Best Float tube.

[Illinoisgiller]

I decided to start a new thread about float tubes. I use a Fish Cat #4 and think it is the best bang for the buck. I got my last two on sale at BPS for a hundred apiece. :party0011: If a fish cat is not in the budget. one of that shape is recomended. The u shape work ok but sit lower in the water. Some even have to have a spreader bar across the front to keep them from bending in under the weight. This is not good. Good information on float tubes at Big Fish Tackle/float tube forum. I also like the plain ole outcast flippers, or at least that type. There are some pictures of the grandson and a buddy from Iowa in my gallery. Mike

[Fishaholic]

http://image.basspro.com/images/images2/92000/92262.jpg

this is one at Bass Pro ive been eyeballin for a while!!! its about 80 bucks i believe.

This one is similar for same price!!
http://image.basspro.com/images/images2/61000/61032.jpg
fish cat 4 is $170.00
http://image.basspro.com/images/images2/97500/97798-t.jpg (http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&partNumber=98421&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults)
how long do you usually spend in the water per a trip???
U use waders or not???

[mickalo]

Yea, I was looking at the same ones at BPS you mentioned fishaholic, look pretty good and would work out nicely on some of these smaller lakes in my neck of the woods. But came across this by coleman heard some good things about it,

"COLEMAN 2-PERSON INFLATABLE SIT-ON-TOP
COLEMAN" for about $90, a kayak.

http://www.thunder-rain.com/images/coleman_boat.gif

has anyone else seen these around or used them? A couple of the sites I've seen it on, it got 4-5 star reviews. was wondering if it maybe worth using on small lakes here?

Mike

[Illinoisgiller]

In the past I have used a pair of high end waders from Cabelas. I worked my way up from having small leak issues at the knees. They always took them back but was a hassle. I recomend getting waders and shoes at the same time-no exceptions.The stocking foot must fit loosly in the shoe. You can get by with old shoes to wear, but wader shoes are made to withstand constant wetting- drying.
That BPS tube looks serviceable.Price sounds good. Make sure the bottom is tough. I have dragged that Fish Cat all over the place back to lakes and it's tough. I've also hung on stumps just under water, and had to flounder a bit to get off.
This past summer is the first time I have been in a float tube without waders. Works fine AFTER the water warms.lol Waders will get you in water a little above 40 degrees for 2 or 3 hrs. I have sat in my tube literally all day. Waders will aalsso send you on a panic trip to the bank if you drink too much coffee in the am.:icon_mad: I've also taken a nap in the tube. Like setting in a recliner.:icon_cool::icon_cool:
I have no experiance in a kayak . Should be faster getting where you are going, but not as handy when you get there.
Normally, I would let the lower prices scare me off thinking they scrimped somewhere. I recieved an education on that though. I bought a Fat Cat float tube and I don't think it is near as good as the more reasonable Fish Cat #4
Well, lots of rambling there but it's my opinion. Hope it helps a little . Mike

[troutrageous1]

I've never fished from a float tube, and only once in a kayak. The kayak was a fun outing, but I wouldn't suggest it - just wasn't for me, I prefer to stand up (or at least sit in a more upright position). I was part of a group and the inflatable kayak I used was a Sea Eagle model. Very durable and stable in the water, I would highly recommend it if you were going the kayak route. They're a bit (ok a lot) more than the Coleman you showed, but I'm sure you could get a deal if you shopped around.
http://www.seaeagle.com/productImages/BoatPackage/Setup400/SE330K_D.jpg

[mickalo]

I've looked at those Sea Eagle model kayaks, and they are a lot better then the Coleman for sure. Alot of the smaller lakes here in N.W., IA, has motor restrictions, electric only and a kayak is perfect. I don't own a boat right now, so was considering a kayak, more stable then canoes for sure!

Float tubes are nice but too restrictive and I have to be able to move around every once in a while :icon_biggrin: and like to take extra gear and couple extra poles. plus with arthridious setting in, gotta be able to move a bit and not have the ole` legs in the water all day:confused0024:

thx's
Mike

[Fishaholic]

id be to worried id flip over a kyaks,
I was ganna get a pair of waders as well, just curious!!

[Illinoisgiller]

Walt, I have never had a problem with snakes in a float tube. The only time I had any concerns was when I used it for a while at Reelfoot Lake in NW TN. . They have Cottenmouths there. Wasn't comfortable trying to fish and look for snakes so I put it away. I probably looked like a bobblehead trying to look 4 directions at once.
You are welcome to use one of mine to see how you like it.

