Float Tubes and Accessories

18406ej · 10-06-2007, 11:11 AM

I am thinking about getting a float tube, which, with 5 children is a more likely financial adventure than buying a boat. I would like any input and advice that anyone on the board has and is willing to share. I might also consider a kayak similar to Dichro's, as the cost of the tube with accessories (chest waders, fins, etc) might be just as much as a kakak. I do have a strong fear of kayak tipping, however.

Also, if I do get a float tube or kakak, what is a reasonable length of anchor rope to carry for lakes such as Detroit or Green Peter?

cavdad45 · 10-06-2007, 12:50 PM

For the cost of a float tube, quality waders, and accessories,; I would look on Craigs List for a small cartopper boat or canoe. In the long run you'll be glad you did. Being the end of the season, this would be a good time to start looking. Buyer's advantage.

Troutski · 10-06-2007, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cavdad45

For the cost of a float tube, quality waders, and accessories,; I would look on Craigs List for a small cartopper boat or canoe. In the long run you'll be glad you did. Being the end of the season, this would be a good time to start looking. Buyer's advantage.

My vote is with Cavdad, with the money you will spend outfitting a float tube you might as well get a small car topper, and yes this is the time of year to get a great deal.

Chuck

Dichrofisher · 10-06-2007, 07:06 PM

The float tube is so slow..if you can get something with a paddle you'll have much more fun. I thought the kayak would be tippy too, but they make lots of fishing ones with great stability. Check into how kayaks are designed and made if you do go that route.

18406ej · 10-06-2007, 07:23 PM

Dichro- What brand is your craft? I know that you have added a lot of accessories, which is something that I would like to try as well.

Thanks to everyone for your insight and comments.

Dichrofisher · 10-06-2007, 10:15 PM

I have an Old Town kayak. Here is a link, and I love the dashboard because it keeps me drier and is a great accessory mounting station. The stability is superb. Joes had mine for $650.
Dirigo 106 Kayak - Old Town Canoes and Kayaks

JTLunker · 10-06-2007, 10:37 PM

EJ I have a inflatable sevlyor Kayak/canoe. I love it. Easy storage, not to expensive, 250 at campmore.com. It wieghs 25 lbs so you can take it on an airplane. I use it on the Willamette and not one wake has scared me let alone tipped me. WIth the vest paddle and electric pump I spent a total of around $325, but I got a really nice PFD. The only thing that I don't like is that I have to dry it out for a couple days, or it will get moldy. They are not as easy to paddle as a hard shell kayak but I have to prob going up an down the Willy.

18406ej · 10-10-2007, 08:46 AM

I hope none of you think that I didn't take your advice, but I ended up having to go with the float tube option. With the deals from Sportsman's Warehouse, I was able to get into one, complete with waders and accessories for less than $350. I checked Craigs List and othe sources for a boat, but there was nothing my size in my price range.

I took the tube out yesterday to try it at Walter Wirth Lake. I didn't think I should jump into larger waters without a test run first. The tube performed well, and allowed me to spend three hours warm and comfortable in my 3mm waders. I got the pontoon-type float tube, so my body sits out of the water, leaving only my legs to dangle. I still need to construct some Dychro-type accessories for my craft, but it performed well, and got me out into the water.

On a seperate note, yesterday was also the first re-stocking of Walter Wirth Lake since early Summer. The truck dropped off 1700 legal trout, and 450 larger trout. I stayed away from the truck...some people were casting right into the flume as the fish exited the tank. Sure, they got some fish, but was it sporting?

Thank you again to all of you that offered your input into my purchase.

cavdad45 · 10-10-2007, 09:37 AM

Good call on going to the pontoon over the standard float tube. You will like it better and it is alot more versatile than a regular tube. I have some friends up in the Seattle area who use their pontoons everywhere including Lake Washington. They have almost become a fringe bass club. You'll definitely like the stealth abilities of that pontoon. Happy for you.

It's amazing how unsporting some people are, especially after what you said about the stocking truck. So they get meat for the table, but miss out on the total zen of fishing.

Troutski · 10-10-2007, 04:34 PM

Once your on the water every thing changes, your going to have so much fun. Now the fun begins, making the craft personal, as Dicroic will attest their is no limit to what you can add to your craft.
Just remember life jackets float people don't, just my opinion.

