This chapter highlights the most important considerations to review during your evaluationprocess. However, there is a level of safety precaution that must be taken into account when using a float tube. The pontoon style float tubes were popular due to easier maneuverability and had more features. In particular, backpackable float tubes are lighter, less bulky and have design features (such as padded shoulder straps) that make it easier to backpack the tube into remote waters. Is a float tube right for you? Sea Eagle Creators of the PackFish, which rivals float tubes in portability but offers far more versatility. One notable area, from the authors experience, was along the salt-water canals along the Gulf of Mexico south of New Orleans. Even the large Cabelas retail stores often only have in-stock a small fraction of float tubes available. Having a wading staff also helps when you come back in. And, once you have cleared a path, be prepared to find that other folks are also using your access point on your next visit. One of the problems with float tubes is that they lack the versatility of other inflatable boats. Tooners typically sit high and dry in elevated seats. During the last 20 years of the 20thcentury great strides were made in the floatation fishing world. Many small ponds and lakes are ringed with reeds and/or cattails. Check the Weight Most float tubes are light enough to allow for easy transport. These tubes also feature many pockets for the fisherman to store their gear in while floating, minimizing the chances that any gear be lost to the water. Similarly, when coming back to your vehicle you can float your craft right into the shallows before standing up and bringing it in the rest of the way. Read on to learn about the safety of float tubes and their different uses. As for the float tubes designed specifically for fishing, they most commonly come in the U or V shape and include a raised seat, a backrest, and can pack anywhere upwards of 200 pounds. Go classic with a pink Flamingo pool float or a quirky giant BigMouth pool float. Twoalways go fishing in the company of someone else in case of problems. Each one of us at Outdoor Troop is an outdoor enthusiast in one area or another. You can also bring in gravel, crushed shell or other material to add to the surface of the mud to make it firmer. The tubing would often be removed from either car or tractor tires to ensure that they were the proper size to support the weight of the passengers. The need for waders adds significant weight and bulk to the anglers backpack. Standard pontoon design. The type, make and model of the craft you choose will be a personal thing. They help you distribute your weight over a larger surface so that you do not sink as deep. My favorite fish to go after is a Striped Bass. Often the difficulty in fishing these waters is a matter of them being protected by high stands of trees, brush, reeds, cattails or heavy growths of inshore water weeds. At low tide, getting into the water meant literally skiing down several feet of mud bank on my fins and into the water. Of course, a pontoon floats in shallower water and the oars fulfill the same function. Above all, make sure whoever is using the tube knows how to have lots of fun, and do it safely! If you are looking to have a blast out on the water I highly suggest one of these for you! A fishing float tube may be more useful for slow moving water such as a lake; meanwhile, a boat allows you to fish while in a river and can give you greater mobility when on a lake. However, any float tube may also be susceptible to puncture wounds and should be checked for air leaks regularly. Some float tubes are round, and others have a U or V shape to them. So this leads to a dilemma. However, some of the newer, larger float tubeswhile easily packable for a short, flat walkare far from ideal for a long hike up a mountain trail. But, there can be a lot of variables in those processes depending upon the type of craft you are in and the conditions of your launching and beaching site. If you purchase one of these, I suggest one with the mesh at the bottom to keep your kiddo inside at all times. So keep that in mind when choosing what float tube you will purchase. ahead of me and then having to change out of my muddy clothes for the ride home. That is why you should be careful in your choice of launch sites and why you should follow the proper steps for getting in and out of the water. Float tubes simply lack the versatility that other boats provide. And this other gear and clothing needed for float tube fishing weighs a lot and is far from compact. But, when shopping for a new craft fancy design alone should not be the only basis upon which you make your final decision. My name is Tim and I have been a fisherman my whole life. Even small backpackable pontoon boats still weigh more and are far bulkier to pack than float tubes. In particular, round float tubes were difficult to maneuver because of their drag. Although pontoon style float tubes are by far the most common, theres still some round style float tubes available at various online and offline stores. Float tubes are ideal for fishing in small ponds and isolated lakes in the backcountry. In the olden days we didnt have many choices. By contrast, with the PackFish all you need bring is the boat and your fishing gear. This works for shorter and steeper banks but may not be practical for long shallow muddy launches. 