Float Tubes?

[Steiny]

All,

I was thinking about picking up a float tube for some lake fly fishing but I have no idea what to look for. Any recomendations on what is best and what kind of price are we looking at?

Thanks for your help.

Ken

[oneshotwonder]

I've got a Caddis and i love it. Not sure of the model though. In my opinion you should look for one in the U-boat shape and not the full round tube. The u-boat is a little more convinient getting in and out and i feel like you get more power kicking with the seating position. Might not be as maneverable as a round tube but they are more comfortable. As for pockets and storage, i say go for as many pockets as you can afford, you will quickly find something to put in all of the pockets. Also, strap a styrofoam beer cozy to one side and you have a cup holder!

[ranchwife]

I have a FishCat - last year's model - I LOVE it!! It is a V shaped tube that has a seat that rides above the water. I was able to get by with a pair of hip waders and only got my butt wet. When it started getting a little colder, I switched to chest waders. The tube has a lot of pockets which is nice. I was a little apprehensive about getting one - I was afraid that they wouldn't be safe. The first time I got in it I loved it! I tried to rock the tube to tip it over and it wouldn't budge. I also realized that if I needed to get out of the tube, incase it did flip over, all I had to do was move away from it. The tubes that you set in would be difficult to get out of if it flipped over because you are basically stuck in it. The other thing that is nice about the tubes with the seat above water is that you are up off the water which makes casting easier.

I don't think it matters which brand of tube you buy, but I would suggest getting one that has a seat above water, an adjustable back on the seat, and separate air chambers for safety.

I have to admit that I spent too many hours fishing last summer when I should have been doing other things - but hey, that's what summer vacation is for, right?!! The next thing to add to my float tube is a set of shoulder straps so I can pack it into the wilderness.

Good luck!

[1SoCalHunter]

I have a Caddis Navigator IV and no complaints, also this model is pretty good because it supports a lot of weight http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smiley-rollwink-eyes-green.gif

[Greg]

I bought the cheapest float tube that I could find. My tube is the bottom of the line Caddis and it has treated me well since 1996. I use it about 30 times a year and its still ticking. What I like about is that its light and fairly easy to carry, which comes in handy for some of those small backcountry lakes. A lot of pockets would be nice to have, but then again I can fit a healthy amount of gear in my vest. The biggest draw back to the older more conventional style float tube is they are slow in the water. Getting to the other side of the lake can sometimes take awhile.

[seahonk]

i have a creek company u boat , it cost me about 100 bucks and it holds my fat arse about 300# , oh and dont fall asleep in one you will drift a good ways in no time , me asleep and my so called buddy laughing his arse off http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smiley-sideways-laff-aqua.gif , it took me an hour and a half to get back . http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smiley-soapbox.gif

[SPOONY SLAYER]

Caddis navigator II. its a pontoon, and it sits you up higher than the navigator IV. that would be my choice. it runs $179.99, but you can find it on sale for $99.99...


....i work at Turners.... http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smiley-bag-on-head.gif

[Steiny]

All,

Thanks for all the inputs, I ended up going to cabala&#39;s and getting the caddis navigator II. Couldn&#39;t pass up the deal. Next on the list is finding some lakes in the bay area as well as the sierra&#39;s to test it out. :smiley-thumbs-up.

Any ideas?

Once again thanks for your help.

[Thonzberry]

Steiny,
Good choice. Now you need to join us on the JHP trip up to the Mammoth lakes area in May. Check out the JHP events forum.

[karstic]

Double Haul in the Fall-Lake Crowley

[fpscabs]

Whatever tube you get (I prefer a "U" or "V" shape) get firm fins. I can do circles around most people using the flimsy small fins. The bigger fins may take more effort (torque) to move, but you do move. One buddy floated so far up Crowely, almost to the inlet , he made shore and walked back. Took him 1 1/2 hours. He couldn&#39;t make any headway in a light breeze. I had no problem.

Karstic, as I posted last fall about the conflict with the Double Haul and Deer opener, It is a huge delima....I went hunting. I loved the double haul(tied for 10th once), but If the F&G have the x9 zones&#39; opener again on the same weekend, I will be hunting. http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smiley-shakehead-blue.gif http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smiley-wavin-yel.gif