11-28-2002, 12:40 PM
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][font "Times New Roman"][size 3] Thanks for the cordial welcome. You don't know me well enough to know that a simple question on float tubes can turn into a "War and Peace" reply. How to choose and set up a float tube takes 19 pages in my new book. Be happy to email you the whole chapter if you'd like. It includes adding rod racks, sonar, fish baskets and all the goodies. Also goes into waders, boots and fins. In the meantime, you might want to take a look at [url "http://www.thefloattubestore.com/"]http://www.thefloattubestore.com/[/url] .[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]It would seem like your new pond close by has got you thinking about spending more time in fresh water. There's something to be said for a quick "brain broom" after work...or whenever you can get away. I too like the briny, but I'm not too proud to wrestle with almost anything with fins...even if it ain't from the ocean.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]There are several considerations in buying a flotation fishing system (my term for float tubes and the like). 1. Budget 2. Type of water and/or species you will be hitting most 3. How much room you have in your vehicle. 4. Portability (for carrying more than a short distance) and 5. Your size, weight and physical condition.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]Over the years, while doing research for my intended book, I acquired and tested almost every kind of system available. I used round tubes for years, and still have a few. Tried U-boats, but other than easier entry found them no great improvement. Some were actually less comfortable and harder to fish from than round tubes..[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]In recent years we have seen an explosion in the types and quality of pontoons, and their hybrid "mini-pontoons"...also called kick boats. For big water or moving water, I recommend a good pontoon craft. The addition of oars provides additional locomotion, even though they add weight...and something else upon which to foul lines. [/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]I am currently kicking around in a Kennebec, by Trout Unlimited. It has two large air chambers plus another as a back rest and stabilizer for the two sides. I like it because it floats my 6'3" and 250# high in the water, especially with the elevated seat. This provides better visibility, casting and line control. It also keeps my lower extremities warmer in winter waters.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]There are several good candidates in this class. My next purchase is going to be a FAT CAT...by Outcast. I have tried one and love the design and the flotation. I don't like the $350 price tag, but that's still less than the lowest end pontoon craft costs. And, it's less than a monthly payment on a new boat.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]If I am able to launch within a short distance of where I park my rig, and I have room to carry it fully assembled for action, I vote for a pontoon. If I have to hike in a ways, I may carry a mini-pontoon. If I am hiking several miles into a remote lake in the Sierras, I will take the lightest round tube I can find...with a vinyl bladder, rather than a heavier truck tire inner tube.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]Hope this helps. Before you try to launch your craft the first time, let me give you some guidance on launching and beaching too. Then again, let me know where and when you plan to undergo this float tuber's rite of passage, and I will buy a ticket to watch it.[/size][/font]
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][font "Times New Roman"][size 3] Thanks for the cordial welcome. You don't know me well enough to know that a simple question on float tubes can turn into a "War and Peace" reply. How to choose and set up a float tube takes 19 pages in my new book. Be happy to email you the whole chapter if you'd like. It includes adding rod racks, sonar, fish baskets and all the goodies. Also goes into waders, boots and fins. In the meantime, you might want to take a look at [url "http://www.thefloattubestore.com/"]http://www.thefloattubestore.com/[/url] .[/size][/font] [font "Times New Roman"][size 3]It would seem like your new pond close by has got you thinking about spending more time in fresh water. There's something to be said for a quick "brain broom" after work...or whenever you can get away. I too like the briny, but I'm not too proud to wrestle with almost anything with fins...even if it ain't from the ocean.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]There are several considerations in buying a flotation fishing system (my term for float tubes and the like). 1. Budget 2. Type of water and/or species you will be hitting most 3. How much room you have in your vehicle. 4. Portability (for carrying more than a short distance) and 5. Your size, weight and physical condition.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]Over the years, while doing research for my intended book, I acquired and tested almost every kind of system available. I used round tubes for years, and still have a few. Tried U-boats, but other than easier entry found them no great improvement. Some were actually less comfortable and harder to fish from than round tubes..[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]In recent years we have seen an explosion in the types and quality of pontoons, and their hybrid "mini-pontoons"...also called kick boats. For big water or moving water, I recommend a good pontoon craft. The addition of oars provides additional locomotion, even though they add weight...and something else upon which to foul lines. [/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]I am currently kicking around in a Kennebec, by Trout Unlimited. It has two large air chambers plus another as a back rest and stabilizer for the two sides. I like it because it floats my 6'3" and 250# high in the water, especially with the elevated seat. This provides better visibility, casting and line control. It also keeps my lower extremities warmer in winter waters.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]There are several good candidates in this class. My next purchase is going to be a FAT CAT...by Outcast. I have tried one and love the design and the flotation. I don't like the $350 price tag, but that's still less than the lowest end pontoon craft costs. And, it's less than a monthly payment on a new boat.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]If I am able to launch within a short distance of where I park my rig, and I have room to carry it fully assembled for action, I vote for a pontoon. If I have to hike in a ways, I may carry a mini-pontoon. If I am hiking several miles into a remote lake in the Sierras, I will take the lightest round tube I can find...with a vinyl bladder, rather than a heavier truck tire inner tube.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]Hope this helps. Before you try to launch your craft the first time, let me give you some guidance on launching and beaching too. Then again, let me know where and when you plan to undergo this float tuber's rite of passage, and I will buy a ticket to watch it.[/size][/font]
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