Need Some Help

[esteban]

Well I'm thinking of buying a float tube, but its just that I dont know anything about them. I want a float tube for freshwater, you know to fish for trout in the winter and other types of fish. Which type of float tube would be good for that?????

[dodoman]

im not really a float tuber, but the guys here can help. im waiting on the b.p.s. to open . they might have a large selction .

[vagabond]

Along with a float tube you are going to need waders, boots/shoes and fins and possibly rod holders. It all adds up to quite a bit so I'd make sure float tubing is something you really want to do or pursue before you spend all that money.

[Beresford13861]

FYI, SAMSCLUB.com has tiogiaks for under 100 bucks, i personaly use this tube, but i paid alot more over a year ago but i would jump on it, you'll never find a dishcat for that price.

[Beresford13861]

Originally Posted by vagabond

Along with a float tube you are going to need waders, boots/shoes and fins and possibly rod holders. It all adds up to quite a bit so I'd make sure float tubing is something you really want to do or pursue before you spend all that money.

yup its not just a tube and go, but it could be

regardless its well worth it!

[NulodPBall]

Sometimes Big 5, or one of the sporting goods stores will have a sale on float tube combos, but I'd put one together myself if you can afford it.

Most affordable are the U-tubes...don't waste your time with a doughnut. You can probably find a U-tube on sale for $60.00. They will have a crossbar. The more expensive ones are easier to paddle and won't really have a hard crossbar, like the Fishcats, or the pontoon boats.

For fins, use what you can afford. Better for beginners if they float. If the fins are large, paddle slowly, your power stroke is your upstroke generally. If your fins don't float, then get finstraps.

You will need waders. The cheapest, and warmest are neoprene waders...those are the ones that are made of wetsuit material and are usually brown. The breathable ones are pretty expensive, starting at about $100, and going up to about $600. Don't buy the cheap vinyl or plastic waders. If they cost under about $80.00, they'll probably split at a seam on your first or second outing...mine did.

If you plan on wearing boots, then wader boots are sized for stocking foot waders, but if you use regular boots, you'll need them sized a couple of sizes larger than normal. If you wear boots you have to bring the boots when trying on waders. It's cheaper to just not wear boots, but I find wearing boots to be more comfortable for me...to each his own. Using some electrical tape after you have sized your fin straps properly, tape the tag ends of the finstraps down so they can't come loose when you're paddling.

You don't really need rod holders...they're just convenient. Just bring one rod, and hold it in your hands and you've saved yourself $25.00

A fish finder is nice...take a cheap live vest and bring it with you. Also take a camera and take pics and post reports

Oh, and don't forget a cheap, large tube, hand operated air pump. You can get one from Walmart or Big 5 for about $10.00, or from a specialty store for about $30-60. Don't use a regular bike pump, it takes forever. Don't overinflate, and remember, in the hot sun, your float tube will expand more...and in really cold water it will deflate slightly, so don't be surprised...and don't pop it

[Nick Velvet]

Good advice. Friend of mine wanted to use his tube right away. Went waderless. BURRRRRRR.

[Nick Velvet]

I was at Sport Chalet here in HB, and they had the Caddis Navigator VI for $80. Dont know if any of the others have them. Nice tube.