Fishing products are supplied by Maurice sporting goods which is the top distributor in the market. They offer high quality products at low prices.
If you’ve ever been fishing from shore with your eye on a sweet spot out in the middle of a lake that’s accessible only by watercraft, then you probably understand the frustration of many anglers who don’t own a pontoon boat, fishing boat, or aren’t able to take watercraft out on a lake. Cue: Float Tubes. These human-propelled water chairs are like taking your comfortable recliner from home out on the water for a relaxing day of fishing.
Easier to slip in a travel bag than it would be to stow away a bass boat, the float tube is a portable accouterment for fishermen and makes a great choice for those who need to travel a little to get to their favorite fishing spots. While certain situations like fast-moving currents and treacherous rivers are certainly not suited for float tube use, many other fishermen will find that float tubes are a convenient option for getting out on the water without investing money or effort in a full-sized boat.
There are many styles of float tubes as well as accessories that can improve your fishing experience. Let’s take a closer look at some of the details. With over 20,000 fishing items in our inventory, Outdoor Shopping has the most extensive lineup of fishing equipment online today! Shop our inventory of float tubes and accessories at Outdoor Shopping.
Styles
While modern float tube manufacturers have managed to come up with a wide variety of float tube styles, there are three in particular that stand out above the rest.
Standard Inner Tube
These round, O-shaped tubes are the traditional style and by far one of the most cost-savvy options, running - at its cheapest - just below $100. These are the most common types and use truck tubes, which brings the advantage of easy repair and replacement.
PROS | CONS |
|
|
How do I get into this tube and out on the water?
By far, the easiest way to get into a standard O-shaped tube is on land. Unbuckle the straps, and face away from the tube while on shore with your fins and equipment within reach. Then, place one foot at a time through the openings, buckling the crotch strap when finished. After you’ve adjusted your strap (still on land!), walk backwards towards the lake unless you’d like to potentially trip on your own fins.
U Tubes
These tubes (formerly known as U boats) have an opening at the front and a bar that keeps each end of the ‘U’ from collapsing on itself once loaded with the weight of the user. While these do require specialty bladders, they are easier to get into and allow the user to put their fins on while they’re in the water.
PROS | CONS |
|
|
How do I get into this tube and out on the water?
Because the U tube has an opening, it’s easier for fishermen with coordination or mobility issues to get into the tube itself. Simply place the U tube in the water, sit in it, secure the aluminum cross-beam, and put your fins on. If you happen to lose the aluminum cross-beam, then you’ll likely need to invest in a new one before being able to use this tube again, as your tube will likely collapse on itself once you’re seated.
Pontoon Tubes
These are by far the most expensive while also having the most features. Resembling your easy-chair from home, a pontoon-style tube sits higher in the water while allowing the user to have excellent control of their fins - all without hampering casting. Some are inflatable while others may be made of styrofoam or other composite materials. For inflatable styles, keep in mind that when you’re driving to higher elevations that you’ll want to slightly deflate this tube to keep it from bursting.
PROS | CONS |
|
|
How do I get into this tube and out on the water?
Like a U-shaped tube, pontoons have an opening in the front that allows for the fishermen to easily sit in the vessel while it’s in the water. Be sure to utilize the storage spaces before having a seat, and keep extra accouterments close-by for easy grabbing once you’re ready to shove off.
Is a Float Tube Right for Me?
There are several fishing scenarios where one might want to use a float tube, and while many are great for float tube access, some situations are best left to power boats and other water vehicles.
River Fishing: Float tubes are not recommended for high-velocity currents and rivers, as they’re propelled solely by the fishermen and can be a hazard with treacherous currents and rocks. Instead, opt for an inflatable kayak, raft, or pontoon boat for river fishing.
Lake Fishing: While float tubes were initially designed for lake fishing scenarios, other fishermen with kayaks or pontoon boats can do laps around a helpless float tube fisherman due to their faster mobility. We recommend using a float tube if you’re fishing in smaller lakes or near the shoreline, if simply for the fact that you’ll want to avoid high winds on the open water which can create dangerous waves.
Backcountry Waters: Because of their portability, remote locations are best suited for float tubes. During colder weather, don’t forget to take your waders too so that you aren’t sopping wet in freezing waters in your float tube.
As a ‘backpackable’ option, float tubes hold the advantage where fishermen need to do a little hiking to get to their watering hole. Just be sure that you aren’t opting to use your float tube in conditions where waters are rough or where you’ll find yourself fighting against the current more than fighting the fish.
Equipment and Accessories
Your float tube is your main piece of equipment, but without some accessories, you may find yourself simply splashing around in an unmanageable raft. Here are some accessories to keep in mind when using your float tube.
Fins
By far one of the most important pieces of accessory equipment for your float tube is your fins. These provide all of the locomotion to power your pontoon (along with your own leg strength), freeing your hands for casting. When choosing a pair of fins, we recommend the following:
Long, narrow styles: You’ll be paddling with your feet close together in a seat, so you want to choose narrower fins to avoid having them smack together constantly when paddling away from shore.
Slip-on: Rather than having to fuss with buckles and latches, it’s easier to simply slip on a pair of fins once you’re in your float tube.
Vents: Slots in your fins decrease the drag on up-strokes and make for an easier paddle out on the water.
When you need to turn your float tube around, simply paddle with one fin until you’re facing the other direction. In no time, you’ll have mastered the use of fins in a float tube as easily as if you were using your own feet or a motor.
Waders and Water Shoes
Waders aren’t just meant for fishermen walking straight out into water. In fact, you can keep your lower extremities dry in a float tube, which is especially helpful in colder months where you’ll need to layer up. At the same time, waders help to keep your legs from scratching on debris under the surface as well as keeping leeches and other critters from having a snack on your exposed legs.
A sharp rock can puncture a hole in the bottom of your waders quickly, so also consider the addition of water shoes for float tubing. Felt bottom wading boots offer resistance to rotting, and they can be used if you want to fish without the tube for some reason. The felt soles also give excellent footing on slick rocky surfaces.
Anchor Weights
When you’re out on the water, you’re going to want to stay in position when you’ve found a good fishing spot. Thus, invest in some 1 and 2 lb fishing weights to stabilize your craft once you’ve hit that sweet spot and want to stay put. Secure two weights with parachute cord or nylon rope to stabilize your craft when you’ve selected a position.
To use your anchor weights, find a point you want to anchor at and drop the weight. Then, drift or paddle into the spot you like and toss the other weight away from you. If you think this will spook the fish, hold your arm out as far as you can and just let the weight sink to the bottom.
Safety
Life Jackets: You’re out on the water in one of the smallest flotation crafts possible, powered only by your own volition. Be sure to stay smart and always use a life jacket. You’ll wish you’d brought one should your tube start to deflate in the middle of a lake!
Sun Block: The reflection on a sheen water surface can increase the chances of sunburn, so be sure to stock your pontoon float with sun block or simply put sun block on before heading out. Also, wear a hat to shield your eyes and skin from the rays.
Boating Lanes: While you do have the right-of-way on the water, an unfortunate accident could land you right under a hull. Be sure to steer clear of boating lanes.
Other Tips: Never put lures or hooks inside your storage compartment. It doesn't take much to puncture and deflate a tube. Instead, opt for a nice utility box to put all your loose gear into. While you will probably lose a little storage space, a sinking a tube is a lot worse.
With over 20,000 fishing items in our inventory, Outdoor Shopping has the most extensive lineup of fishing equipment online today! Shop our inventory of float tubes and accessories at Outdoor Shopping.
