Using float tubes

[Roger]

Does anyone use a float tube? I have seen a few people using these and was wondering how effective they are and if they like them? What are your experiences, likes, or dislikes? Which tube style do you prefer, round or U-shape?

Happy Easter to you all.

Roger

I've gone through 2 float tubes. I like them for certain applications like small ponds and lakes. You won't find me doing rivers or large lakes much. An offshore wind on a large lake might present huge problems not to mention I almost got run over by a too huge power boat while in a 16' aluminum boat which makes me wonder if a float tube is 'worth' altering course for them.
As for U vs. donut, I like the donut because the closed front holds your thighs in the water and might be less tiring. The U will be easier to get in and out of. If I needed a new one I'd get the newer style which keeps you out of the water more and has a V-bow.
As it stands now, I just picked up a J.W. Outfitters Renegade pontoon boat and after two trips wonder why I waited so long to get one. High and dry and able to handle swift rivers. The oar/fin propel option is cool as you can really scoot to an area and ALMOST hold position with fins. My next moves are to make some sort of drogue to slow it down in a blow amd to rig a centered anchor system so I can drop the hook BEFORE rowing over a fishy looking area.
E-mail me if I can answer any questions for you.
Jack C.

[ayygator]

hi rodger, yes i use a float tube for fishing, i just got it last week and so far its ok.i use the round boat style.i am hoping to use it a lot this year where my boat can not get to. happy floating.

[badcast]

Oh boy! You just hit one of my favorite ways of cooling off in the summer, not to mention how great it is to fish from these. I've had several over the years and bought several more for my kids and I've tried to get something a little different each time. For my $$ its the Original U-Boat. Easy in and out, more motion per "kick", I really like 'em. Don't be lulled it otaking it onto a river, though. Watched a guy barely rescue himself on the AuSable. Thought he was a goner in a sweeper. I've used them on sizeable lakes but usually stick to the "fishing' lakes; those with no speed boats. I've had bass boats, v-hull fishing boats, john boats, and canoes, but I'd never give up my belly boat.

[JStarbrite]

Just got my pontoon kick boat from Caballa's.Only cost $325 and is just as good as models I looked at at twice the price and a lifetime guarantee to boot!! I also bought a nifty device that enables you to strap an electric trolling to any kind of float tube. Have not had a chance to use it, but the advantages seem great. After I take it on it's maden voyage I'll post a report

[Steve]

What I want to know is if such a craft would be safe and practical to use on a river such as the Muskegon say from the Croton down to Thornapple.

[JStarbrite]

Steve, I have floated the Ausauble below Mio in a tube for years with out any problems.Just keep an eye out on what is downstream, always wear flippers and don't panic if you happen to get snagged on something. Be careful of your backcast as I have lost the tip of my rod when I got hung up in a tree and the current carried me away until I ran out of backing and the rod got ripped from my hand !

I have to ask you about using the flippers in rivers. Why do you use them? Aren't they kind of dangerous around snags, muck and stuff?

[badcast]

Fellas, I've seen people use tubes on rivers and get a way with it and I've seen one get in serious trouble. I know of one other that said he nearly drowned. This is different that laying on your belly on a tube and bobbing downstream. You're attached to it and its tough to get out of. Please reconsider using float tubes for river fishing. All that I've seen have disclaimers and warnings with them about moving water usage.

[Steve]

Thanks for the advice Badcast, I will heed it.

[JStarbrite]

The big waters below Mio there are no snags in the center part of the river (with the exception of some man made habitat just before Cummins Flats). All the cover is along the banks where the current is not that strong.This is also where you will find the muck. I use flippers (I also tie a small paddle to my tube for when I need some extra kick)to stay in the center of the river so I can cast to these areas. If I am not kicking,
my legs naturally float in front of me, flippers sticking out of the water in front of me. The current is pretty strong, so either I float, or kick my way to the bank, take off my flippers and tube and wade. I've seen fishermen get into real trouble simply wading. I've also seen canoes get in bad trouble. The choice is yours.