Float Tube Tips

[millsboy79]

I took out my old float tube today and learned a couple things.

1. I NEED a new float tube.
2. I have no idea how to get to the deeper water when the shore is 'very' muddy or silty.

I took a couple steps into into the water and the silt covered my fins and I almost got stuck.

I finally got in enjoyed my peaceful float but in the back of my head I was worried about how do I get out ... it was NOT fun and the whole time I thought there HAS to be an easier way to do this.

I am going to do some searching on YouTube but thought I would ask the group to see what they have to say.

Thanks in advance.

[James Henry]

Costco by BassPro has pontoon boats for $400, I have a similar one and it is great. I have floated the Bow a few times this year with it and it is worth the money for sure. The are negatives like dropping it off and being picked up.
Too many shallow area for the float tubes in my opinion.

[millsboy79]

Originally Posted by James Henry

Costco by BassPro has pontoon boats for $400, I have a similar one and it is great. I have floated the Bow a few times this year with it and it is worth the money for sure. The are negatives like dropping it off and being picked up.
Too many shallow area for the float tubes in my opinion.

Whole point of the tube is to fish places you can't get a boat or canoe on so a pontoon is not the answer.

[goldscud]

Fish Cat 4

[millsboy79]

Originally Posted by goldscud

Fish Cat 4

That doesn't really help either.

[JustBen]

Originally Posted by goldscud

Fish Cat 4

If you don't want a pontoon - go this route.

If you're like me, the pontoon is better.

I have a fish cat 4 in orange I've been thinking of getting rid of. Send me a PM if you want to discuss further.

[nick0danger]

the fish cat 4 sits you higher out of the water, only the bottom of your bum and legs in the water. As for getting out, kick as close as possible to shore i usually can have most of the tube on land, take off fins, and carefully make your way onto dry land.

[millsboy79]

Originally Posted by JustBen

If you don't want a pontoon - go this route.

If you're like me, the pontoon is better.

I have a fish cat 4 in orange I've been thinking of getting rid of. Send me a PM if you want to discuss further.

I'm asking for tips entering and leaving the water on muddy banks. I will send you a pm about your tube though ... thanks a lot

[goldscud]

Because fish cat 4 is like a floating chair, you can just push yourself over shallow areas before taking your fins off and standing up for the last bit of littoral zone to cover.
You can even put your boots on while sitting in the fish cat 4 before you step into the mud

[rycoma]

Never had an issue with the fins in mud if anything they act like snow shoes and help spread out your weight. I guess it depends on what kind of fins you have. Force fins are the best and because they do that little up turn at the end they dont dig in

[pikergolf]

I always found backing into the water made things much easier.

[tallieho]

When i fish loon **** btm. lakes.I have often tied a very strong rope to a tree.I use it to pull myself in.Also tie para rope to my flippers,in case i get stuck.ican get them out then.Uboat type flt.tube does help considerably.Donut style virtually try to waddle in.

[millsboy79]

Today was the first time I had trouble with the mud. I too thought the fins would act like snowshoes but no such luck.

[32-40win]

There are some shorelines that are just a pig to get in & out on. Hit on the soft, sticky stuff, and there is no easy way in or out, short of trying a different area on the shore.

[Pierre]

^ x2

[Darren N]

I have learned fins last thing on and first thing off. I now pack up my fins just before standing up to get out of the water. I have embarrassed myself trying to walk out of the water with fins on. I use a Fish cat 4 as well. got rid of my pontoon boat but same story with the fins.

[greyduck]

Originally Posted by tallieho

When i fish loon **** btm. lakes.I have often tied a very strong rope to a tree.I use it to pull myself in.Also tie para rope to my flippers,in case i get stuck.ican get them out then.Uboat type flt.tube does help considerably.Donut style virtually try to waddle in.

I'm gonna try this. I have a hole where I have to crawl from loon poop to floating grass. Hard to pull on the grass. And there is a convenient tree. Thanks for the post tallieho!

[millsboy79]

Thanks to "JustBen" I am the proud owner of a bright new Fish Cat of my very own.

Thanks again Ben