+- Fishing Forum (https://bigfishtackle.com/forum)
+-- Forum: Float Tube Fishing (https://bigfishtackle.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=396)
+--- Forum: Float Tubing General (https://bigfishtackle.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=81)
+--- Thread: Float tube (/showthread.php?tid=569847)
Float tube - Stubbs65 - 03-09-2010
I keep telling myself I want to buy a boat, but that is just not in the budget right now. Float tubes are much more affordable and I am thinking about getting one. I do not know anything about float tubes, or fishing from a tube. I've been looking on the Cabela's website to try and get some ideas. The cheapest tube is the Classic Accessories - Teton model for $89. They range up in price from there with Creek Company models around $129, and then up to FishCat 4 models starting at $189. I really have no idea how to pick out a float tube. Does anyone have any personal experience with tubes? I would love some help in picking out a tube. Do you get more out of the more expensive tubes, or will the cheaper tube work just as well? Also, what accessories will I need with a tube. I'm assuming I will need some waders to keep my legs dry, and some sort of fins for kicking in the water. I would appreciate any tips that anyone can give me on picking a float tube/accessories and any techniques for fishing from a float tube.
[signature]
Re: [Stubbs65] Float tube - albinotrout - 03-09-2010
Come over to the float tubing fourm. We have that question asked us many times. There are many of us with different types and models that can give you the inoput you are looking for. Personally I would say FC4 but others prefer the ODC's etc... I have a toon and enjoy using that.
http://www.bigfishtackle.com/forum/gforum.cgi?forum=81
[signature]
Re: [albinotrout] Float tube - kochanut - 03-09-2010
[quote albinotrout]Come over to the float tubing fourm. We have that question asked us many times. There are many of us with different types and models that can give you the inoput you are looking for. Personally I would say FC4 but others prefer the ODC's etc... I have a toon and enjoy using that.
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/...gi?forum=81[/quote]"]http://www.bigfishtackle.com/...gi?forum=81[/quote][/url]
+1
[signature]
Re: [Stubbs65] Float tube - flygoddess - 03-09-2010
As mentioned, the Tubing site is a click away, but in answer to your question, get the best you can afford, or you could be buying twice.
Look for material (Thick, strong hi denier)
Bladder, Urethane best, Vinyl (good quality)
Size, bigger is better all around
Warranty, which if you buy a good one, you really won't need but good to have. Just hope it doesn't sink to the bottom...LOL
Urethane is going to be lighter, last longer, and less effected by temp. and altitude.
If you plan on using it say once a month, then no, you don't need to spend allot, but also, two years down the road, that tube could also be history (decay)
Another advantage to Urethane.
[signature]
Re: [Stubbs65] Float tube - sinergy - 03-09-2010
I sold my pontoon and picked up a Fishcat 4 off of ebay I got a real good deal vs retail. I normally buy local but the price was too good to pass up. Looks to be very well made only thing I found odd was was the foam packing material doubled as the seat....
But all in all looks to be very sturdy love the V shape gives you a small storage space in the back for a small cooler. Going to be nice to have ice cold drinks on those hot summer days. [cool]
[signature]
Re: [Stubbs65] Float tube - Wildcat94 - 03-09-2010
pm or ask tubedude he is the man when it comes to tubes and toons
[signature]
Re: [Stubbs65] Float tube - pa - 03-09-2010
Hey,
I started with a Uboat 2000. It was a gift and came with fins and a pump. Caught lots of fish out of it. It sets low in the water and gets pretty uncomfortable in a long day. And your line of sight is limited.
Picked up a fish cat 4 and there is no comparison between the 2. It is bigger and I sit much higher,stay drier,and much more comfy. It has an elevated stripping apron, cup holders,and much more storage. I weigh 225 and it supports me just fine. I highly recommend this tube. It can be tricked out easily also. Hope this helped.
Pa
[signature]
Re: [pa] Float tube - Stubbs65 - 03-10-2010
I've been looking at tubes online, and I definitely want one that sits higher out of the water. I'll probably end up going with the FC4, or I did find an online deal for the ODC 420. I may get either of those. I haven't fully decided yet, but I am going to go to sportsman warehouse and cabelas this weekend to look at tubes in person. Thanks everybody for the input. It is very helpful.
