Float Tube

[sbeausol]

I am getting that feeling that I need to make a fishing related purchase, and considering a float tube. I have seen them range from $100-$400 in price, but not sure how many differences a U shape tube can have to justify price differential. Does anyone have any recommendations? While I am thinking about it, should I go pontoon or float tube? Portability would be of primary importance, but it would be cool to float some rivers...

Any help/info is appreciated

[fessiewig]

If you decide you don't want to spend the "extra" to get a "U-Boat", I'll sell you my Caddis Float Tube cheap. However, I would recommend the same u-boat PW got and they're not all that expensive.

[sbeausol]

for example: outcast fatcat $325, Orvis Day tripper $245,
Togiak $139, TU gunnison $99, TU Kennebec $150....

anybody have or know about these... they really seem to range in price

[fessiewig]

Here is what I have:

click here (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jhtml?id=0018136316970a&navAction=push&navCount=1&indexId=cat360010&podId=0018136&catalogCode=IF&parentId=cat360010&parentType=index&rid=&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fcatalog%2Fitem-link.jhtml.1_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20431&hasJS=true)

[PW]

Whatever you get consider getting a float tube anchor. There not much money and it will allow you to fish a little longer when the wind picks up.
I got one from Sports Authority

click here (http://www.thesportsauthority.com/family/index.jsp?cp=716957&clickid=mainnav_browse_txt&categoryId=713621&page=2&pageBucket=0&doVSearch=no)

Cabelas I bet has them as well. I've lost track of how many times I've worn my legs out back kicking against the wind in my old caddis tube.

Paul-

[sbeausol]

what's the big deal with the fatcat? Anyone use one? Why so expensive?

[sbeausol]

paul which tube do you have?

[PW]

TU kennebec

[petegas]

i would suggest going for a pontoon, obviously they are more versatile, and would allow you to float some rivers as well as fish some ponds/lake, as far as portability being an issue, they run quite the gammut, i know cabela's has a number of lighter models that could conceivably be packed into a lake.
moreover, pontoons keep you higher off the water allowing for easier casting, with float tubes you are much closer to the water, sometimes your casting elbow barely out of the water. float tubes can make casting difficult at times with your back cast frequently hitting the water behind you,

[sbeausol]

I like the pontoon idea, but it seems a little much - I could probably get a canoe or small boat for the price? Do you have one? If so what would you say it is truly capable of? Drifting most rivers, or only truly calm stuff? I am definately on the fence on this one so any input is truly appreciated...

[petegas]

I've just purchased my own but for a number of years "borrowed" (ie kept in the back of my truck) one of the pontoon boats that the lodge i worked for owned. The one i used had 10ft pontoons and i was able to handle a river like the yellowstone that, while not full of whitewater, certainly isnt your classic lazy tailwater.
Many run under 50 lbs, and seem long enough to handle some rivers.
thats my 2 cents, fell free to disagree with me anyone.......

[sbeausol]

If you don't mind me asking how much did you pay? And where did you make the purchase?

[petegas]

Not a problem, however i got my from orvis, and since i work for an orvis lodge they give a big cut to their guides, i could never have payed for it otherwise, this is one i have....http://www.orvis.com/store/product_choice.asp?pf_id=76LX&feature_id=&dir_id=758&group_id=792&cat_id=5151&subcat_id=6067&shop_id=

i would suggest looking at cabela's they have some good looking ones that wont break the bank

[Tom Jutras]

Check out the waterskeeter Day Tripper pontoon float tube. Great boat for under $200

Tom

[sbeausol]

I checked it out on the web... it looks like some kind of hybrid pontoon / float tube. What kind of advantages do you think it offers over a U-boat style float tube?

[Tom Jutras]

The pontube is a U boat on top of pontoons. When you are sitting in the boat only your feet are in the water. It's more comfort and higher off the water which helps your casting greatly.