Good float tube?

[bilder]

What float tube do you guys use for lakes? Been working on getting set up for fly fishing and a tube is one piece of equipment I do not have yet.

Was wondering what you guys would suggest for a good tube that does not cost a bunch of money.

Thanks

[AK Wheels]

Caddis

Ive had the same caddis tube since 88'. I have a drink holder and kreel bag that stay attached even when deflated and in its bag. It's camo and has a rod/gun holder that has put me right where birds want to land.

[Alaskan Fly Guy]

I have had most every type and brand of tube you can think of, but my all time favorite is the V-Tube by Wood River. Cut's through the water like butter and is big enough for my fat butt (260+). I have tried the pontoons as well but always, always go back to my Wood river V-Tube. Wound up buying several while I was guiding in the lakes around South-Central and always got great KUDO's from my clients that had used other brands.

[ak_powder_monkey]

I'm getting a watermaster, aka float tube on roids...

I've used a little round caddis for like 10 years and am quite happy with it except its a pita to deflate because it uses a tube from an old car tire with the scheder valve. I a round boat from sportsmans this year that inflates/deflates much faster for backpacking/travel

[jakec5253]

watermaster

Isn't the watermaster a little overkill for the local lakes? Aren't they over a grand? I think I will stick with my 200 dollar fishcat tube.


Jake

[FishnPhil]

Float tubes work, but in the wind you have to kick a lot. To get anywhere you have to kick a lot. There's not much storage for gear and getting into anything is a real pain IMO. I have one and never really liked it other than fishing real small places. They work, I've used them on bigger lakes, but when I'm fishing I'd rather be fishing than kicking and doing work.

I have a watermaster, but primarily use that for running rivers. Works great in lakes too, and can buy the motor mount, but they are pricey for sure.

If you are going to stick to lakes, and like you said don't want to spend a lot of cash, then the best option would be a pontoon if you can swing it. You can mount a motor, fish finder, whatever you want. You are sitting out of the water, have or can make room for storage, plus wear a backpack and easily access it all.

[jakec5253]

pontoon boat

I have used my pontoon boat in a lake, and found it to be kind of a pain. In my tube I can fish while I kick around, sort of trolling my fly if I am fishing deep. With the pontoon, I have to put the rod in the rod holder, grab the oars and row to where I want to fish, them move the oars out of the way so I don't get my line wrapped around them, especially when fighting a bigger fish, then repeat the whole process when I want to move, and I move pretty much the whole time I am fishing. The pontoon wins hands down if you are fishing a really, really big lake and have to cover a lot of water, but if you have a lot of time to fish, I prefer to kick around slowly in my tube. Another place the tube is much better is if you want to fish any lakes that require any hiking to get to. My pontoon boat is 9ft long, and I don't even like to carry it from the garage to the truck. My float tube on the other hand, I could and have carried that thing a long ways. If it is less than a mile, I carry it inflated, but any more than a mile, I carry in deflated in a bag and inflate it once I get to the lake.


Jake

[bilder]

How about this one?

http://www.cabelas.com/link-12/produ...2315391a.shtml

Looks like that if I bid smart, I can get one delivered for under $100 on Ebay.

[jakec5253]

tube

Looks like a decent set up. I think the U-shaped boats are the way to go. My first tube was one of the round boats, and it was a pain to get in and out of, especially with fins on. I think the one you posted will work out just fine.


Jake

[GUZ808]

Just to put in my 2 cents. I got a V-boat from outcast. Cost me about $170. Like it a lot. Model is called fishcat-4. I highly recommend it. Good float tube at a good price.

[Charholio]

fishcat 4 by outcast

This is fairly afordable (think I got mine for $149), and is definitely a step up from the round tubes. You won't be able to go anywhere fast, but this design is faster than the round tubes for sure, and you sit higher. Higher means you don't get as cold, you can cast farther, easier, and you can see into the water just a little better.

The standard model has foam seats which of course provide an emergency means of floatation. The two sides have independent bladders too, so there's an additional source of flotation just in case.

You can buy backpack straps for it that make it a cinch to haul it into more remote places.

The deluxe model has an air seat rather than a foam block. In my opionon, you sit a slightly higher yet, and the air seat seams more comfortable.

It inflates very quickly and the valves are really easy to use. If used this one hard for two years.

I also have 3 round tubes (two bucks bags and one caddis) but I almost never use them anymore. I like the fishcat a lot more.

[ak_powder_monkey]

Isn't the watermaster a little overkill for the local lakes? Aren't they over a grand? I think I will stick with my 200 dollar fishcat tube.


Jake

overkill for local lakes? yes overkill for some of the things I have planned? no

[Brian M]

bilder - I've got one that's brand new in the box that I've never used. If you'd like to take it out and see what you think, you're more than welcome to. If you like it, we can decide what is a fair price - but I'm certainly not looking for much. I've got my packraft now so I can't forsee myself ever using my float tube.

I'll dig it out tomorrow and let you know what it is.

[Aksharpshooter]

tube

Never tried a store bought float tube. I had one custom made back in the 80's at a tent and awning company and it is gauranteed for life and still looks new today. Love it, if you get the right fins you dont need to do much kicking except to get to your spot but good exercise to boot. More fun in a tube than a boat anyday!!!

[michigan_mike]

I would say make sure to check out craigslist. Last I looked there were about 5 of them on there for Alaska. I just picked up the better-model Buck's Bags tube with Force Fins off of craigs for $100. It might not be the most updated, but I pretty much don't have any extra money.