Greg H:
In addition to the other suggestions offered here’s my $.02 novel:
Buy the best tube you can afford and make sure it is “U” or “V” shaped. The ease of getting in and out will be appreciated especially if nature calls; AND IT WILL! Unfortunately IMHO the best float tube ever made; (the one I have), is no longer available: the Wood River Gliderider Special Edition. It is a 1000 denier Codura ?V? shaped boat that doesn’t require any bar or straps to hold open the arms of the boat. I am sure others out there can recommend some of the other boats out there since I don?t have any experience with what is currently available.
If money is no object; Steve Parton of [url=http://www.spartonfly.dial.pipex.com/catalogue/floattubes.htm:7ef60]Sparton Fishing Tackle[/url:7ef60] in the UK makes a boat that is essentially the same or better than the Wood River Float tubes. Unfortunately his website doesn?t have any pictures but he did/does have the license in the UK to make float tubes utilizing Peter Ross? Wood River designs. I have seen pictures and it is in effect an improved Wood River boat.
The advantages to this design and things to look for are: [ul]*a ?V? shaped hull that cuts through the water better than a square, round or ?U? shape
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an adjustable seat
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no bars, straps or other gadgets to keep the arms of the boat open
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stretchable air bladders that don?t shrink and get soft when the air inside cools off
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quality valves that are easy to access AND are not a pain in the butt to deflate
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multiple air bladders for safety and 1000 denier Codura for durability.[/ul] As far as sitting position: the higher you sit in the water; the more the wind will effect you. I have an anchor on my boat for those windy days and if you get one; check out the products sold by Nick Batastic [url=http://www.floatntote.com/Content/Home.asp:7ef60]here[/url:7ef60]. He makes a gizmo called an Anchor Cleat that makes deploying an anchor a breeze; (he also makes a great rod holder). I am also of the opinion that finning is more effective the lower you sit in the water because of the greater amount of fin travel. I will race ANYBODY using fins in a Fish Cat or similar high sitting boat. I also like the lower profile afforded by a bum in the water boat. If you are using paddles to move it; it ain?t a float tube; it?s a pontoon boat. While I have no issue with pontoon boats; a float tube just does some things better; especially if it?s windy.
Try and find a float tube that has or can accommodate back pack straps for carrying the boat. It makes it an easy task to carry the boat from the car to the water. Also if you have the backpack straps with you and you fin yourself to the far side of a lake; you can easily walk back to your car rather than fin all the way back. I learned this lesson the hard way after I had to use my flippers for more than an hour straight to get back to the car. Speaking of fins; if the $100+ price tag doesn’t scare you; buy the adjustable Force Fins for float tubing. They will last forever and are well worth the extra $$$.
I also prefer to wear waders. Although they are a pain at times; when I fish murky waters which I often do; I like knowing I won’t be covered with slime or worse when I get out of the water.
Try and find an air pump with a low pressure air gauge that will work on your float tube valve. You will need a gauge that has a range of 0-10 lbs. The only problem here is that most float tubes don’t tell you what pressure to inflate to. Any store or website that sells inflatable boats will have a good supply of pumps, many with gauges. I prefer a hand pump but foot and electric pumps are available.
Look into a rod holder; either Nick Batastic?s Float and Tote or the Scotty products. The Velcro holders built into most float tubes just don’t do as good a job; especially if you want to carry a few rods.
Check your local regulations for float tube use. Where I live the requirements are simple: PFD required, no registration, no motors, two or more separate air bladders, use on still water only, (really good advice!). But despite these rules I have found that some lakes in my area do not permit their use so you may want to check into it in advance.
Any finally; when you do get your float tube; take the time to really organize your stuff in what ever way works best for you. Despite all of the pockets on a float tube; gaining access to some of them can be awkward or even dangerous while in the water. Obviously put the things you need the most in the most easily accessible pockets. I also have special boxes set up just for my float tube so my set-up time can be reduced. It does take awhile to get an inflatable set up and ready for the water so anything you can do to reduce this set-up time will equal more fishing time.
Have fun!
[This message has been edited by Bamboozle (edited 16 January 2006).]
