Attn: all tube tudes give me the 411

[hazmattr]

My bro just informed me he had a tube in the garage. I did a front flip and ripped it out of there. It's way nice and no leaks. I have all the wader gear. But what about flippers, is there special ones. Also whats some important gear you want out besides pole and tackle. Let a rookie know thanks. Oh also i,m kinda outta shape at the moment am I gonna be pretty sore the next day?
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]You need to bend your brain and wander over to the float tube board [url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?forum=81;"]LINK TO BOARD[/url] Go to the best of the best links and scroll down to check out info on fins, waders, etc. Should answer most of your questions.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]In a nutshell, you can use any fins that fit well over your waders without constricting your feet. Good diving fins are preferred, but Sportsmans and Cabelas both have some decent models for around $40. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Kicking around in a tube is good "passive" exercise, unless you try to kick all around a big lake or power ten miles back to your car against a wind. Always best to do a couple of short trips to get used to your gear before trying to set a marathon record.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you look at my avatar pic, you will note that there are indeed many "accessories" you can add to a plain vanilla tube. I start with a rod holder and a fish basket. I add sonar, a landing net, pliers, tackle boxes, wiping rags, etc. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you get out and paddle around a bit, and decide maybe you would like to get serious let me know and I can have you over to the tubeatorium (my garage) and help you get tricked out right.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]First big word of advice is to launch in a protected area the first time, without tackle, and just get used to controlling and moving around in your tube. Until you are really comfortable and confident, don't even think about challenging the wind.[/#0000ff]
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[fsh4fun05]

You can spend alot of money on equipment, trust me. As far as flippers go I have a pair of Creek Company flippers I paid $25 I think at Sportsmans. They work great and are very comfortable. Browning makes a good pair also but haven't been able to find them. I replaced my net with a pair of lip grippers, but I don't fish for trout much, probably want a net for those.
20' of PVC, fittings and a trip to TD's pad and you should be good to go!
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[Out4aFloat]

My only advice is to listen to Tubedude. I recently visited his "tubeatorium" and was amazed at what you could do to a tube. You will save a lot of time if you take his advice from the start.

If you already have the waders and now the tube, spend the money on some good fins. But from my limited knowledge, there are cheap fins and expensive fins. Those in between are not worth the money.
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[Majja]

Yea as others have said listen to the Dude. I think he has forgotten more about tubing than I will ever know. I use a pair of dive fins that are about 45.00 and love them.
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[HighLakesDrifter]

Amen to what all have said about TubeDude and the Tubing board.

What can I possibly add? I bet this is redudant, but in case it's not...

If you put your fins on before you get in the water, walk backwards into the water. (I always put mine on once I'm in the water).

Take the water temp into account when you get dressed. It will be 80 on Saturday, but if you're fishing Strawberry, the water temp will be low 40s tops. If you are wearing shorts under those waders, your day might be shorter than you want it to be.

Plan the day so you have a tailwind to get back to your ride (if possible).

Carry water/snacks to last the duration of your time on the water.

Turn yourself by using one leg (just imagine those synchronized swimmers)

I love tubing! Been doing it since '89. I own a Stansport old truck tire tube, a Caddis PT Boat, and a Fish Cat 4.
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[BADFISH]

i have the cheapest fins i could find i think sportys for 20...because, i have a 22 thrust pound motor on the back of my tube in the floatin mount... i still "kick it" oldschool once in a while when my battery dies, but i can run on a 12v sealed gel battery for like 8 hrs straight.
i have a rod holder, need to devise a fish basket, and fingure out a way to have my sonar mount on the tube and still be used on the aluminum dream, i think a second transducer is in order for that one...but yes when i get ready to "try" something i bounce the thoughts of the masterful, wonderful, moderaterful, all experienceing TUBEDUDE around the brain bucket to decide what I can do on my own.

so listen to TD, but for god sake fishin isnt an ugly sport so put some style on it son. and one day you may have a toob worthy of TD ness.
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