Chuck

10-06-2007, 11:11 AM	#1
18406ej Master Angler Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Keizer Posts: 338	Float Tubes and Accessories I am thinking about getting a float tube, which, with 5 children is a more likely financial adventure than buying a boat. I would like any input and advice that anyone on the board has and is willing to share. I might also consider a kayak similar to Dichro's, as the cost of the tube with accessories (chest waders, fins, etc) might be just as much as a kakak. I do have a strong fear of kayak tipping, however. Also, if I do get a float tube or kakak, what is a reasonable length of anchor rope to carry for lakes such as Detroit or Green Peter? __________________ E.J. "I am going where streams of whiskey are flowing"

10-06-2007, 07:06 PM	#4
Dichrofisher Sustained Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Yewgene Posts: 276	The float tube is so slow..if you can get something with a paddle you'll have much more fun. I thought the kayak would be tippy too, but they make lots of fishing ones with great stability. Check into how kayaks are designed and made if you do go that route. __________________ What's your angle?

10-06-2007, 07:23 PM	#5
18406ej Master Angler Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Keizer Posts: 338	Dichro- What brand is your craft? I know that you have added a lot of accessories, which is something that I would like to try as well. Thanks to everyone for your insight and comments. __________________ E.J. "I am going where streams of whiskey are flowing"

10-06-2007, 10:15 PM	#6
Dichrofisher Sustained Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Yewgene Posts: 276	I have an Old Town kayak. Here is a link, and I love the dashboard because it keeps me drier and is a great accessory mounting station. The stability is superb. Joes had mine for $650. Dirigo 106 Kayak - Old Town Canoes and Kayaks __________________ What's your angle? Last edited by Dichrofisher : 10-06-2007 at 10:16 PM. Reason: added link...

10-06-2007, 10:37 PM	#7
JTLunker Master Angler Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tigard, OR Posts: 488	EJ I have a inflatable sevlyor Kayak/canoe. I love it. Easy storage, not to expensive, 250 at campmore.com. It wieghs 25 lbs so you can take it on an airplane. I use it on the Willamette and not one wake has scared me let alone tipped me. WIth the vest paddle and electric pump I spent a total of around $325, but I got a really nice PFD. The only thing that I don't like is that I have to dry it out for a couple days, or it will get moldy. They are not as easy to paddle as a hard shell kayak but I have to prob going up an down the Willy. __________________ JT FISH ON!!!!

10-06-2007, 12:50 PM	#2
cavdad45 Master Angler Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: oregon city Posts: 370	For the cost of a float tube, quality waders, and accessories,; I would look on Craigs List for a small cartopper boat or canoe. In the long run you'll be glad you did. Being the end of the season, this would be a good time to start looking. Buyer's advantage.

10-10-2007, 08:46 AM	#8
18406ej Master Angler Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Keizer Posts: 338	My Little Magic Carpet I hope none of you think that I didn't take your advice, but I ended up having to go with the float tube option. With the deals from Sportsman's Warehouse, I was able to get into one, complete with waders and accessories for less than $350. I checked Craigs List and othe sources for a boat, but there was nothing my size in my price range. I took the tube out yesterday to try it at Walter Wirth Lake. I didn't think I should jump into larger waters without a test run first. The tube performed well, and allowed me to spend three hours warm and comfortable in my 3mm waders. I got the pontoon-type float tube, so my body sits out of the water, leaving only my legs to dangle. I still need to construct some Dychro-type accessories for my craft, but it performed well, and got me out into the water. On a seperate note, yesterday was also the first re-stocking of Walter Wirth Lake since early Summer. The truck dropped off 1700 legal trout, and 450 larger trout. I stayed away from the truck...some people were casting right into the flume as the fish exited the tank. Sure, they got some fish, but was it sporting? Thank you again to all of you that offered your input into my purchase. __________________ E.J. "I am going where streams of whiskey are flowing"

10-10-2007, 09:37 AM	#9
cavdad45 Master Angler Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: oregon city Posts: 370	Good call on going to the pontoon over the standard float tube. You will like it better and it is alot more versatile than a regular tube. I have some friends up in the Seattle area who use their pontoons everywhere including Lake Washington. They have almost become a fringe bass club. You'll definitely like the stealth abilities of that pontoon. Happy for you. It's amazing how unsporting some people are, especially after what you said about the stocking truck. So they get meat for the table, but miss out on the total zen of fishing.

10-10-2007, 04:34 PM	#10
Troutski Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Springfield, OR. Posts: 1,603	Magic Carpet !!!! Once your on the water every thing changes, your going to have so much fun. Now the fun begins, making the craft personal, as Dicroic will attest their is no limit to what you can add to your craft. Just remember life jackets float people don't, just my opinion. Chuck __________________ Practice C.P.R. (Catch Photograph and Release)

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