View Full Version : Float Tube Help
Tried out my new (and first) float tube Sat. Had trouble getting to the spots I needed to get to -- like the bank. Turns out I'm still floating.
Seriously, while crossing to the other side of Settles bridge, I got to the fast water and Swoooosh - I was 30 yds downstream. Landed rump fist on a bid rock. I finally got to quieter water and found my tube zipper had unzipped. Took 20 minutes to get the bladder back in the tube cover. By then I was wet. Later, I hooked the tube and punctured the bladder. Why didn't you guys tell me tubing was so much fun??!
I take it tubing is for quiet, but moving water. Rapids are to be avoided. I took Drifter's advice and tied on a duspan, but it takes some work to get out of faster water even with it.
Help!
Loren
I take
Steve D
03-02-99, 07:32 PM
Sounds like your float tube adventure resembles some of mine! You might want to give it a try on a pond or some of the calmet portions of the Hooch to get more used to it. It does take a little getting used to. BTW, if you have cats, don't let 'em near it. Ours decided the cover is great stuff for sharpening claws. Needless to say, the bladder in mine has come many patches on it it looks like it has a case of some kind of pox!
Steve
Loren,
Take steve's advice--I had the same experience at Settles--Zipper deal and all
Take it to the *****or Jones bridge or Island ford. Remember to float with your arse as the lowest portion of you if you don't know the bottom.
rod
A nice easy float is from the wooden steps at Jones(just above the island) to the boat ramp (on the same side). You can do this by yourself. When you get out at the boat ramp, you can walk on the road back to the parking lot.
NetBoy
Netboy
That stretch is primarily why I bought the tube. The water near the bank, however, is fast. Is it too fast, or is that the normal float?
Loren
You can fish the 'faster' water with fins. Force fins are a brand that's often recomended. I don't use fins because they are a niusance in riffles and fast water. There are stretches in the Settles-to-McGinnis run where you can grab on to a blow down and fish it and then float down to the next one. Fins are best to work the blow-downs on the slow sections. Wihout them you get one or two chances at each one ubless you latch on to it.
The best thing a tube is good for is to get you away from the crowded access points.
I've never been a fan of those light weight bladders. The ones with an inner tube are only a little heavier and they are a lot more durable. If you have a round tube, ask for a short-barreled 8.25-7.5 x 20" tube. You'll know if they give you the long-barreled type. It will still work. They carry tubes at the FishHawk and B****Pro has just started to carry them.
Two things help a lot:
The first is a life vest. If you tip over and the tube hangs up around you feet, good luck. People have gotten killed that way.
The second is suspenders or 'back pack straps'. They are useful for carrying the tube to/from the river. They also keep the tube up around your waist when you stand in shallow water.
I'll probably see you out there. I fish the section often enough.
Bob
Bobert,
Two thins.
1, My tube is so wide, that shoulder straps tied to each side slip off. Should I cross these suckers or what?
2. Fins. I would like to buy fins to wear with wading shoes. Do the cheaper fins recommend on this board (Walmart specials) fit shoes and do the type you order with a tube fit shoes?
Loren
Bob M (or anyone)
Care to comment on the pros and cons of round vs. u-shaped tubes?
Loren -- The Wal-Mart specials I bought for $7.97 did fit my wading boots. I wear a size 9 -- fins were size 7-10 as I recall. This was the only size they had. The Force fins mentioned above I believe are the ones Cabela's had for about $50.00.
I'll make foot paddles out of plywood before I pay that much for fins.
T
I do not own or have tried a U-shaped tube. I remember hearing from almost every local flyshop that they considered them to be dangerous for the Hootch. But they all agreed they were better for stillwater.
Most people I know do not use fins if floating on the Hootch. Most areas of the Hootch have shallow riffles and runs that would be difficult to walk over while wearing fins. I'd suggest two small dustpans. I tie one on each side with a small rope and keep them in the side pockets.
NetBoy
flytyfish
03-08-99, 10:12 PM
Spoke with Aaron on this subject Sunday the u boat is dangerous in any moving water round boats are good any place a little more to move in still water but for the safety that is no problem also you cant buy a stronger bladder for the u tubes ( stay away from them) as for fins been tubing about 10 years used every kind made and the best come from B****PRO they are green and fit on your heel and the fin is on the side of your ankle you kick forward and sweep feet back to make them work . They sell for $18.99
NightOwl
03-08-99, 11:56 PM
Wow, all this float tube talk has me wantin to stay in my Jon-boat! Is it possible to float the good sections in it? ( 12 ft. Lowe)Nw, if I only had a chauffer and another pick'm'up truck ! http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif
NightOwl
Loren,
Cross your straps. If you get the Caddis straps, they are all one piece and you don't have to cross them. It sounds like you have the seperate variety.
