Float tube selections

[Bill Findlay]

I am going to purchase a float tube in the near future. I have never done this so any advice would be welcome. I don't want to spend a fortune. I am gathering $100.00 should be sufficient. Do you think I need one with pockets on it. I fly fish primarily, unless I am on a lake.
Once I have gotten one, what is the float time from jones Bridge to the art center at Holcombe Bridge?

Thank you in advance.

Bill

[NetBoy]

For some reason, float tubes have confused me more than any other fly fishing item. U-shape or round? Inner tube or bladder? 16" or 20"?

I just got a new tube from Bas Pro. The Apex from Stillwater ($129). 20 inch main inner tube plus a smaller backrest tube. Square shape for stability. 3 big pockets. But it weighs about ten pounds. You can order a bladder from Stillwater. This weighs a little less than the inner tube. Stillwater (also known as Trout Traps) offers great service. I called their 1-800 number and a lady answered all the questions I had on float tubes. I have not used the tube but this tube has all the features I've been looking for.

If you get another tube, get at least a 20".

NetBoy

Thanks Aaron, FlyGuy, Cocoon, SuperChub for taking me on my first tubing trip.

[Mr T1]

The latest Sportsman's Guide catalogue has a closeout on what looks like a caddis float tube for $69.95 Price is good; hope the quality is too. I'll report on it after Christmas. Ordered one for my daughter.

Mr. T

[Flyguy]

Bill,

I would buy one with a rubber tube and not a high grade plastic tube as the plastic or pvc as some call it tends to shrink up in the colder weather more so then the rubber tube. The Caddis is a great choice in my opinion and the still water is just as good.

Float times form J. Bridge to Holcomb (Arts Center) is anywhere from 4 hours to all day depending on how much you fish. If you just floated none stop it would take about 2 hours or so depending on the water speed and level.




Flyguy

[pschlemm]

If you think you're going to use flippers, I would definetly go with a U shape for ease of entry/exit. I consider myself somewhat nimbe, but getting in and out of my tube with fins, waders, wading boots can be quite a challenge - especially if you're doing it someplace other than a boat ramp.

[Mr T]

I agree on the problems of getting in and out of a circular shaped tube. It's a good way to bust your fanny or your rod. If I had to do it over again, I probably would go for a U-shaped tube. However, at $69.95 even a circular tube is hard to p****up -- especially if it turns out to be a Caddis overrun.

[Mr T]

The Float Tube I ordered from Sportsman's Guide has arrived. A preliminary inspection indicates it is decent quality and could be a Caddis but had no identifying lable that I could see without completely unpacking it. I'll know more when my daughter opens it and puts it together on Christmas Day. Right now, it does appear to have been a very good buy at $69.95.

[superchub]

Bill...when you get your tube let us know...you are more than welcome to float with us anytime....it is usually less unnerving to float with someone else the first time...at least I thought so. Big water like the Hooch puts the fear of God in me eventhough I am an excellent swimmer......I really want total control of the situation (thats why I don't ride rollercoasters..they won't let me drive them!! http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif Also, if you try to drowned yourself (tube flip) help is close by. I'm not trying to scare you but you do have to be careful until you are used to them and even then you have to stay alert.
My $2
SC

[NetBoy]

Someone told me it's a good idea to carry a sharp knife (folding or retracting blade). Pop the tube if you need to get out.

NetBoy

[Bill Findlay]

Thank you all for your advice on this. I still, as of yet, have not purchased a tube. I missed my window. Now I am in the time where I was instructed not to buy anything for myself until after christmas. Maybe I hinted to the right people about this, and I won't have to.
Anyway, I wish all a safe and joyous holiday season. May your days surround you with those close to you.
Happy Holidays, and a safe New Year.

Bill

[Mr T1]

Bill -- I finally got a chance to put my daughter's float tube together and was exceptionally surprised at the deal I got. Even though the photo in the Sportsman's Guide showed a circular tube, this one turned out to be a U-shaped one. Quality was outstanding.

Had I known what I was getting, I would have ordered one for myself also. Or, given my daugher my old Caddis and kept the new U for myself. I know I would appreciate it more and use it more than she will. Since we didn't completely unpack it on Christmas Day, she doesn't even know yet that it turned out to be a U.

At $69.95 it's an outstanding buy. Quality is fully equal to my Caddis with more pockets and hooks and rings for stuff.

Bill, you might check and see if they have any more in stock if you haven't already bought yours. If they do, post here, 'cause I still may get one for myself.

What a deal!

Mr T

[Bill Findlay]

T-
I haven't purchased a tube yet. What is the number to the sportsman's mag. I will give those guys a call. That sounds like too good of a deal to p****up.
THanks again,
Bill

[Mr T1]

Bill -- Been off the board for a while. Just saw your reponse. I'll try to find the number for Sportsman's Guide and post it. Can't tonight -- everyone's asleep and if I wake up my wife rummaging around there'll...well you know.

Sportsman's guide has a website. Think it's www.sportsmansguide.com. I located it through Yahoo but any search engine ought to find it for you.

Mr T

[Mr T1]

Bill -- The number for Sportsman's Guide is 800 888-3006. I just got their after Christmas sale catalogue and didn't see the tube listed. Doesn't mean they don't have it in stock but probably means the stock is low. They do a lot of business in clearance items sort of like Sam's Club so frequently they'll have a good buy like this one and never have it again. Let me know if it's still in stock.

Mr. T

[Drifter]

Check Flyfish.com at:

http://www.flyfish.com/boats.html

They have close to 40 dealers of various and sundry floating apparatus' for the flyfisherman.

The Drifter