What to look for when shopping for a float tube

I did not think it was such a big deal but I have had 2 requests and one other to post this as a fishing tip. So here it is and I hope others could use this info.

Hi 152 Sumo

Ken and I use the simplest Cadis U tube. I can’t remember the model but it's only about $80. It has the bare minimum of storage space and it sits slightly under water.
I added a home made rod holder and a non water absorbing foam seat to lift me up about 3" and keep me dryer.

But first let me explain what to look for in a float tube and you can decide on what you want to buy.

Storage space.
How much equipment are you going to bring. Keep in mind that you may want enough space to tug away a heavy jacket in the spring when the mornings are cold and the afternoons are hot. If you are like most bass guys that want to bring 10 rods and a whole closet of lures then you may want to look at pontoons. If you can travel light like Ken and I do (2 poles and a bag of senkos) then the caddis U-tube may be perfect for you.
I have modified mine to have an extra storage compartment by taking the second bladder (that doubles as back rest) out and putting is together with the main bladder. This frees up the pouch on the backrest to carry my jacket and life vest in.

Profile.
The bigger the tube the more room it has and the higher the payload. The flip side is water resistance and wind drag. The shape also makes a difference. If it lifts you up from sitting in the water it is a plus because you'll be more comfortable and there will be less water resistance. But the wind will give you more trouble. Also the tube will be heavier than the simple U-tubes. I often hike in with my tube to a closer launch area to where I want to fish. I have done one-mile hikes with my tube on my back.
So to sum this up, I prefer less wind resistance than water resistance because we have to deal with the wind so much. But you'll find that some lakes have a running current especially when there is a constant wind. And I do like to be sitting slightly higher and that's why I made this foam seat for my tube.

Get some straps to carry your tube like a backpack. Some come with it, but others don't and it makes it so much easier to carry back and forth to the vehicle.

Pontoons
They are much heavier than float tubes. While my tube barely weights 15#-20# with all my equipment a pontoon may weight 40# by itself. You will however be able to cover more water with the oars they come with or a trolling motor and it is much more comfortable to sit in. But you will lose the some of the control a float tube has. Because of it's big profile the wind will make your life miserable and you will tire more than in a tube. You will also loose the portability that you have with the float tube while you retain some of the control that you will have over a kayak. In other words it is a compromise between the float tube and a kayak.

Chest waders
They are a must have in the cold months. Most people prefer the breathables and layer up in the winter. Ken and I use neoprenes. I bought mine to bank fish for salmon in the rivers and got it to a tight fit. But Ken bought one size bigger so that he could use his pee bottle easily. 

Fins
We use fins designed for wearing over wading boots. I have the Force Fins and they are really durable but heavy. Others use diving fins and swear by them. I could not give you an opinion as to what is best since I have only used the Force Fins.

Wading boots/hiking boots
It will allow you to hike into places that may not be accessible to you otherwise. A couple of the places I go to don't have a launch ramp.

I hope this will help you decide what you want to buy.

I used to have a "U-Tube" (or was it called a U-Boat) and loved it It was heart breaker for me to sell. I also used force fins - a very comfortable fin that does not stress the ankle or knees.

I modifed the U-tube with two pvc pipes on each side to hold an extra rod and a net...I'll see if I can dig up some old photos.

Just my two cents....

  I think, one of the main advantages of a "float tube"  is its portability.  I have a "Kennebec" pontoon style, and my very first float tube was the "Round boat" that ugly red/ blue colored donut.   
  Can't remember the name of the fins I have, boot toe slips into them and a heavy strap around heel holds them on.  Their not very long.  I found that, while manuvering my float, my right knee had started to hurt. So I stopped using my float tubes, and got my OB. 
  After knee surgery,  I haven't returned to the float tubes yet.

  Another nice thing about float tube fishing (And kayak fishing for this matter) is you learn to downsize your equipment & tackle.  Limited storage space dictates this. 
 

I still have (and use) the same tube I bought at Mel Cottons in 1996. It is a low-end Caddis model. Round shape. If I was to buy a new one it would definitely be a u-tube.
The main reason I still have it is the portability factor. I pack it into remote lakes/ponds that are otherwise unaccessable to kayaks. Specific lakes that I use my tube are: Los Padres Reservoir in Carmel Valley (opens this wknd!!!), Relief Reservoir above Kennedy Meadows on the 108, the small lakes above Leavitt Lake above Sonora Pass, and some small lakes above Carson Pass. Although, I really want to take my kayak up to Leavitt Lake this summer.
PK

I modifed the U-tube with two pvc pipes on each side to hold an extra rod and a net..

Here is my version of the pcv pipe rod holder. It fits two rods at the same time.

  I was just thinking about how I stored rods on my Kennebec, it has velcro straps on both pontoons located outside.  I loaded the straps with the reels forward, which keeps where I'm casting clear of rod tips.  As I recall, though, the reels would get wet if there was any wake, or rough water.
  My plastic's  (Worms, lizards etc..) smelly jellies siccors pliers were kept in my right large pocket, fish towel in the small pocket behind the right large pocket, tackle, (Hooks, weights, beads, swivels etc..) are/were kept in a container in the left large pocket, snacks in the smaller rear pocket.
  The back rest pocket?  I think I maybe kept a light jacket in it? Oh and water bottle.   Boy, now I'm beginning to realize how much I miss my tube!

If you are going to be in a float tube, the neoprene waders seem like a good call since you are most under water anyways, but for kayaking, where you are mostly out, the breathables make good sense, but they should make some with a neoprene seat for durability and extra comfort! maybe they should be called 'sitters',  .  a pee bottle! what a great idea, 

I used to have a "U-Tube" (or was it called a U-Boat) and loved it It was heart breaker for me to sell. I also used force fins - a very comfortable fin that does not stress the ankle on knees.

I remember you asking me if i wanted to buy that U-tube for a $100.00 bucks. That was a good deal. I would of bought it if i didn't allready have one.

I still have mine, but haven't used it since my shark sitting while tubbing it just past the coastguard pier in Monterey in the early 90's.

Float tubbing in the ocean is not a very good ideal, especially when you have bleeding fish on your stringer

Float tubbing in the ocean is not a very good ideal, especially when you have bleeding fish on your stringer

I wouldn't be too worried about doing it off pleasure point or capitola actually.

J

John,

I have not tube in 4 or 5 years.  But, Outcast Fat Cat were the best.  It is  has a bow instead of being round.  Swim Fins are good on your feet.  If you want to cover a long way then the longer the better.  But, some guys used a kayak paddle to fish the whole lake.

Ken kickfish

  Dag-Nabit  Time to dig out my float box from my storage shed. Maybe get some therapy in on Lexington after work.  I'll be sure to post in Hookups when I do.