that you eliminate the lowest cost tubes from your "to be considered" list. Focus instead on the mid range tubes, which have at least some of the top tube features included in their design.
The mid range tubes handle nicely, and you are much more likely to have a good experience, and like it, and tube around for longer as a result.

Working on the basis that the V-boat tubes handle the best on the water, and that is the most important thing, limit your search to this category alone, but excluding the expensive top of the range Vee tubes.
So you might like to look around for a good deal on an ODC420, or a Fish Cat 4, or a Bucks Bags Bullet.
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[flygoddess]

I have to agree on the CHEAP part. Would you buy a cheap Parachute? SAFETY! Look how many people drown each year, then look how much you spend on fast food for ONE month.
If you love HER you might want to look a little deeper in the wallet.
But, I will say there is a big difference in CHEAP vs Inexpensive, vs a GREAT DEAL.
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]It is always a good policy to "try before you buy". That can be easily applied to float tube fishing. However, it is not usually possible to find a rental tube at your local contractor's supply store. You generally have to make a leap of faith and buy the basic gear...tube, waders, fins, etc. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]That can require at least a couple hundred dollars to get properly outfitted. Definitely not the high end of the spectrum, but it would allow you to "test the waters".[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Since we are coming up on the spring and summer weather, make a few rounds of garage sales and look in the classifieds. Tubers are like computer geeks...always upgrading and selling off the old models to help buy the new. Also, look for any kind of float tube fishing clubs or look on the bulletin boards of local tackle shops. If you can find someone wanting to sell, you might make a "demo ride" a part of the selling process.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Otherwise, the new stuff these days is seldom cheap. If it is cheap, you probably won't like either the ride or the longevity. Such craft are made strictly for the "price" market and not for serious tube anglers.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you find something interesting, don't hesitate to post it for our comments. Chances are somebody on the forum will have some first hand experience...or at least know the craft by reputation.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]My suggestion is to get one complete outfit and trade off using it, to allow both of you to get the feel for it, without a double investment. Then, if it is a go, you can buy with more knowledge and confidence on the second setup.[/#0000ff]
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[Jordan5]

Ok thanks i already have fins considering they are a key element in my swim training thanks for all of the help. plus im 16 so this will be my boat for a while, im sure lifeguarding will pay for a decent tube after a week of work

G-Dane
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