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so after years of being a bank angler i think I've reached a point in my life where I want a little more. I don't have the time or money to get a boat and the canoe that i have been using is just too unstable for my tastes. In short I'm considering getting a float tube, the idea of calm mornings on the water where the fish gently rise all around me is just so satisfying. after doing some research however really all I've been able to discern is that purchasing a float tube is only the first step in pain staking process of obtaining the right gear and equipment. I know some of you guys are life long float tubers, if possible i'd like to be pointed in the right direction. I want to be as cost effective as possible without compromising quality and comfort. what float tube should i get? what waders? what are some essential items to have? I'm mostly planning on fishing strawberry in the spring and fall. Any help will be greatly appreciated! Links wouls also go a long way, thanks in advance my fellow fishermen!
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Have you checked out the BFT Float tubing boards? If not here is a link to them:
http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gfo...ategory=66
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awesome thanks!still hoping to get some detailed advice especially for those that like to take their tubes out to strawberry.
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I have float tubed strawberry a lot over the years. Many years with a standard float tube and then the last few years from a kick boat. I have one of the older doughnut tubes that is a bit of a pain to get in and out of. The newer "C" shaped tubes are a ton easer to get in and out of.
Not sure if you are considering a kick boat or not but I think that is the way to go up at strawberry. I hardly use my tube anymore and mainly use it for packing into an area that is far from the truck. I added a trolling motor to my kick boat this summer and I am excited to try it up on the berry this fall.
For waders if you are in a tube and fishing strawberry in the fall and spring I would consider neoprene waders. I have tried my breathable waders a few times in my tube and it was a bit cold. The breathable work great on my kick boat though.
Make sure you get decent flippers.
Mark
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I've enjoyed fishing in a float tube in the fall at Strawberry for several years now. The biggest fish I've ever caught was from a float tube at Strawberry. There are many ways to gear up for float tube fishing but there is nothing wrong with keeping it simple. I've been using a Caddis "U" shaped float tube for many years. It is easy to get in and out of. It has enough pockets for gear. Flippers are fairly cheap, I prefer the ones that buckle on vs the shoe lace ones. The only complaint I have about float tubes, is I get cold after being in the water for several hours at Strawberry. I layer up but I still need to take breaks out of the water. If you have the money, I suggest a kick boat. I think that is my next step! If money is an issue, you can still float tube it, just plan on taking breaks!
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I am a life timer. Started out in a donut, then a U then a V then pontoon, the U shaped pontoon[  ]
Get the best you can afford.
A donut and a U tube you will be sitting IN water. So I agree, spring and fall or just plain Strawberry a pair of Neoprene. The are also the best $ value.
BUT, with proper layering, breathables can and are as warm.
A V shaped tube you will be sitting ON the water. Better elbow room plus you could get by with waist high waders.
And as suggested, a Pontoon. You sit knee deep in water so hippers are all you need. You have oars to take up the slack so you are not beat up as much. Plus a pontoon is more responsive on water meaning it is faster, but this also means wind can move it easier too, but they are really not hard to control and again you have oars.
There are several choices of Frameless pontoons these days.
Fins, they are very important with tubes. They are you only propulsion. More blade the better.
Pontoon, fins are nice but you can use shorter fins. Many choose no fins, but they do give you hands free fishing.
You will also want some kind of sonar.
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Like others, I went from a doughnut tube to a pontoon/kickboat, and now to a high-end fishing kayak. The pontoon/kickboat is far preferable if you tend to get cold, as I do.
If you live near Ogden, there are two used pontoon boats for sale at the 2nd Tracks sports consignment shop (12th and Harrison) that might be worth checking out.
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One other choice. They are less expensive and are capable of so many different positions.
SUP (stand up paddle board)
They are gaining big time popularity. They are fast, very little wind resistance. Big standing platform. No waders needed and fins can still be used by just sitting sideways.
Put a seat on it, you have a Kayak, put a box and a seat you have a canoe. And you can use them anytime
![[Image: winter_sup_zps1839203c.jpg]](http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f17/FlyGoddess/Boat%20and%20Motor/winter_sup_zps1839203c.jpg)
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ok so I'm starting to become convinced that a kick-boat/pontoon would be the best bet for what I'm wanting to do. I'm pretty sure that in the long run I'll end up getting one anyway and it will cost me a lot more, I rather make the investment now. I was looking at a few option online for reference sake and i found this, thoughts?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MS8...d_i=507846
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I purchased that exact pontoon last year and I love it. I had a smaller one previously; however, I'm a big guy so I always felt a little tippy in the smaller one. I never feel tippy with the new one, even with the heavy battery and motor on the back. I've had quite a few great adventures with it. Just my $0.02.