[Illinoisgiller]

Walt, Forgot to mention that I have extra Fish Cat #4 ,waders,(large) shoes size 11 I think, and fins that you can try with. Mike

[Fishaholic]

ive been surfin around lookin at float tubes and such, I guess illinoigiller gets to be our question and answer guy here, Ive notice thers alot of accessories you can get to go wth your tube, rod holders, anchors, electronics, I guess if you add all ths up could get pretty darn expensive, Could possible pick upa small 14 ft jon boat witha elct troll motor fo darn near what you can wrap up in tube stuff?

Whats all your bells and whistles you got there mike? You spend a lot of time in your so your investments would be well worth the effort!!

[Illinoisgiller]

Why float tube talk in the winter? Because there is a little interest. Now I'm asked to get down to the actual costs. That to me is the tough reality.:confused0024:lol
Fish Cat#4- I paid $100 at BPS- Retail-$170 now
Waders- Stocking foot-I got good ones $200.00 Cabelas
wading shoes felt sole-$30.00
fins'- Outcast- $30.00 (This style is available much cheaper-ebay
hand pump-2 way-$20.00
perks- Eagle Fisheasy 320C rigged portable with instructions from Big Fish Tackle/float tube forum/archives. This finder is very much an overkill but I like it.
Wire floating fish basket- around $10
2004 loaded Chevy Venture to take your tube to the pond-$7,500
Pole holders-PVC I made up some I can use but one rod is enough. I found lots of directions from the same float tube forum to make them.
Folks this all adds up for sure. Probably cheaper to get a little boat if that is what you want. Bank fishing is cheaper yet and I've had a lot of joy doing that also,
I have a Fat Cat tube also I got on sale for $200, but I recomend the Fish Cat#4, and keep body weight within it's limits. lol There are lots cheaper tubes-waders, don't need finder.
THERE-The cold hard facts!!!! I would add this up and put a number down but it might make me cry real tears. . lol Mike

[Schoe]

It's all in what one wants to do. I have had the big money Bass Boats with the 235 HP engines but I have to tell you I have had just as much fun and probably more pushing my over sized fanny around in a float tube. I was a bit apprehensive at first when I purchased mine a result from hearing and watching Giller having all that fun.

I had it almost the whole season hanging out in my garage being scared I guess to try it.
But, let me tell you , I can't wait till the water warms up in the spring so I can wear out the one I bought. I was hooked solid on this method after the first trip me and Giller made down to south Iowa.

I do have a flat bottom which serves it's purpose very well but there is no comparing that to a float tube.

Anyone that has any reservations about using one should accompany us in the Spring and try one out.

Yes, also, what you want for bells and whistles is just like any of our other toys, it's just what you want to have and what your budget can tolerate.

I think now that I have been flapping my gums I am going to order another one for guests.

Who has the best prices Giller??? Schoe

[Fishaholic]

well im really excited about triing one out this spring, sure does look like a lot of fun though.

[walt65]

I will welcome your offer of trying out your float tube this spring. but I don't think I can get my number 12 in the boots, so I will just use tennis shoes. Walt

[Illinoisgiller]

I'm certianly not going to reach out for a day now, but we'll make it happen for sure. I have grandsons, so have 2 extra Fish Cat 4s. One of them was new this last spring and the other is still in good shape. My son also has a pair of them, so if there is lots of interest, we will make it happen as best we can.
Don't think for a second that I am out to "convert" folks to using these fishing tools. lol
If there is not a lot of interest we'll just go fishing with those that are,and enjoy the day. :icon_cool::icon_cool: Mike

[troutrageous1]

http://image.basspro.com/images/images2/92000/92262.jpg

this is one at Bass Pro ive been eyeballin for a while!!! its about 80 bucks i believe.

This one is similar for same price!!
http://image.basspro.com/images/images2/61000/61032.jpg
fish cat 4 is $170.00
http://image.basspro.com/images/images2/97500/97798-t.jpg (http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&partNumber=98421&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults)
how long do you usually spend in the water per a trip???
U use waders or not???

Just an FYI, if you're still in the market, saw these are on sale at Bass Pro site for $55 & $65.

[Fishaholic]

thanks for that Mike A.. got a gift card for xmas...might have to look into that!!