Looking for a float tube

by **hawkplayer32** » October 17th, 2012, 1:44 pm

Hey guys,

I am looking to pick up a float tube for local lake fishing in Southern California. I am wondering what you would recommend and if you have any ideas where i could pick one up cheap (used is fine).

also wondering if my current neoprene water will work (they are fairly thick) or if should get something more like a shell type water just to keep dry.

Any advice would be great.

by **Flatsix** » October 17th, 2012, 2:38 pm

I just checked Craigslist and there are a bunch listed locally.

Fishcat makes a decent tube and there are few for sale with fins included. Looks like a package deal will save you a few $$.

by **briansII** » October 17th, 2012, 3:39 pm

Outcast's, FishCat4 is often recommended. It's a mid level priced tube, and quality built. I have one and like it. If you are a big fella, keep in mind they do have lb. ratings. You may not be able to safely use one of the cheaper float tubes, because they don't have the sufficient weight rating. Safety first, and all that.

For the most part, I like the V shaped tubes, then the U shaped tubes. Round tubes are fine if you are fishing small waters. Never have tried the pontoon style float tubes, but they look like a good option.

I have a pair of neoprene waders.......somewhere? Once I bought breathable waders, I have never gone back to neos.

briansII

by **RichardCullip** » October 17th, 2012, 5:29 pm

Personally I would not get a float tube that doesn't have an inflatable seat. The ones that do usually do a better job of keeping your butt out of the water. Keeping you sitting up a bit higher and drier. The V-boats and U-boats are easier to move around than the old round tubes. Don't try to go too cheap. Look for a good price on a quality tube instead of concentrating on cost alone. Ninety percent of the time, I'm wet tubing with just lycra tights on my legs. I do it year around in San Diego bay. If I'm in really cold water up in the High Sierra, I'll slip on my breathable waders and layer on fleece bottoms to help keep my legs warm. I don't own any neoprene waders so I can't comment of there advantages or disadvantages.

by **Gila Trout** » October 17th, 2012, 6:08 pm

The Outcast tubes are some of the best on the market. As of yesterday Cabelas had some Outcast tubes on sale. They had the super fat cat for $315.00. Which is $100 off the regular price. Also the Creek Co. has a tube that is a knock off of the fat cat and they sell it cheaper than Outcast.

by **beachbum** » October 17th, 2012, 6:50 pm

I picked up a Cumberland Float Tube at Cabellas for $219 bucks that has a 350 lb load capacity. Since I have only used it once, it's tough to give a report other then it was comfortable and with the foam seat kept me out of the water. Neopremes are ok in frigid water, but the comfort of breathables is hard to beat.

by **Rasputinj** » October 17th, 2012, 7:50 pm

I just purchased the creek co U420, which looks like a knockoff of the outcast. So far it looks like a good tube for the money.

by **hawkplayer32** » October 18th, 2012, 1:03 am

So it looks like the consensus is to get a tube that keeps me out of the water a bit more. That makes sense. I saw a few on Craigslist but they look really cheesy. I think I will wait till I see a decent brand name tube and pay the extra money. It also looks like I should pick up some breathable waiters. Thanks for the info guys

by **Pete** » October 18th, 2012, 5:34 am

"U" or vee tube. Much safer if you have a situation on the water. Way back when.... I was in my doughnut style tube and it sprung a leak in the middle of the lake. Made it back to shore, but if it would have taken a few minutes more I would have been in a sticky situation.

Go breathable. With all the under garment options, it is rare that you will ever get cold even in the dead of winter. I only use my neoprene waders in the surf. Why? Just don't want the Simms G3's in the grindy sandy conditions.

by **Dry Fly Rie** » October 18th, 2012, 10:22 am

Rasputinj wrote:I just purchased the creek co U420, which looks like a knockoff of the outcast. So far it looks like a good tube for the money.

I'll second the Creek Company. I picked one up brand new off eBay with fins, and a pump for like $110. I've used it now for almost 4 years and it's been great. I use a cheap pair of Frogg Toggs breathable waders ($90 at Sports Authority) when I tube, and I've never been cold, even in early June in the Sierras.

Good Luck.