odc float tubes

[garbageman]

I am gonna buy a new float tube this weekend, and I have it narrowed down to the odc that looks like the fat cat, or a fishcat 4. The fishcats have a 5 year warranty, does anyone know what the warranty is on the odc? I can't seem to find it on the web site. Also how do you fishcat or odc owners feel about the craft?
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[zonker]

G-man,

I have one of each and its a pretty close race. The ODC is just a little bit larger and has a slightly larger carrying capacity than the FishCat 4 (275 pounds v. 300 pounds as I recall.) Also, the ODC has a little longer end on the pontoon part, making it easier to attach a fish finder and Scotty rod holder. Quality wise they are about the same. I don't remember the waranty information. The ODC has a larger pocket capacity. For my money the ODC has a slight edge because of size and longer configuration. I've fished it through the winter, caught a lot of fish from it, and am very pleased. My grandson gets to use the Fish Cat 4. I take both with me when I go alone so that I have a backup in case one of them develops a leak.

P.S. Get yourself a good pair of fins. There are plenty of cheapies out there that aren't worth much. Several on this forum like the Force Fins (and several don't, most notably, Tubedude.) The Force Fins are fairly expensive, though - over a hundred bucks. I like the Mares Plana Avantis (shown in the first pic below) better than the Force Fins (I've had both.) They are dive fins that are super comfortable with quick release buckles for easy on and off. Whatever you purchase, get them with room for your waders and booties if you plan to wear both. Mine ran about $65 at a dive shop. There are other good ones out there.

zonker





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[ATFISHING]

GMAN THE ODC HAS A LIFETIME WARRANTY. LIKE ZONKER, I'M VERY HAPPY WITH MY ODC.
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=220785;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread"]http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=220785;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread[/url]

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU GET AND YOUR THOUGHTS AFTER YOU LAUNCH.

ATFISHING
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[garbageman]

Well, I wound up with the fish cat. After about getting skewered by a ski boat on Mantua last year, The orange color appealed to me. I also didn't like the air seat the odc came with. I launched my fish cat this morning and WOW! I can move around so much better with the fish cat than the Caddis Nevada Gold u-boat I had before. And the little bit of money I saved bought me a pump and a rod holder.
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Well, glad you got that taken care of. Also glad you are happy with your choice. That pointed bow and some of the other features really does make a difference in the float and the control when you are on the water.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Now we got to get your new ride all decorated up. Do you have a sonar or rod rack picked out yet?[/#0000ff]
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[garbageman]

Yeah, I am gonna save up a little cash and pick up the bottomline fishing buddy from sportsmans. As for a rod holder I am not sure yet if I am gonna make another one, or purchase one. Fishcat makes some and they're only 12.00 at anglers den. but its a safe bet you'll be seeing an orange fishcat out on utah lake soon.
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[zonker]

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I also didn't like the air seat the odc came with. [/reply]

Not questioning your choice of tubes here (remember, I have both) but that statement puzzled me. Unless I've missed something, the ODC 420 doesn't come with an inflatable seat. It's made of rigid foam. Some of the Fish Cats and Fat Cats have inflatable seats.

zonker
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]I got something to add on your choice, because of the brighter color. You blew it. When we go tubing, we play defense, not offense. Those boaters and PWC are not trying to AVOID us, they use us as pylons in their slalom races...and they don't mind cutting it too close either. The brighter your colors the more attention you get.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Been there, done that and had plenty of battles with $%#*# boaters too. Even won a few of them. My best scores have been hooking and hauling PWC operators off their rides...and then them trying to explain to the rangers why they got close enough for me to hook.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]In really "troubled waters" I carry a tough, beat up old baitcaster with heavy line and a nasty old crankbait with three sets of sharp trebles. That is a weapon of splash destruction when the power squadron gets cute with ya. Used to carry (and use) a wrist rocket and some marbles...but then I lost all my marbles.[/#0000ff]
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[Bluegillman]

Never forgot one time a buddy of a friend was kidding around by sparying the water while sking on two old timers drinking beer while fishing on the docks. I didn't think they enjoy the joke. On the next round he did it again and those old timers were ready for it. Too bad for this guy, those old timers got him good right in the mouth by throwing the beer bottle at him, knocking the full front teeths out.
Why is it that everyone on the water with power boats always think something is funny and do it?
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[zonker]

A couple of warning shots across the bow with the .357 works pretty well, too, I'm told. Never had to try it, though I confess that sometimes I've gone out prepared.

z~
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