[signature]
Re: [Stubbs65] Float tube - molopo23 - 03-10-2010
Never tried the FC4 but I am really satisfied with my ODC 420. It sits high, has a lot of space and got it at a great deal.
Get a good one so you only buy once and experiment with some PVC for some attachments.
Good luck.
[signature]
Re: [molopo23] Float tube - h82sink - 03-10-2010
I just checked the creek company site and looky what I found!
http://creekcompany.com/product.php?productid=16152&cat=0&page=&featured=Y
$99 sounds like a phenomenal price to me!
[signature]
Re: [h82sink] Float tube - Majja - 03-11-2010
I had an ODC and it was decent, but for the lower end I would go with a FC4 or the one Sportsmans has. They are great tubes. I really like my H3, and you can not go wrong with a SFC either. Also get good fins. I am fond of Mares my self mine have seen double duty as float tubes fins and snorkeling fins as well. There is a wealth of info over on the flaottube board, but by know this has been moved there. My wife uses an old SFC that is like way old probably 10+ years and she still floats nicely. Any way that is mycent and a half.
Matt
[signature]
Re: [h82sink] Float tube - 1tuber - 03-11-2010
I'm not sure how the odc 420 is i use a fish cat, LOVE IT. But, everyone who ive talked to say that the odc 420 is great and CHEAP.[
][]To me it looks like a less expensive fish cat.
[signature]
Re: [h82sink] Float tube - molopo23 - 03-11-2010
That's a great price, grab one!
I still don't get what's the big fuss about the FC4. I think it is overrated. Plus the price is a big difference.
Whatever you decide on getting, have fun!
[signature]
Re: [Stubbs65] Float tube - peter805 - 03-11-2010
It is exactly like Flygoddess said. Buy the best you can.
Sometimes its better to wait a little longer and save
a little more money and buy better stuff.
Also look for sales on Cabelas and places like that.
Sometimes you can get really good deals.
Peter
[signature]
Re: [Stubbs65] Float tube - pontoonman - 03-11-2010
Try to buy from a satisfaction guarantee local place if possible. I like my nearby Cabellas or Bass Pro, but there are others. That way if it is uncomfortable, has defects or for any reason, you can return, exchange or get your money back. When you find what you like, it is good to buy another like it a little later, especially if bought by mail order or the price goes down. Comes in handy when you use your tube frequently, because you can rotate tubes to lessen wear. Also, you can quickly exchange parts if you get a puncture or need a hardware or sewing repair- that takes several weeks of turn around time while under warranty or not. If the tube is discontinued as when you see clearance prices, you have some backup parts to keep at least one going. If you check for replacement parts like bladders, you find the price is sometimes more than double the full retail price you paid for the original complete tube!
Pon
[quote Stubbs65]I've been looking at tubes online, and I definitely want one that sits higher out of the water. I'll probably end up going with the FC4, or I did find an online deal for the ODC 420. I may get either of those. I haven't fully decided yet, but I am going to go to sportsman warehouse and cabelas this weekend to look at tubes in person. Thanks everybody for the input. It is very helpful.[/quote]
[signature]
Re: [pontoonman] Float tube - Stubbs65 - 03-11-2010
That is a great deal on the ODC 420 from the Creek Company website. I may end up ordering that one, it is definitely more in my price range. I don't usually like buying online, so I will still out check the local stores first. If I can't find a better deal, I just might be an ODC 420 guy!
[signature]
Re: [Stubbs65] Float tube - flygoddess - 03-11-2010
Don't take this the wrong way, but I know of two people that have OWNED the ODC (one of them has posted here)
The tube has sprung a leak at the seam.
I know allot of people have this tube so it is bound to happen, but I don't recall reading or hearing of the FC4 ever doing this.
The more you can spend, the longer it will last. I bought cheap way back and was lucky I wasn't on the water when it decided to go and it went big time!
We are talking your LIFE here, so please take the advise here and do a little homework.
