Fins for tubing

[Michael Thompson]

I have been using outcast floattube fins for years, they are slow but seem to work just fine.
I always read on the bigfishtackle floattube forum that most prefer divers fins.
then I have had a few friends try them and like them. I finally bought somew and tried it out. WOW! they work so much better! I can go much faster with less effort, i will never go back to float tube fins again!

[Jay Fogle]

Hi

I am in the market for some new propulsion. I use "kickers" made by the original Fishmaster of OKC. They are great for small impoundments - not so much for lakes where you want to cross a neck or travel far. So I am planning to purchase some fins.

What kind did you buy - and do they fit over wading boots? It appears your waders may be boot foot wadersinstead of being stocking foot waders in which case the answer would be yes?

Also, did you buy yours online or at a store? Thanks
Jay

[Michael Thompson]

hi Jay

I bought them at dicks sportinggoods store. I dont think they make divers fins for wader boots, creek company makes some float tube fins that will fit over boots that I hear are pretty good...

[Michael J. Searl]

Michael, With these divers fins how do you get to the water without damaging the stocking foot?
I walk in to many of my fishing places. Sometimes it is a walk from lake to lake.
These divers fins sound interesting, but might be too many issues for me. ole Mike

[Michael Thompson]

I just use water shoes, buy a pair two sizes larger than normal so they fit over wader foot! pic attached...

[Jeff Bernier]

How about the omega dive fins I dont have a pair but they look like they woul dwork great. I like that the flip up you wont trip. Ha Ha

http://shop.omegaaquatics.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=31

[Michael J. Searl]

Attn. Michael Thompson. I could use a bit of direction. I went to the Dick's Sporting goods site and they have a bunch of different fins.
Since you were so fortunate to find a pair that WORK, could you share the model if you recall?
We have a local store here so I'll be able to take my waders in for fit.
Since I am recovering from a full knee replacement, I'll need all the ease I can get. lol Mike Searl

[Michael Thompson]

I will take a look tomorrow. they might not be a good idea if you have knee issues though.
here is a great place to ask about this and many onther things on float tubing:

http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?forum=81;gue...

[JBplusThuy]

What is it about the diver's fins that makes them faster? Are they just bigger?

Right now I'm using the lightweight fins that came with my ODC 420, they seem to work OK and fit over my wading boots, but I think they are kind of short compared to most fins, so are probably slower.

Jonathan

[Michael Thompson]

thats it, they go alot faster, but if you are never in a hurry, stick with what works for you! good fishin!

[Glen Wagley]

I'm fairly active on the BFT forum and I float tube. I started with the Caddis fins and wore them with my wading boots. I probably did that for 2 trips and then fellow BFT'er TubeDude said I needed a change. Actually, it was his wife who saw what I was using and suggested I get fins. I bought these:
http://www.leisurepro.com/prod/MRSFPT.html?ci_src=14110944&ci_s...

I wear those cheap water shoes you can get at wally world, target, etc. over the neoprene boots on my waders and then strap these fins on over that. The advantage? I'm not small. I weigh about 265 lbs. I get about 3 times the propulsion with these fins compared to the Caddis and use about a fourth of the effort! :-)

[Michael J. Searl]

Having heard that the " Force Fins " were supposed to be the hot item for over the boot fins, I purchased a pair. These were made available at less than 1/2 price due to a fella changing over to a oar powered toon.
I have been testing these fins for 2 or 3 months of very hard use. They do seem to be a bit less work overall than the Outcast fins I was used to.
They are a bit more work to put on, and seem to wear on the sides of my wader boots a bit.
I am pleased that I found these and they have served me well.
Although mine have stayed secure, these fins do NOT come with a retaining strap like the $40 Outcast do in case one comes off .
Now for the big question. Would I recommend these fins for a new tuber---No. At the $100 I paid, I feel I will get my use out of them without a problem, but at the normal retail price of well over $200 I feel they are VERY overpriced. It is tough to base an opinion on price point ,but the Outcast and Creek Co. type fins are similar enough that I feel they fall in the same category.
I have purchased a pair of divers fins for testing also---Perhaps next season. Illinoisgiller

[David Dillman]

I have two sets of fins.  One set are old diver fins my dad sent me.  He got them at a garage sale.  they work get in the summer.  I have to use tube fins from Gander Mountain in the spring and fall, because they will go over my waders.   Nice to talk to some fellow tubers.

Dilly