Float tube for Sand Hollow

[Trout_lover]

Can anybody recommend a float tube for Sand Hollow or Gunlock? I want to fish for panfish mainly but may do catch-n-release for the bass. I need one with good back support and some kind of rod holder. Also a D-ring would be nice for my fish basket. A float tube would be nice for warmwater fishing.

Thanks in advance.
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[utahduckhunter]

it all depend how much you want to spend ? fish cat . or get a pontoon tube
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[pa]

Cant go wrong with the Fatcat. Love mine. Carries my fat a$$ just fine plus all my gear. Lots of storage and easily mounts a electric motor. can be tricked out and is very comfortable.
pa

[Trout_lover]

I do have a pontoon boat but I mainly use that for trout fishing. It would almost be worth it to have a craft for Sand Hollow and the pontoon for the cooler lakes. It would be a pain in the but to hot wash the pontoon the next day. I do like the looks of the fatcat. Seems like a nice rig. Sometimes I like to pack a telescope as well and I am short on space in the jeep.
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[sinergy]

Just FWI Sand Hallow is one of the lake effected by Quagga Mussels after your done tubing you'll want go through the decontaminate process so you don't effect other waters.

http://wildlife.utah.gov/dwr/affected-wa...dates.html

http://wildlife.utah.gov/dwr/invasive-mussels.html
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[TubeDude]

[#0000FF]There are times and places where your toon will serve you better...like when you want to go further and faster (with oars) than you could by fin power alone. But the hands-free fishing from a tube is better in a breeze when you can maintain position without having to keep grabbing the oars. And that is what a lot of fishing for "panfish" is about. Find the zone and work it slowly and effectively.

Whatever tube you choose will work for all tubeable waters...not just the ones you mentioned. One of the good things about tubes vs toons is that they are lighter and more compact. You can carry them fully inflated in many vehicles...and if you have a small vehicle tubes store in a small space.

I have fished from just about every make and model of float tube...and many pontoons. I am a big guy and need lots of floatation...especially when I add a motor and battery. The Fat Cats have been my main choice for quite a few years. Plenty of floatation and plenty of gear pockets...plus the compartment behind the seat.

Outcast Fish Cats are little brothers to the Fat Cats. They are less expensive and smaller. But the bladders are vinyl...not urethane (as with Fat Cats) and the nose end is several inches shorter. But, for anglers with less size and weight they are a decent ride. Lots of happy Fish Cat owners.

If you need good back support, you may consider a minor modification on the closed cell foam back rests on both the Fat Cat and Fish Cat. That is to slip a piece of plywood or plexiglass up inside the backrest pocket to add rigidity...behind the foam. Over time the foam gets fatigued and bows a bit. Even with tighter strap adjustments the seat does not provide ideal back support.

As mentioned, Sand Hollow is a QUAGGA MUSSEL pond. So you do need to follow the recommended decontamination procedures before taking your tube on other waters.

Good luck.
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[Majja]

There are many to choose from. For some DIY rod holders and such jump over to the Float Tube Forum plenty of good ideas out there to rig up what ever you need. Just a little PVC and imagination and you are off and running. I personally have an older Scadden and I like it I just wish I had the newer style seat on it. I am also one on the heavier side and the scadden can float my but and I had my daughter sitten inthe bow last year and it floated us very well. (same daughter as the pic just at age 7)
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