Tube recommendations?

[JBplusThuy]

Am thinking of trying float tubing (= awaiting approval from my chancellor of the exchequer :) ), wondering what gear makes/models you all like. My needs/use conditions are:

Tube:
-Want a U-shaped tube, not a round one
-Should have holders for at least two rods.
-Fish finder mount is a plus
-Enough storage space to hold the stuff I carry in the pockets of my fly fishing vest

Waders:
-I live in California and would be doing little or no cold water wading or tubing. What type of waders should I get? How much do I need to spend to get something that's not junk?
-Boot foot or stocking foot?
-If stocking foot, what do you wear on your feet for walking to the water?
-Do fins fit over boot foot waders?
-What fins do you like?
-I've recently heard of kickers, not sure exactly what they are or how they work, but I gather they let you move forward in the tube. Anyone using them? How do they compare to fins for speed/mobility/endurance?
-What to wear under waders? Jeans? Shorts/swimming trunks?

Other:
-What do you do with fish you catch when in a float tube? Do you tow a fish basket from the tube, or?
-Is wind a problem when float tubing?

Anything else I should know?

Thanks,

Jonathan

[Michael J. Searl]

Perhaps it is just me but I recomend V type over U shape. Outcast Fish Cat#4 is one example but there are others.
Fish Finder mount is easy to make from pvc and works well.
Waders- Go to Ebay and search Rivendell waders . They are reasonable and my two pair don't leak. I use stocking foot waders and wear cheap rubber boots over them with Outcast Fins.
I have heard of kickers also but nothing positive.
Under waders? all or any of the above.
Floating fish basket.
Wind- I won't be 68 till Oct. and I found yesterday that 40 mph is too much. Bouncing in the waves is not a problem, and safety was not an issue. It is just more work than I want to do kicking against that wind while fishing. Illinoisgiller

[Patrick "Bullworm" Olson]

Jonathan, I just bought my first tube this summer! It is awesome fun! I purchased a Cumberland Tube by Classic Acessories. The price was great for the beginner. It is a great quailty tube, V shaped, lots of storage and very comfortable!

[Bob Murnan]

I agree about a V shape I use the ODC 420 and really like it, a very stable platform and I am a big man. For my tube I have several attachments like rod holders, tool racks and a fish finder all rigged out of PVC for a total of about 20$. Look on ebay but be specific about the type of tube you are looking for a general float tube search will find you expensive e-stores. As for fins there are a lot to choose from get something that will fit your needs. I personally use some scuba fins and dive booties from my college scuba class. If you are in so-cal you should be able to find some nice used fins and boot that will work just fine. One thing all people will say is get stocking foot waders, the boot one will not fit any good fins. As Michael said wind is a bit#h when it is blowing 20-40, not unsafe but not fun. It is easy getting out but a real chore coming in not to mention staying in one place to fish. The number one tip I like to give is wear a PFD almost all states I know of it is the LAW and just plain stupid not to have one with you!

Good Luck once you tube won't ever want to fish the bank again even in the wind!!!

[JBplusThuy]

Thanks for that info, Michael. Getting a tube got delayed and now its kind of cold for that sort of thing, so I'm waiting for the end of winter and making up my shopping list :-)

Rivendell waders sound good. I also noticed, in the LL Bean catalog that I got the other day, that they also sell their own brand of waders at several price points in the same range as Rivendell. I've generally been pretty happy with Bean; anybody got a pair of their waders? If yes, how do you like them?

Thanks,

Jonathan

[Ben Reyna]

Jonathon, I jumped feet first into float tube fishing. I began with a round Bucks Bag tube, then went to a Creek Co. pontoon. I purchased the pontoon from Ebay and then shortly after I purchased a Creek Co. ODC 420. I bought the 420 from the same ebay seller because it was selling for alot less than anything else.

I bought the 420 for under 100 dollars. If you are interested the the seller is Boatmaster2009, and at times has a variety of U and V shaped tubes for sale.I have 2 sets of waders both are Hodgman and they are comfortable and warm. if you go to Walmart.com they have all kinds of float tube related items, such as hodgman wading shoes for less than 25.00 dollars.

hope this helps
Ben

[JBplusThuy]

Hi Ben,

Haven't been able to find that seller on eBay, I wonder if he dropped off?

Looks like it pretty much comes down to the ODC 420 or a Fishcat, and I'm leaning toward the 420.

I've looked at lots of pictures and reviews of float tubes by now and have just one lingering question: what, exactly, keeps you from tipping forward and falling to the water? Even if you didn't drop your rod or anything and lose it, having to struggle to shore with waders full of water (PFD is a must, obviously) would be less than a good time, although my wife would probably find it hilarious to watch :-)

Thanks,

Jonathan

[Ben Reyna]

Jonathan,
Sorry for the delay in responding. Go to ebay under the sports catagory and then enter float tube, you should be able to find boatmaster2009 that way. As for the tipping or falling forward, well I thought that would be a problem also, but it wasnt. when you sit in the ODC 420 you sit far enough back and it wasnt an issue for me. some of the members have added a crossbar made of pvc for younger float tubers, there are pics of some inventive pvc add ons on this site if you search for them.

trust me when I say just about everyone will find that first fall or minor mishap hilarious, your wife will just remind you of it more often.


if you cant find that seller let me know,boatmaster_2009

Ben