Float Tubes

[thtsarumr]

I'm thinking about getting into the float tube game. I was looking at the Bob Marriott site and I really like the Caddis Nevada Gold. I haven't found a great description on it yet but I'd like to find one that is backpackable for maybe some high mountain lakes. What do y'all suggest?

[anacrime]

they all work. the more you pay the more comfortable/faster/lighter/etc they get. i fish a 13 year old caddis tube in some of the gnarliest conditions possible and do just fine. eventually i'll upgrade but it's all just a matter of preference.

http://www.swimbait.com/gallery/index.html

[Rockstar Fisherman]

Get one with pontoons, and keep an eye on how much it weighs as well. That's about all I can suggest since I'm not too familiar with the technicalities of a float tube even though I have 2. Just don't have an inner tube one unless you like sitting up to your chest in water with half your vest soaking wet in freezing water. The pontoon tubes seem to keep you higher out of the water making casting easier and kicking around, while still maintainnig control when the wind picks up some.

[stanbery]

Best for all around float tube
Fish Cat 4 Deluxe-LCS 14lb

Building on the successful platform of the Fish Cat 4-LCS, the Deluxe version incorporates an inflatable seat and backrest for greater comfort and compact storage. The float tube was designed with the seat above the water level to keep anglers warmer and drier. This also properly positions the angler for a more effective fin kick, offers a better field of vision and the opportunity for longer casts. The Fish Cat 4 Deluxe-LCS now incorporates an adjustable height stripping apron for easy entry and exit and a tensioned apron surface for better control of stripped line. Two spacious gear pockets with beverage holders keep necessities close. Constructed using two durable vinyl airecells and a 600-denier PVC bottom that resists snags and everyday wear and tear.

BOAT SPECS
Inflated Size: 44" x 54"
Weight: 14 lbs.
Air Cell Type: Vinyl
Load Capacity: 250 lbs.
Seams: Sewn
Warranty: 5 Year
Fabric Denier
420 PC
600 PVC

Best for back packing 8lb
Trinity



The Trinity is the ultimate in lightweight float tubes. This package, which includes an economy hand pump and a backpack, weighs only 8 pounds. It features 5 air chambers, 2 large gear pockets, an inflatable stripping apron and a mesh cargo deck.

BOAT SPECS
Inflated Size: 41" x 54"
Weight: 8 lbs.
Air Cell Type: Urethane Coated
Load Capacity: 300 lbs.
Seams: Thermal Welded
Warranty: 5 Year

Fabric Denier
420 UCN
420 UCN

Pontoon Boat
Discovery Trekker 18lbs

The Trekker is a hybrid boat that combines features of a float tube and a pontoon boat. The portability, lightweight, and ultra quick set up time make this boat an excellent choice for camping and RVing anglers. Pontoon style tubes move efficiently in the water through the use of fins and the elevated seat frame provides comfort and a better position for sight fishing and longer casts. The seat/backrest converts to a pack frame that carries the pontoons and some lightweight equipment.

BOAT SPECS

Inflated Size: 46" x 66"
Weight: 18 lbs.
Frame: 1-pc Aluminum
Air Cell Type: 14 mil. Urethane
Load Capacity: 300 lbs.
Seams: Thermal Welded Warranty: 5 Year



Jon

[Eric]

Blu, I would go with the trinity. It is very light and packable. Send Zee a pm and ask him what he thinks about his trinity.
Eric

[Papasequoia]

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[briansII]

If you're planning on backing a tube for overnight trips, i'd go with one that is light a possible. You have to factor in carrying fins, and pump. Weight and space start to add up. There are some decent tubes that weight around 6lbs. Creek Co., Original U-Tube comes to mind. If you just want to do a day trip, i'd go for something like the Trinity. Has all the luxuries of the Fish Cat/Fat Cat, but less than 1/2 the weight. Outcast has a new stripping apron design. It may not seem like a big deal, but if you fish in any wind, you'll quickly come to appreciate it.

I have a friend who uses a Caddis tube similar to the Nevada. He likes it, but the crossbar pocket tore out on a trip. That, IMHO, is the one drawback of that design. The crossbar is used to stabilize/strenghten the tube. If something goes wrong with it, you can be compromised. It's also one more thing to get in your way. You have to open and close the crossbar, to get in and out. Minor inconvience, but.......

briansII

[thtsarumr]

Great info. Thanks guys.

[RichardCullip]

I've been using the Outcast Trinity for a couple of years now and, once I got over the initial price sticker shock, I've been very pleased with the purchase. Judging by the price, Outcast is very proud of their Trinity - but it is comfortable to fish from and very light weight.

[stanbery]

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Yes you are.

Jon

[thtsarumr]

I am pretty dead set on buying the Outcast Fish Cat 4 LCS Deluxe however I have read several reviews where it was priced at $179. I cannot find the deluxe for anything less than $200. Does anyone know of any stores or sites that have it priced at $179?

[flybob]

I am pretty dead set on buying the Outcast Fish Cat 4 LCS Deluxe however I have read several reviews where it was priced at $179. I cannot find the deluxe for anything less than $200. Does anyone know of any stores or sites that have it priced at $179?

Blu, I was looking at this one before the holidays, and was going to pick one up for that price, wife said to wait until after Christmas, bad move......the msrp went up to 265.00!

Well there is a shop in Colorado that is selling them on ebay for 209.00 including shipping and no tax!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0302448705

Here is the best part, I bought it on Thursday, I get it on Wednesday, can't beat that!

I bought the green one, but I believe they have the red one too.

Good luck!

[flybob]

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Jon, I said the same thing, but when I saw my buddy Doug getting into some serious Bass from the tube......well I have to at least give it a try.

[RSetina]

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You should Jon. You'd love it!

[Wildman]

I bought Zee's Trinity Outcast before he left and am hoping it will attract the same size and caliber of fish that would follow him around lakes waiting to come up to have their picture taken. I'll let you know if that feature is still working when I go fishing with Richard Cullip in San Diego Bay in March.