old bw,
U or round is a matter of choice. The U shaped ones are easier to get in and out of and some folks claim that they are a little safer in a spill. I don't buy the safety argument too much. I prefer the round tupe because I can use a regular tube. I met a guy on the river with a venyl bladder that was asking passerbys if they had a patch kit. He had a long way to walk out that day. I once had a small puncture from hiking too hiking too far back through blackberry brambles. Not a problem. I got the can of flat repair I stowe in the floatation-backrest and filled the tube. It's also handy in the first part of winter when I forget to air up the tube to compensate for the cold.
Call me over cautious but I ALWAYS replace a tube that starts losing air, or gets flat, or gets a few years old. Fishing is fun, but I was a medic and EMT a few years back and it has helped me evaluate things that are worth dying for. Fishing isn't one of them.
NightOwl
03-09-99, 12:20 PM
welcome back Mr.T
CHUNKER
03-09-99, 02:17 PM
Loren,
I own a round tube. when I was shopping for tubes several sales people told me that U tubes would spin in the current,and were better suited for ponds. As far as fins go I have never used them on the river,but it does seem they would be awkward in shallow areas.I built a set for warm water fishing using an old pair of tennis shoes and some lexan. These are very inexpensive and they work well. E-mail me and I will tell you how.
CHUNKER
Hey Loren,
I'm living vicariously through your mishaps. I've learned that you never get in the water without some kind of temporary tube patch kit on board. Also, would a snap swivel or a key ring attached to both zippers keep the tube in the shell? That would also give another place to attach even more stuff to the tube.
Anybody have any other wisdom to help out a new floater?
On second throught, it may not be too good an idea to attach stuff to a zipper. It might rip it out of the seam
Can't remember if I mentioned this already. Sports Authority sells a small pump called the Air Stick. About 16" long and lightweight. Comes with a hose that screws on inner tube valves. Easily fits in one of the pockets.
I've used mine to add air back that was lost from the colder temperature.
NetBoy
The Ole Man
03-10-99, 05:06 PM
Loren
For sheer terror, I wish you could have been along on my first tube trip. Arrived at river hwy 20 ,1985. Generators off,but not too long. Waters gone down on bridge column about 20 inches. Me and 3 friends. Standing on bank 4/5 feet above the water. Wait a while. Water still high and fast. Youngster in group says if we're going -lets go. Jumps in off bank holding rod, hanging to tube. No 2 man leaps. I go, like paratrooper. No PFD. Weigh 200 # at time. Can imagine blowing bladder seams on impact, ripping sewn bottom out, bursting seat snap or flipping over. Hit water and swept away. Gunter, German in the group,4th man; announces he has leak in his waders and will see us at Settles. He's chickened out-only one with any sense and lied about the leak. Made record float to Settles. Almost too fast to fish. Caught one Brown anyway. Others 0. Still have the Caddis tube-don't know about bladder condition today-may be getting a little brittle. Youth is filled with stupidity. http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif
Ole Man
>>For sheer terror, I wish you could have been along on my first tube trip.<<
Great story, but I don't need any more terror. I still have 2 teens living at home.
Loren
The Ole Man
03-10-99, 08:45 PM
Loren
Been there, done that. My 2 teen daughters in the 80's had 9 wrecks, totaled 2 cars. My insurance premiums reached $5000/yr. Sued once and the party got $50 grand. These are real mellow days for me. Good luck.
Jack
The Ole Man
03-10-99, 09:51 PM
Loren
Just a second thought. Don't want to hurt feelings of any youngsters on the board. When I say youth is stupid, youth is relative to me. I was 43 when I took that leap, guess my youth went on a good long time. Maybe it's not over yet!
Anybody want to buy a U-shaped tube...cheap!
Where were all these warnings back around Christmas and last year when most of the discussions focused on U-shaped being easier to get into, easier to get out of and easier to control. The implication was that they were generally safer.
Then I find a really good deal on a U-shaped tube and get one for my daughter for Christmas. After her arrived and the quality turned out to be really good, I ordered one for myself and a friend and passed that info to the board where at least two more of NGTO's finest also took advantage of the great price.
Now, I find out they're dangerous in fast water. I had planned on offering my round Caddis for sale at the auction but I guess I better keep it. Maybe I can use it as a lifeboat for my U...rig up some davits to hang it on. My EPIRB may come in handy.
Thanks all for the warnings. Guess I need to get on the water and see for myself.
Mr. T
Good Luck, Loooorrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeennnnnnn!
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