[signature]
Re: [flygoddess] Float tube - pontoonman - 03-11-2010
With all due respect to FG's expertise, there is some disagreement by TD and others on this list.
There are discussions in the archives which support the idea that ANY float tube brand is more likely to be safer that a motorboat and much less likely to ever be life threatening. This is because some air pockets will remain to keep you afloat even should one of the pontoons explode, a very unlikely occurence. Also, you will find it difficult to get yourself in a dangerous situation because of the low power- you won't be able to go far from shore. Unless you are foolish and head far offshore alone, without another boat in sight.
I like to get the most bang for the buck, so spending more does not always get you more. Spending less does not always get you less. Consumer reports has numerous examples of merchandise over years of study where some brands with lower retail prices had higher quality than those with higher retail prices. Sometimes you are just paying for a name or snob appeal when you spend more.
With float tubes, you can often get bargains buying used because lots of people upgrade or lose interest quickly and dump at bargain prices. Check Craigs etc.,, (even FG upgrades often) for good prices on quality items where you pay down to pennies on the dollar.
Pon
[quote flygoddess]Don't take this the wrong way, but I know of two people that have OWNED the ODC (one of them has posted here)
The tube has sprung a leak at the seam.
I know allot of people have this tube so it is bound to happen, but I don't recall reading or hearing of the FC4 ever doing this.
The more you can spend, the longer it will last. I bought cheap way back and was lucky I wasn't on the water when it decided to go and it went big time!
We are talking your LIFE here, so please take the advise here and do a little homework.[/quote]
[signature]
Re: [pontoonman] Float tube - flygoddess - 03-11-2010
Oh I didn't mean to imply that they are life threatening, but it also depends on how far out you are, and YES there can be major blow outs that will take everything down...I know of three cases and then one listed on this site about a pontoon (not blow out but disconnected from frame.
If a whole seam blows on a bladder...it is going to take on water as well as loose air and sink.
Yes most boats have several bladders, but seriously, how long will a little back rest tube float a full grown person?
I am not talking floating 50 feet from shore, but the ones that either venture out or wind assisted. Doesn't matter how experienced you are. If that is where the fish are, that is where you will go.
Ever tried to get back to shore with one side of your tube/toon deflated?
Not to mention gear loss.
I am not saying any tube here is bad....specially the ODC as I have recommended it before. Just saying (from personal experience) it can cost much more trying to save a penny.
Warranty's are a good thing to.
Oh and about motor boats...the ones I have owned were filled with foam plus pumps , they may capsize, but not gonna sink....
[signature]
Re: [flygoddess] Float tube - pontoonman - 03-11-2010
[quote flygoddess]Oh I didn't mean to imply that they are life threatening, but it also depends on how far out you are, and YES there can be major blow outs that will take everything down...I know of three cases and then one listed on this site about a pontoon (not blow out but disconnected from frame.
If a whole seam blows on a bladder...it is going to take on water as well as loose air and sink.
Yes most boats have several bladders, but seriously, how long will a little back rest tube float a full grown person?
Float long enough for hypothermia (the real danger) to kill you, especially if you are wearing your PFD. But your boat will stay afloat unless something heavy like a troll battery is aboard.
I am not talking floating 50 feet from shore, but the ones that either venture out or wind assisted. Doesn't matter how experienced you are. If that is where the fish are, that is where you will go.
Venturing that far out alone without other boats nearby and without a cell phone, horn, whistle, or strobe when dark, fits the foolish category IMHO.
Ever tried to get back to shore with one side of your tube/toon deflated?
Not to mention gear loss.
Easier to get back than with a disabled motorboat, which may also cause huge cost of gear loss, motors, etc.
I am not saying any tube here is bad....specially the ODC as I have recommended it before. Just saying (from personal experience) it can cost much more trying to save a penny.
Warranty's are a good thing to.
Warranties are not to great if you have to wait months without a boat for repairs, especially for mail order situations.
Nice to see you have your wits and spunk, FG. I will say great exchange and good bye before TD shuts us down.
Pon
Oh and about motor boats...the ones I have owned were filled with foam plus pumps , they may capsize, but not gonna sink....[/quote]
[signature]