Float tubes?

Royal · 12-15-2003, 05:03 PM

Well since I am fairly poor and dont have the money to get a pontoon, are there any recommendations on float tubes? I figure its the next best thing.

Chromaflage · 12-15-2003, 05:07 PM

Here's a recommendation: don't get caught in the middle of a lake, downwind from the outhouse after drinking six cups of coffee. You'll end up warming the inside of your waders.

I would stay away from bladder types and use innter tube types. I have a bladder type and they aren't nearly as durable as the rubber inner tube type.

My .02, plus some....

ORS

Boatdog · 12-15-2003, 05:14 PM

I agree with the inner-tube concept. I have two, and I really like the one with the open front - it is so much easier to load into. Pockets help a lot also.

float2ber · 12-15-2003, 06:00 PM

Outcast FatCat will get you up and out of the water. I've also put miles on a Caddis for less money.

12-15-2003, 06:51 PM

I have the Trout Unlimited model and it holds my big carcass very well. Had no problems with it at Hosmer Lake.
Here is a picture of the one I have.

[ 12-16-2003, 03:55 AM: Message edited by: Stew ]

Gizmo Man · 12-15-2003, 07:12 PM

Royal, I have a couple that I plan to sell as I have not used them. I also have some fins.

Drop me a pm if interested.

Giz...

HappyFishers · 12-15-2003, 08:05 PM

It's all about the open front and a seat. Don't get stuck with your whole body in the water. Much warmer and easier casting.

Tugjunkie · 12-16-2003, 09:42 PM

Royal, you can pick-up an open front tube at Bi-Mart for less that $50 when they put em on sale....... if you don't hook up with Mr. Gizmo

Keepem tight
Rick

12-17-2003, 05:50 PM

As with anything be sure whatever you buy is a quality item. I don't mind paying the extra because for something like this because if it fails at a critical moment you could find yourself very wet.

Muddler · 12-17-2003, 08:14 PM

I'm a big fan of Caddis tubes and I'm a Big boy! I have been in the wind with a full bladder and I can offer two tips...1: Eat something heavy with all that coffee as it will slow the process and go before you go! #2: I use the "Force" fins and am very pleased with their performance! Your muscles are allowed more oxygen on the down stroke allowing you to stay out longer without the fatigue, unless you had too much coffee! They are worth a look. Whatever path you take...DO NOT SKIMP ON QUALITY! I have tried several tubes and don't like the ones with the higher back rests as they humble my casting plus they seem to catch a bit more wind. You will enjoy fishing this way!

Royal · 12-17-2003, 09:20 PM

If i do decide to buy one, are there some close trout lakes near portland?

12-17-2003, 11:36 PM

Hagg Lake near Forest Grove has an outstanding warmwater fishery. In fact the state record small mouth bass came from that lake. It has easy access and very little pressure in the end of the lake where the bass hang out. Easily accessible areas to fish with float tube or pontoon.

TheCamel · 12-18-2003, 09:51 PM

Royal:
I started out over ten years ago with a Caddis U-boat. If you go with a float tube, you definitely want a "U-boat", as they are much easier to get into and out of. I traded up to a pontoon boat after two years when the wind almost blew me across Crane Prairie one October afternoon. Float tubes are OK if you are just going to fish small lakes and ponds. If you plan on fishing some of the medium to large size lakes, then it will be a struggle to get from one place to another. If you can swing it, spend the extra money and get a pontoon. Check E-bay or put a post on this forum for a used pontoon. Fly-fishing is not an inexpensive sport, but I suspect you have already learned that. Good luck and tight lines in your adventures!

Mel

FallRiverGuy · 12-19-2003, 08:18 AM

Way to wade right in with helpful advice TheCamel. Welcome to the Ifish flyfishers.

So do have an introductory story for us?

greenbuttskunk · 12-19-2003, 09:30 AM

I agree with camel,
A float tube on bigger water is a ton of work. Pick up a pontoon for 200.00 They are getting very cheap these days. If you're on a budget, water skeeter has a 8' foot for 200.00 on sale.
There's also a new pontoon sponsor who has really nice higher end boats. I like the pontood cuz it puts you up off the water, casting is easier, moving great distances is a breeze.
good luck
GBS

FishonDon · 12-21-2003, 07:26 AM

I own both a tube and a pontoon, and agree with the others: Get a pontoon. Just make sure you don't do what I did.

I bought a ferrari of a pontoon, mainly for river fishing. It has 11' pontoons, and you sit high out of the water. Well, for lakes those long pontoons get in the way, and have a tendancy to grab your line. And for sitting high, I don't have a stripping apron that stretches across my lap. That's a must for lake fishing.

For lakes, a boat like Stew's is perfect. Short pontoons, room for a stripping apron, etc. And the best part is you can just throw it into the back of your truck and be gone.

Had a chance to fish with a legend of lake fishing, Denny Rickards. His boat is similar to Stew's, although a different manufacturer.

Mr. BrownTrout · 12-22-2003, 10:02 AM

I have a outcast super fatcat and my wife has a outcast fishcat 4. We love them both.

lilnorthfork · 12-22-2003, 04:04 PM

Barviewrocks Rocks!! [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

Royal · 12-22-2003, 05:16 PM

Yea I agree! Made my day, thats for sure!

Barviewrocks · 12-22-2003, 11:25 PM

Royal, Merry Christmas! I have a Caddis U boat that you can have at no cost. You should look for fins however. Just send me an email.

Royal · 12-23-2003, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barviewrocks:
Royal, Merry Christmas! I have a Caddis U boat that you can have at no cost. You should look for fins however. Just send me an email.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">Hey thanks a lot for the present, greatly appreciated. Now I just have to learn the area a little bit to find myself a good lake to fish on. :smile:

will_e_fish · 12-27-2003, 02:21 PM

Royal good luck with the tube!
There are lots of lakes like Hagg lake, Coffenbury lake at the coast, Benson out in the gorge and Harriet up past Estacada.

Float tubes are fun but can be work as well.
I use the dive fins cheaper and you can find them everywhere. My feet get cold when the waders bunch up and pinch the circulation off. I like the speed I get from the dive fins but soemtime would like to try the float tube fins just to see what it is like to have my wader boots on. it could come in handy getting out of the water.

stevo · 12-29-2003, 08:48 AM

Royal,
looks like you got a tube, get a hold of me this spring and will be more than happy to take you to Laurance Lake, I go 3 or 4 times each spring, 30+ fish days. Also, I live in SE PDX too.

Otolith · 12-29-2003, 09:12 AM

I'd be happy to show you the way to Lost Lake in Clatsop state forest this spring too. Not too far from Portland, perfect size for float tubing, and you have to be a pretty bad fisherman to not catch a trout or 20 out of there :grin: