What is a Float Tube?
The most basic design of a float tube, also know as a belly boat, consists of a round air bladder that is covered with cloth. The design allows for a seating area that partially submerges the legs of the user. When seated in a tube the angler is sitting on or near the water surface. The angler motivates the tube across the water surface by means of specifically designed fins similar to those used by scuba divers. Used properly and safely a float tube can add an enjoyable dimension to any angler’s fishing repertoire.
Why Float Tubing?
Of all the options for getting out on the water to fish the use of a float tube is the most economical. While it is possible to spend several hundred dollars on just the float tube alone, complete kits can be purchased for as little as $105 through online retailers such as Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s. These kits contain float tube, fins and a pump for inflating the internal bladder. At such a reasonable cost an angler can be set for years of fishing for less than the cost of an annual boat registration in most states.
Very little specialized equipment is needed for float tubing. Beyond the tube, fins and pump all that’s really necessary is a pair of waders and basic fishing tackle. Though specialized rods can be purchased for float tubing they are far from necessary. The only other specialized item onboard my tube is an anchor and that is merely as a convenience.
A float tube is easy to transport to and from any fishing location in virtually any vehicle. Inflated to full size most float tubes will fit easily into the cargo area of any SUV or the cargo area of many smaller 5-door hatchback vehicles. For even smaller vehicles a partially deflated tube can be collapsed and transported in the trunk. When your fishing destination is reached a hand-, foot- or electric-powered pump will easily inflate the float tube to fishing pressure.
Float tubing provides an enjoyable way to exercise. Although moving a float tube about a small lake may not rank up there with an elliptical exerciser for cardio work, it is a good way to keep your legs in shape while fishing from a comfortable platform. A few hours on the water in a float tube will definitely help you gauge the fitness of your hips and legs. The kicking motion used is also a good exercise for those of us mature individuals with bad knees. It helps to build muscle tone with absolutely no impact.
A float tube can provide easy access to areas where a large boat can’t go. The draft and finish on many heavy boats prevents them from being practical for heavily timbered areas on some lakes. A float tube can also be a good alternative when winds prevent a boat from crossing larger waters. A secluded, road-accessible area of a lake can allow an angler to fish when it might not be safe to cross a large body of water.
Choosing a Float Tube
There are two basic designs of float tubes, the original round and the modern open front designs. Both designs can be readily purchased and each has its own merits.
The first float tubes appeared as large truck inner tubes sporting a wooden seat strapped inside with ropes. The idea caught on and cloth covers were soon being manufactured. Round float tubes provide a secure seating platform made of cloth. Storage pockets and back rest/safety bladders were soon added for comfort and safety. This design however is a bit tricky to step in and out of while wearing fins. The biggest advantage to a round tube is the lighter dry weight. For hiking to and from fishing destinations the weight difference between the round and open front design can be considerable. At the end of a long day even 5 pounds less on your back can make a huge difference on the hike out.
Two open front designs consist of a main U- or V-shaped bladder with a seat and back rest fashioned inside. The original U-shaped designs were held open by a cleverly designed strap, leaving the angler exposed. Most new designs feature a cross bar that supports a stripping apron and acts as a safety bar so that the angler cannot easily fall from the front of the tube. Many open front models also feature dual bladders. With a single bladder for each side, should one side suffer a severe puncture, the other acts as a life preserver. The biggest single advantage of the open front design is the ease of entry and exit.
Another open front design is the dual pontoon. This design has the largest range of sizes of all the float tubes. Some of these are so big as to be considered closer to boats than tubes. Except for the smallest of the dual pontoons they are in many ways more suited to rivers than lakes. The only real advantage to this design is that the size allows for more gadgetry and equipment.
Accessories
The extent of my float tubing gear other than rod, reel, tackle and waders are tube, fins, net, pump and anchor. While I prefer to keep my float tubing simple there is a wide array of gadgets and accessories that can be purchased. Everything from depth finders to trolling motors are now specially adapted for use with many float tube designs.
Any of the major fishing retailers will be more than happy to supply you with enough gear to exceed the weight capacity of almost any float tube but my advice is to keep it light, simple and inexpensive.
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