2020 - Lake Mountain Sports - All Right reserved. The common round tubes are cheapest and may, therefore, be most attainable for kids to use. Manufacturers responded to the growing awareness and more knowledgeable demands of tubers and tooners and came up with a bajillion new designs. With a weight of 21 pounds, float tube diehards likely will say too heavy. However, remember that to use a float tube the angler also needs to bring along fins, waders and other clothing to stay warm. River fishing and float tubes do not mix. There will be times when it is better to put your fins on after launching and to remove them before slogging in to shore through the mud. Indeed, if someone happens to give you a round float tube as a gift, Id suggest asking if it was possible to take the cash instead. At some point in the launching process the tuber had to get down inside the round opening and waddle into the water while wearing fins. For this reason, float tubes have become more popular for their durability and ergonomic designs. Before makingany final decision you should get as much input as possible from knowledgeable tubers and tooners. Others less so. CRAFT DESIGN VARIABLES: It was difficult enough at high tide when only a small amount of the steeply sloping slick mud banks were exposed. The problem is, on large lakes, pontoon boats and inflatable kayaks (which are much easier to paddle) are far superior fishing platforms. Moreover, the ability to use the PackFish on rivers that lack serious whitewater opens vast new fishing possibilities. If they are not too dense you can sometimes just push them down and work your way over top of them while launching or beaching. Anglers are quick to discover and take advantage of your improvements. For many newbies the budget thing is the single biggesthurdle to becoming properly outfitted. I too have wondered about this and did the research to find out. A bobble on the downslide meant taking a muddy swim. Now that we know the difference between a recreational float tube and a fishing float tube, we can begin looking into the float tube designs that offer the best performance for a fisherman out on the water. The hollow center allows for the passenger to recline down into the water, while still remaining afloat. If you are a concerned parent or even just an avid fisher, you have probably wondered about the safety of float tubes. Browse through a large collection of pool floats and tube to find the right pick for you. At Target, find a wide range of pool floats and tubes to choose from. As can be seen in these videos, the boat is easy to assemble and packs up into a small package and comes with its own backpack. Recreational float tubes have many different styles and options that not only vary in shape but also in size. A Cumberland Float Tube. While designers and manufacturers of these float tubes have done their best to account for all dangerous possibilities, there is always the chance that something unexpected can happen. The first step of water safety is wearing a personal flotation device, such as a life jacket. In more recent days, these inner tubes are produced and sold on their own without having to be removed from the inside of a tire. Amazon They have a large selection of tubes available, too. But, if you step heel first you sink down in the mud with your foot and ankle at an odd angle. If money and storage space arent an issue, get both. However, some of the best fishing for reds and specks was in remote canals with poor access roads and virtually no decent launch sites. As the angler kicked, the round shape prevented the float tube from cutting through the water.. The problems with round style float tubes were many. There are life jackets designed specifically for smaller children that offer a much safer option than using adult life jackets. With the floorboards installed (which weigh about 10 pounds), the angler can stand fully erect in the boat with no danger of tipping (weather conditions permitting). One would often see these tubes in use on rivers or lakes. So to help anglers better decide if a float tube is the right floating platform to use for their fishing needs, Ive put together this article. But, if I made it safely into the water, afloat in the tube, I had to plan on fishing for several hours before high tide made getting out more tolerable. Whichfloattubeisthesafestforkids? Remember that this list in the best for general fishing excursions and if you have a specific task in mind for your float tube, there may be a better model out there for you. Fishing remote waters is the ideal use for a float tube. Of course, because most backcountry waters are cold, youll have to drag waders along to stay warm. Thankfully, there were many great launch sites with a gentle slope and covered with crushed shell. Recreational companies now design and sell float tubes with the ability to seat multiple people. Many of our best potential tubing and tooning waters are largely inaccessible to boats and/or shore anglers. You risk losing both your balance and one or both fins. You may have heard float tubes referred to as inner tubes. These get their names simply because the inner tubing of a tire would be removed and often used for recreational purposes. Make sure when purchasing a life jacket for you, your children, or even a furry friend, that the size or style will properly assist the user in the case of an emergency. While designed for use in vehicles, inner tubes found themselves a practical use in the world of recreation. Backpackable? These would float up to about two hundred and fifty pounds depending on the manufacturer and the cut of the cover. GRASS: Getting out at low tide required me to slog and wallow through the mud for several feet, tossing rods, fish and tubes up onto the marsh grass Another quick and effective fix is to scrounge up a piece of old carpet and lay it over your launch site. While most fly shops sell one or two float tubes, finding a large selection of float tubes offline is often difficult. Some are perfectly round like a tire, while others form a U or V shape. Weighs 21 lbs. The PackFish has a weight capacity of 300 lbs, can be safely used on rivers with Class I and Class II rapids and inflates in just minutes. The early models were simply fabric covers sewn together in a donut shape that held a 20 truck tire tube. The Sea Eagle PackFish. Are float tubes safe to use? The PackFish really is an ideal substitute for a float tube for anglers who seek to reach remote waters and have to carry the boat on their back. Sometimes that stinky mud is worse than skunk. When faced with launching through deep mud consider the same advice given for impassable rocky conditions. A great example of a true backpackable raft. Then there are the potential limitations you might have for storing or transportingwhatever craft you choose. Unlike pontoon boats, inflatable kayaks or inflatable rafts, float tubes are dangerous when waves are present. While these are some great choices when it comes down to choosing a recreational float tube, there so many other options that can work just as well as some of these. See More Information about the Sea Eagle PackFish at Sea Eagle.Com, View the PackFish Instruction and Setup Manual at Sea Eagle.Com, Round vs. Pontoon Style Float Tubes The first float tubes made were round and resembled an inflatable donut that an angler squished themselves into. Explore a collection of unicorn pool floats, beach balls, inflatable floaties, poolcandy glitter tubes, water gun squirter, ride-on toys and pool toys that will keep them entertained all through summer. The only other safety that is really necessary for using a float tube is remaining hydrated and understanding the dangers of water. Some are obvious. Each is made a little differently to have optimal performance. While the U or V shaped float tubes are more stable, they may also come at a higher price. But before buying a float tube, anglers should note the number of pockets, how theyre designed and the pockets ease of access. But if you can only have one boat, Id suggest buying a small pontoon boat, inflatable kayak or inflatable raft. Any float tube an angler buys today should have a well-padded and adjustable backrest. Pontoons are decidedly the easiest to launch and beach. Make sure your float tubes are sized correctly for the users. Care & Maintenance of Your Inflatable Boat, How to Setup the Sea Eagle Explorer 380x Inflatable Kayak, Sea Eagle 380x Explorer Series Kayaks | New v. Old, Good Paddling, Canoeing & Kayaking Videos, The Sea Eagle 380x Inflatable Kayak | In-Depth, Sea Eagle 330/370 Sport Inflatable Kayak | In-Depth, Sea Eagle 420x Inflatable Kayak | In-Depth, Inflatable Fishing Boats | An In-Depth Guide. There is not much you can do about thick stands of trees that grow right up to the waters edge. There are many different types and designs of float tubes out there. Find a variety of floating hammocks, Kelsyus chaise lounger, chairs, floating recliners and pool rafts that is perfect for a pool party. Later options included covers to fit the larger 22 truck tubes and would float anglers up to 300 pounds. This includes keeping landing nets, fish baskets and other danglies on top and out of the water during launching and beaching. Check at your local hardware or outdoors store to see if they offer any float tube options that may suit your needs better! How Many Pockets & Pocket Design The number of pocketsand their designis a personal preference. After saying all that the unfortunate reality is that sometimes we have no choice. These newer versions are made of sturdier materials and use thicker air chambers (or bladders). Compared to a normal float tube, backpackable float tubes are easy to transport to remote waters. For river fishing, pontoon boats, inflatable rafts, and inflatable kayaks are all excellent fishing platforms. Whether its at a swimming pool or the beach, a cute float is a must-have! Even the stillest lakes have currents that can be dangerous when they are not properly understood. Float tubes are highly packable, far more than even packable pontoon boats. That requires that you secure everything on your craft well to prevent anything from being dragged over the side and lost. Round tubes do not provide the same amount of support and mobility than the curved tubes can. Solitary tubers have been known to become hopelessly mired in sticky mud and have been trapped in place until somebody shows up to rescue themor call in a helicopter. Should then angler go for ultra-portability with limited versatility, or should the angler forsake some portability for versatility? In addition to providing a stabilizing hand hold it allows you to sit down in your tube more quickly and then to pole your way out into water deep enough to allow you to use your fins. They also have a lounge chair and positions the angler higher above the water. For this reason, the weight and bulk of the PackFish pretty much equal out to the weight and bulk of packing in a float tube with all the extra required gear. Float tubes are also dangerous to use on large lakes during windy conditions (not to mention exhausting to maneuver). Anyone who has tried to stuff waders into a small pack knows how bulky and awkward they are. If you use them right, and the mud is not too soft, fins act somewhat like snowshoes. From rappelling to camping, from cabins to paramotor, we have the outdoors covered! And you cant use them in rivers at all. It will give you leverage to help pull yourself up into a standing position and to work your way safely back in to shore after being tired out from a full day of kicking and fishing. If you ever get a chance to fish salt-water bays and estuaries you may have to deal with an especially nasty kind of marsh mud. My suggestion is to avoid any float tube that lacks this important feature. And, a good policy is to always try before you buywhen you can. The three best places to shop and compare float tubes online are : Cabelas They probably have the largest selection of float tubes available. The adhesives for these patch kits do take quite a bit of time to dry so plan ahead! That can be as simple as piling up some reeds, twigs or brush over a narrow area to create a more stable surface. In the event that a float tube deflates, capsizes, or you simply fall out, a life jacket can give you the assistance in staying above water. Do You Need an Anchor for Your Inflatable Boat? Sure, you can use a chainsaw but only if it is on your own land and you will not be subject to arrest for damage to private or government property. Yet float tubes arent for everyone. But unless you enjoy tired legs and general exhaustion, theres no reason to buy a round float tube. Outdoor Troop is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Sometimes you cannot tell just by looking that the bottom has soft muddy places. Floorboards are also optional for the PackFish. If you plan to venture deep into the backcountry with a float tube, remember that every ounce counts. This leads to a choicebuy a backpackable pontoon boat or a float tube? Anyone who has Reaching some of the most exciting paths to ride your ATV usually requires hauling the vehicle by a pickup truck. VEGETATION: In some spots you will find low grass growing right up to the edge of the pond or lake you plan to fish. Some of these tubes include a seat or mesh covering at the base of the dip to eliminate any chance of someone falling through. In short, if youre looking to buy a boat for river fishinga float tube is the wrong choice. Fun-Attic released a list of the top 5 tubes for river floating and after reviewing it, I agree in their choices. As float tubes have progressed throughout time, they have been made not only for recreational uses but for fishing and other outdoor activities as well! The invention of pontoon style float tubes quickly supplanted round style float tubes. Anglers often buy a float tube, use it twice, and then exile it to the garage once a float tubes limitations become obvious. Float tubes are designed to keep a passenger (or sometimes a cooler) above water. The same can be said of a lot of farm ponds or protected coves on larger lakes. While inner tubes offer a cheaper floating option, than many other float tubes, inner tubes are often made of a more flexible, potentially puncturable material. Float tubes are great for fishing otherwise inaccessible areas. You either launch and beach through the ooze or miss out on some great fishing. And if so, what kind of float tube they should get. The most notable difference in float tubes is their shape. However, when the correct precautions are taken, risks can be significantly diminished. Just be sure you are not violating any kind of laws before you start hacking and chopping. On rivers that have strong currents or rapids, float tubes can be downright dangerousespecially when wearing waders. These did not offer as much steering capabilities as some of the plastic or wooden sleds did; however, the inner tubes offered just as much fun. CanI patchmyfloattube? The efficiency of fishing in float tubes or boats depends on the area in which you are fishing. The Packfish is a bit of a hybrid between a tiny raft and a small pontoon boat. Happily, Sea Eagle recently introduced a unique inflatable boat that neatly solves both problems. Once thebog monsters claim any of your gear it may be impossible to locate and recover it. Todays floatation anglers tend to prefer open kick boats, pontubes or pontoons with oars and/or electric motors. Anglers in search of boats or other fishing platforms, especially new anglers, often consider buying a float tube. For fishing smaller lakes or along the shoreline on larger lakes (so you can get the heck off the lake quickly because of fatigue or high winds), then a float tube will work just fine.
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