Any Float Tube Fishermen Here?

[BadCat]

I can't afford a boat but I would like to be able to get off the shore.

Pros and Cons?

[guitarman_nebr]

i did a lot of float tube fishing in the 90's. it is hard to cast, you are gonna get wet, and once you catch a decent sized fish, it can be difficult to get that rascal off the line and onto a stringer. you don't have much leverage.

however, it does get you into places you can't or won't go into with a boat.

[jakes guitars]

No, but I just got a canoe, and as soon as the wife cools off frome that money spent, I will be getting a kayak! I too am sick of sitting on the shore watching fish be caught by people in boats!

[250Keith]

If there is any wind your screwed it will push you were you don't want to go, My self I love to float tube fly fish but buy the time you bye the float tube, waders, fins, you can pick up a small flat bottom skiff and still get into the good spots high and dry.
Fish on!

[tinman475]

I have tons of creeks in my area.. I tend to wade a lot, I also have a flat bottom.. Love to fish

[BadCat]

Originally Posted by 250Keith

If there is any wind your screwed it will push you were you don't want to go, My self I love to float tube fly fish but buy the time you bye the float tube, waders, fins, you can pick up a small flat bottom skiff and still get into the good spots high and dry.
Fish on!

That's what I was just looking at on craigslist.

[TommyGuitar]

For 100 bones I got a float tube combo at Cabela's with flippers and a pump. Works great and has a net across to land the fish. I enjoy trout fishing with it. The waders were actually more expensive I think mine cost 120 but they are insulated. I don't like the feel of them sucking to my leg.

[stratasaurus]

Pro's - very peaceful way to explore small lakes, takes up limited space in your house (I live in a townhouse and don't have room to keep a boat), don't need a trailer or boat rack on your car or truck, doubles as decent exercise while fishing especially if you are kicking across bigger lakes

Con's - taking a piss means coming back to shore and stripping off your waders so beer and float tubing don't go well together (not that I condone drinking and fishing ), wind is the enemy and will push you around a bit or make it a fitness challenge to kick back to shore if its coming from your launch point, there is a learning curve to casting from one but it doesn't take that long to get the hang of it.

[BadCat]

I'm thinking a small pontoon boat would be a better deal, anybody use one? something like this:

[250Keith]

Those pontoon boats are a blast! there great for floating the river to.

[arthur rotfeld]

I got a portabote used. It real old and a bit leaky, but I'm assembled and fishing--safely and just about anywhere--in 15min.

[BadCat]

Originally Posted by 250Keith

Those pontoon boats are a blast! there great for floating the river to.

I went and looked around and saw a new one today for $190. I believe I can swing that.
I'm just wondering if I can take this out in the lake and dive in to cool off and still be able to climb back up on it.

[250Keith]

Originally Posted by BadCat

I went and looked around and saw a new one today for $190. I believe I can swing that.
I'm just wondering if I can take this out in the lake and dive in to cool off and still be able to climb back up on it.

If your wearing waders you will sink! You can put a ele, trolling motor on them and an anker, and your ice chest, I say go for it!
Good luck.

[BadCat]

Originally Posted by 250Keith

If your wearing waders you will sink! You can put a ele, trolling motor on them and an anker, and your ice chest, I say go for it!
Good luck.

I ain't wearing no waders on a dern pontoon boat! You been drinkin'?

[Hwoltage]

This is my ride.

I have a LOT of experience with these. Any questions you have I can answer.

A few things that are a must:

1) Two part pontoons: Outer shell and internal bladder that is accessible for patching.

2) Replaceable brass oarlocks. Yes can break them. I have broken several sets. Always have a spare set ready to go.

3) Always have a pump and a patch kit on board.