float tubing

[madkasel 0]

madkasel: I checked this morning and found that my fins don't have a brand name. My recommendation would be make sure you get large fins specially made for float tubes. They aren't cheap. I would guess $30 on up. You want larger than normal fins so you can push more water if you need to get out of the water fast. You'll want some kind of strap to hold your fins in case they fall off. You'll also want a tether for your rod in case you're clumsy and drop your rod. Other essential equipment I use are a pfd vest (yes I've seen tubes leak while out on the water) an anchor (I use a specially made bag that you fill with rocks) a rod holder and a fishing buddy fish finder. You can add just about anything you want. A friend of mine used pvc pipe and a strap to make an umbrella holder for those really hot days. He adjusts his casting so it doesn't get in the way. Of course you'll want a beer can holder (serious). That's why you want a tube like the Fishcat or Togiak. They have an area in back where you can put a small cooler.

 

 

 

Excellent thought on the rod strap. I hadn't thought of that and I am, in fact, a bit of a klutz. I assumed a vest was required. Anchor is a good thought. I have one for my canoe that might be usable.

 

And beer can holder... now yer thinking!

 

[sniksoh 0]

here is the sire:

 

$140 fish cat 4 with free shipping

[sniksoh 0]

this is the fish finder i have...im gonna find a way to strap it to the tube...

 

[Cutthroat 0]

madkasel: I checked this morning and found that my fins don't have a brand name. My recommendation would be make sure you get large fins specially made for float tubes. They aren't cheap. I would guess $30 on up. You want larger than normal fins so you can push more water if you need to get out of the water fast. You'll want some kind of strap to hold your fins in case they fall off. You'll also want a tether for your rod in case you're clumsy and drop your rod. Other essential equipment I use are a pfd vest (yes I've seen tubes leak while out on the water) an anchor (I use a specially made bag that you fill with rocks) a rod holder and a fishing buddy fish finder. You can add just about anything you want. A friend of mine used pvc pipe and a strap to make an umbrella holder for those really hot days. He adjusts his casting so it doesn't get in the way. Of course you'll want a beer can holder (serious). That's why you want a tube like the Fishcat or Togiak. They have an area in back where you can put a small cooler.

 

 

 

Excellent thought on the rod strap. I hadn't thought of that and I am, in fact, a bit of a klutz. I assumed a vest was required. Anchor is a good thought. I have one for my canoe that might be usable.

 

And beer can holder... now yer thinking!

 

 

Several years ago my wife and I were out tubing and I warned her to make sure her flippers were on tight. Next thing I knew, one flipper went blowing by me in the wind. I spent the better part of the morning chasing her flippin flipper all over the lake. She still thinks it's the funniest things she has ever seen. Same with the tether for your rod. I've only had one mishap and I managed to grab the rod before it went under.

 

Sniksoh that looks like a pretty cool fish finder. Don't forget to wear a pfd. Be safe and have fun. :yahoo:

 

 

[Green Acres 0]

the humminbird fish finder is great

 

but keep in mind you get 400 hours of use on the green float, it senses when its wet and turns on, so if you leave it in the water it'll constatly drain the batteries, and its about 20 bucks for a new float

 

I am thinking about getting one for this summer, much light and more compact than the fishing buddy, but the screen is much smaller, but just for finding drop offs and suc it'll be great

 

Pauly

 

[sniksoh 0]

what is a "fishing buddy" fish finder?

[sniksoh 0]

i got to thinking how im gonna inflate this thing...on this video there is a guy float tubing and he has a littl air pump thing that he attaches to a 12 volt battery...if you go to about the 2 minute mark, of the video, you will see this air pump and if you can, could you tell me who makes it...and were i can get one...

 

here is the video:

 

video

 

thanks,

sniksoh

[Faster Fish 0]

any sporting good supply or store that sells inflatable mattress will have them. My local Meijer sells them.

 

Randy

[Cutthroat 0]

I like the Fishing Buddy. That said, it's not one that is highly regarded by people who tube a lot. I basically use it to locate the bottom and structure.

 

http://www.fishingheaven.co.uk/fishing-buddy-fishfinder.htm

 

Do your homework and read all you can about tubes, pumps, fish finders, etc. The internet is a wealth of information. When it is all said and done weigh the information you find with the information we are givng you and make your choices. Don't be afraid to make mistakes...we all make them. Just don't compromise on safety and comfort.

[Green Acres 0]

I got a small double action pump at wally world (please forgive me, it was the only option at the time) it's about half the size of the normal pumps and was all of $6

 

the battery powered pumps have proven slow and unreliable in my experience, and you really won't be fully deflating every time, I just let enough out of mine to get it in the car

 

definatley look for double action though, they pump on both up and down stroke, REALLY quick and less hassle that electric

 

Pauly

[sniksoh 0]

now about the fins...i dont have a pari of waders so i ws just thinking about getting a pair of fins that you step into...like the ones that act like a shoe and a fin at the same time...

[Cutthroat 0]

now about the fins...i dont have a pari of waders so i ws just thinking about getting a pair of fins that you step into...like the ones that act like a shoe and a fin at the same time...

 

Sniksoh: There are so many options. http://www.floattubefisherman.com/

[Joe Hard 0]

I looked at float tubes but went with a pontoon instead. I dont know, I think a tube leaning over to land a fish you might lean a little to far and you might be in a world of trouble. Fish finder? my fly is all the fish finder I need.

[sniksoh 0]

I looked at float tubes but went with a pontoon instead. I dont know, I think a tube leaning over to land a fish you might lean a little to far and you might be in a world of trouble. Fish finder? my fly is all the fish finder I need.

 

yeah, when i fly fish i dont usually use the finder but when i am regular fishing for bass i will use one.

[danathan 0]

i also have a fish cat 4 but i was only out ther for an hour. i love it, it has much more control than other ones. i got mine at bass pro shops for a 150 $ but i think thats a good deal compared to the other tubes.any flippers will work( better than nothin) and has alot of extra storage. this is like the catillac of tubes and its totallt worth it.i made a mistake of buying another brand a few years back and it was $300 and it wasn't even close to the fishcat( fishcat is alot better) . :ripped: :crying: