Float Tubes
Float Tubes
I am in the process of buying a float tube. Does anyone have any recommendations on what to buy? I want one where I am sitting off the water and am presently considering the Outcast Fat Cat.
I have owned a Waterskeeter Daytripper ( www.waterskeeter.com ) for several years and I love it. You sit just above the water (wear waders as your bum gets a little wet), it sets up in about 10 minutes, and it has lots of storage. The Daytripper is only good for stillwaters or VERY SLOW rivers. I've found it very manoeuverable even in windy conditions. You can buy one on-line for around $300 at www.wholesalesports.com. Oh yeah, the double action hand pump is included.
If you want to fish rivers, you should look at a pontoon boat.
If you buy fins, make sure they are designed for float tubes. Scuba fins are not stiff enough to effectively propell a float tube. I'd suggest you avoid the over the boot style of fins. In my experience, they do not generate enough push power.
I also recommend getting one of those electric pumps that you plug into the cigarette lighter plug in your car. It makes life a little easier.
If you want to fish rivers, you should look at a pontoon boat.
If you buy fins, make sure they are designed for float tubes. Scuba fins are not stiff enough to effectively propell a float tube. I'd suggest you avoid the over the boot style of fins. In my experience, they do not generate enough push power.
I also recommend getting one of those electric pumps that you plug into the cigarette lighter plug in your car. It makes life a little easier.
Time's fun when you're having flies.
Hey Rogeray,
I've been reviewing float tubes on-line as well. I also got my eye on the Fat Cat. The inflatable seat and thicker material may be worth the extra dollars. Some other tubes come with backpack straps. Handy for trekking/portaging.
I currently have 2 pontoon boats. They are very good for stability, leg rests and being able to use oars, to get around faster. You can attach electric motor to some of them. The drawbacks that I have found are that in windy conditions, trying to manuever, stay in position and cast is a pain. Also, if you need to carry them for any distance, like a remote lakes, you need an carrier.
I guess it depends on how you will be using them should determine what to get.
If you find a deal on the Fat Cat, let me know.
I've been reviewing float tubes on-line as well. I also got my eye on the Fat Cat. The inflatable seat and thicker material may be worth the extra dollars. Some other tubes come with backpack straps. Handy for trekking/portaging.
I currently have 2 pontoon boats. They are very good for stability, leg rests and being able to use oars, to get around faster. You can attach electric motor to some of them. The drawbacks that I have found are that in windy conditions, trying to manuever, stay in position and cast is a pain. Also, if you need to carry them for any distance, like a remote lakes, you need an carrier.
I guess it depends on how you will be using them should determine what to get.
If you find a deal on the Fat Cat, let me know.
onthefly...you got 2 pontoon boat wow.......
must be fun...
i did see some realy nice ones for 2 persons but a bit pricy.....
i did try onc a tube and GOT STUCK IN IT,,,,,
.it was very stable,,,but wit my weight i went deap inside..... .
i had a look off bobber......
but i still have my eyes open for one off those....but i think i will go more for a fishing kayak now,they seeems a bit more fast and can bring some stuff.
joco
must be fun...
i did see some realy nice ones for 2 persons but a bit pricy.....
i did try onc a tube and GOT STUCK IN IT,,,,,
.it was very stable,,,but wit my weight i went deap inside..... .i had a look off bobber......
but i still have my eyes open for one off those....but i think i will go more for a fishing kayak now,they seeems a bit more fast and can bring some stuff.
joco
Well Joco, if we go fly fishing together this soft water season, I'll let you try the larger pontoon boat that I have.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... hasJS=true
It is very stable but tends to get blown around in windy conditions. You can get a fair amount of gear in it and can mount a trolling motor (something I don't have).
The smaller one fits into a backpack (included)...
http://www.creekcompany.com/indivdispla ... ID=5&Cat=3
Even though ice fishing is fun, I still prefer softwater fishing. Come on spring.
I see on another post, someone found the kayak for you.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... hasJS=true
It is very stable but tends to get blown around in windy conditions. You can get a fair amount of gear in it and can mount a trolling motor (something I don't have).
The smaller one fits into a backpack (included)...
http://www.creekcompany.com/indivdispla ... ID=5&Cat=3
Even though ice fishing is fun, I still prefer softwater fishing. Come on spring.
