Interested in a float tube ...

[pscy3]

Any recommendations on float tubes? Have enjoyed wading the 'Hooch, but am interested in expanding my horizons and floating.

[JD Squire]

Save up get a pontoon boat.

[Bob M]

Pontoons are more akin to a different kind of boat while a float tube is more akin to vastly expanded wading. There are much better boats than pontoons but pontoons have their uses.

All the float tube brands are servicable. The biggest decision is the choice between vinyle bladder or rubber inner tube. I prefer the inner tube because of a preference for strength over lightness.

[vonchim]

I need a new tube for mine but i only know one place to get it. Also the last one i had was a little small. what size (inner tube) would u get. Also who carries em in the south gwinnett area.

[ASago]

I have been through quite a few over the years, my favorite is the original Cutthroat by bucks bags...

http://www.bucksbags.com/fishing_floattubes.asp?description=4

[T.Flyer]

pscy3

When I lived in Oklahoma and fished in a "minnie boat & tube" bass club I bought a Fishmaster tube. I have not seen a better tube. Still have mine...18years.

These tubes are extremely tough. They use truck innertubes.

The "Paddle Pushers" are much better than swim fins any day. They allow you to walk normally and to paddle forward.

My Tube and Paddlepushers are great for working ponds and small lakes for Largemouth with Flyrod, spinning or baitcasting gear.

http://www.fishmastermfg.com/fishmasterhome.htm

Hope this helps.

[Bob M]

The Fish Hawk carries replacement inner tubes and they can order the vinyle bladders if you want those.

One of my pet peeves is stores that will sell you equipment, but then forget all about parts & service after the sale. Thank you Fish Hawk. I'd be surprised if Unicoi didn't provide the same excellent service. Forget all about Bass Pro and Sport Authority for this kind of after the sale service, unless they've changed in the past couple of years.

You can also get replacement inner tubes at tire store to but thay have to order them for you. 7.5-8.25 x 20 is the size for standard tubes. The valve stems come in a 'short barrel' and 'long barrel'. Specify your preference when you order the tube. Theses are truck and tractor tubes so they don't sell enough of them to keep an inventory.

The 'long barrel' is 3-4" of brass tube, ending in a valve. The valve stem opening in the float tube will tell you which is better suited for your tube. As I recall, Bucks bags tends to want the long barrel, and Caddis prefers the short barrel. You can use the long barrel in either brand but the long barrel will be exposed on a Caddis. A short barrel will be hard to get to on a Bucks Bag.

[Duncan]

Not to butt in on your thread, but I have a Caddis float tube for sale in the swap section, only $35 & I have already replaced the bladder with a truck tube. It isn't new, but if you are only wanting to experiment it still has several years left in it.

[whitworth]

Float tubes use truck inner tubes. Most tire companies do not handle truck tires or truck inner tubes. One source is the Hill Tire Company in Doraville, Forest Park and Cartersville.

[merganser]

My 2 cents, Bucks Bags, Fish Hawk, dust pans for propulsion. I tried " Paddle Pushers " and they probably work great but their XL would not fit my sz 12 boots. Take your boots w/you and make sure they fit.