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this is the smaller version that is only half the price. Im a small guy, 5'5 120 lbs so I imagine this would accommodate me nicely.
http://www.amazon.com/Classic-Accessorie...r_dpwidget
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[#0000FF]The Roanoke will accomodate you and some gear. But it is a small pontoon and is not suitable for installing an electric motor...if you ever want to go that way. But it is compact and lightweight and should help you to decide what you like and dislike about "floatation fishing".
The major downside is that it is sold by Classic Accessories and is made in China. Not the best quality. But Classic Accessories has made some good progress in their customer service.
Here is a writeup that might help you define what the real issues are and to profile yourself against them in making a final decision.
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A few words of advice from someone who was where you are two years ago and is now a tube addict...
Buy a used one in good condition. I went with a tube first (cheaper and it fit in the trunk of my car). I then bought a pontoon only to find, for me, the tube is a much better platform for my inflatable trips. (For me, ease of transportation, set up, and fishing closer to the water won).
A good brand in used condition is better than a cheapo new one. My tube is a cheapo brand I bought in like-new condition, and I love it -- but I do wish I'd spent the $20 extra for a nicer, slightly bigger model.
Buy something you can upgrade. Whatever you buy, make sure it CAN take a motor and battery with modifications. Almost all Pontoons can. Tubes need to be 350lbs or better with a space for the battery to mount.
You may never do this upgrade, but you very well may particularly for getting around a big lake like Strawberry.
I'd recommend light waders with room to layer underneath (particularly the feet). I'd also get the kind with integrated boots (you don't walk much anyway so uncomfortable boots are not a big deal).
I've been on Strawberry in December in my Tube. And on Utah Lake in July. I used the same waders both trips and was comfortable throughout 4+ hrs of fishing.
But I do seem to be more temperature tolerant than most....
Finally, read the stuff in the link TD posted. It's thorough and insightful.
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Your skinny little behind will want the padded seat[laugh]
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this is a lot of info to take in, I think I have more questions than answers at this point. the financial aspect is especially daunting. One thing i do know is that I wont have very many trips out to strawberry which is where I mainly plan to fish. I only go once or twice in the spring and 4 or 5 times in the fall.
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Maybe you would go more if you had a pontoon. Check Craig's list too.
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For me, I found the U-Boat 2000 was great, not only was it easy to set up, but it also included fins and pump. It is made by the Creek Company, and is very affordable. Having said that, I prefer to use my float tube on smaller lakes, because I don't have to worry about getting blown miles across a large body of water. So ask yourself what types of water bodies you will be fishing. All in all though, I can honestly say that having a float tube has doubled the fish I have caught!
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Im looking at some of the used options on KSL, there are some that already have a a trolling motor included so perhaps that's the route i should go. does anybody know if the sportsmans brand of pontoon boat is any good?
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I have a Sportsmans 9' and totally love it, very nice boat. I forget the company that makes them but they are good quality machines. Good luck in your ventures you will totally love it if you will get out and use them. I have a boat, 3 toons and a tube and the 9' toon is my favorite. If your looking for a cheaper one to start with I have a 6' Creek Co 626 kick boat I need to sell. I needed more flotation because I take too much stuff with me. Anyway let me know if you're interested i'll send some pixs. If you take a tube or toon to a back country lake you'll be so hooked you'll have to have one. By the way don't get a round tube they sit you too deep in the water and aren't nearly as much fun as the others. Had a couple near hypothermia close calls in mine because I won't quit fishing when I should. If you're going to hike with it, make sure you watch weight, they get heavy fast. Good luck. J
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[quote aloneone]Im looking at some of the used options on KSL, there are some that already have a a trolling motor included so perhaps that's the route i should go. does anybody know if the sportsmans brand of pontoon boat is any good?[/quote]
Keep in mind (although some may not, it is a law) you will need to register and license that boat if you put any kind of motor on it. I have three and license all three, sucks but worth it. Sportsmans brand use to be Outcast (Asian made these days). Don't know if they still are. I do know a lot of people that have that Sam's club pontoon with the wheel.
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