I see on another post, someone found the kayak for you.
hi onthefly
wow, your large model is nice....must be great.
yep i talk to a lot off people about this subject.kayak fishing stuff.
there is many model.......to choose frome
but i am more limited for my size...but they start to make for real man now,, .
i got my e
yes on a native ultimate or a prowker big game kayak right now.
here the the big game model.
http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/ri_fis ... _Kayaks=24
but without seeing them live and try them its a bit hard to choose..and dont like to get one on the net without seing one before.
but i tell you..........they are becoming realy big in south.
there tons off fishing kayak site now.
i might take a look at your tube... ..look fun....did you ever try one in cold water condition...in april or start off may...?
joco
wow, your large model is nice....must be great.
yep i talk to a lot off people about this subject.kayak fishing stuff.
there is many model.......to choose frome
but i am more limited for my size...but they start to make for real man now,,
.i got my e
yes on a native ultimate or a prowker big game kayak right now.here the the big game model.
http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/ri_fis ... _Kayaks=24
but without seeing them live and try them its a bit hard to choose..and dont like to get one on the net without seing one before.
but i tell you..........they are becoming realy big in south.
there tons off fishing kayak site now.
i might take a look at your tube...
..look fun....did you ever try one in cold water condition...in april or start off may...?joco
float tube
I am the new Water Skeeter agent for Eastern Canada (Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec) if you need more info on our products, send me an email and I will conytact you directly. I live in Stittsville Ontario
Tubes & pantoon boats
Jaco,
The maximum weight on the single seaters is 500 Lbs. Considering the weight of the boats ranges from 48 Lbs. to 80 Lbs.
Fishboy,
Best bet is to go directly to
www.waterskeeter.com
Check out my good friend Colin McKeown's show "the New Flyfisher", Colin will promote the pantoon boats, and has also used the "double Take II" in a show last September fishing for Muskies.
They're amazing, I love them.
I will do a couple of demo later on this spring near Calabogie and see if our local bait shop would let me display a couple on their front lawn ! Will keep you posted
The maximum weight on the single seaters is 500 Lbs. Considering the weight of the boats ranges from 48 Lbs. to 80 Lbs.
Fishboy,
Best bet is to go directly to
www.waterskeeter.com
Check out my good friend Colin McKeown's show "the New Flyfisher", Colin will promote the pantoon boats, and has also used the "double Take II" in a show last September fishing for Muskies.
They're amazing, I love them.
I will do a couple of demo later on this spring near Calabogie and see if our local bait shop would let me display a couple on their front lawn ! Will keep you posted
Last edited by Flyfisher on Thu Mar 15, 2007 4:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
float tubes
Proseal looks after BC and Alberta, I have the rest for now. Huge territory to cover.
This is happening so fast, my head is spinning. Lots to do in short time before everyone gets the buzz to get out and fish.
I will bring in a "Chetco" and a "River Tamer" as demos. If only the ice would melt !!! I can't wait.
Does anyone organize day trips in the Calabogie area ? If so, make sure to let me know, I will definitely join the crew.
This is happening so fast, my head is spinning. Lots to do in short time before everyone gets the buzz to get out and fish.
I will bring in a "Chetco" and a "River Tamer" as demos. If only the ice would melt !!! I can't wait.
Does anyone organize day trips in the Calabogie area ? If so, make sure to let me know, I will definitely join the crew.
Last edited by Flyfisher on Thu Mar 15, 2007 4:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Flyfisher,
Myself and Fishboy are both on the organizing committee for the Ottawa Flyfishers Society Open House in May. While we'd have to bring it up with the committee, I'm pretty sure that we would have space if you wanted to showcase some of your boats and tubes to the members/public. I know there are a few that are in the market for some sort of water craft this season.
Cheers,
Todd
---
OFS Vice-President
Myself and Fishboy are both on the organizing committee for the Ottawa Flyfishers Society Open House in May. While we'd have to bring it up with the committee, I'm pretty sure that we would have space if you wanted to showcase some of your boats and tubes to the members/public. I know there are a few that are in the market for some sort of water craft this season.
Cheers,
Todd
---
OFS Vice-President