La fishing at float tube is a different approach to what you're used to. Navigating on rivers there are so many new things to explore, from being able to access places that are usually inaccessible, to being able to use practice techniques from a boat.
To get off to a good start, you'll need a few tips, which we're going to try to distil down for you in these few lines. Before setting off on the adventure of the big boys lakes, we need to think Equipment and in particular the indispensable waistcoat, the palms, the waders or the pump. La float tube fishingFor safety and regulatory reasons, you'll find all the equipment you need in our collection of float tube accessories.
Knowing your needs and objectives is the second point to master. For fishermen some fairly simple models are more than enough. They do not provide the greatest comfort, but they'll do the job for quick, infrequent outings. For the more adventurous, the PVC canvas models are among the most solid. They'll be a boat very reliable and will make it possible to target any fish from perch to silurid, not forgetting pike. Finally, you can target a range from float for very regular anglers, with a great capacity to take on board equipment and cope with the demands of the sea wind.
At the end of this article, we'll take a look at a few reference models to help you discover the shape of different brands.
The essentials for a good start
Before you can choose your float tube, if you're going to have a successful session, it's essential to equip yourself with accessories you can't do without. This will ensure the comfort and safety of all your sessions fishermen, and that's essential when you're sailing aboard a boat in the middle of the water.
Le lifejacket, this is one of the most enlightened preventions we can give you. This practice involves sitting on air-filled tubes. There's no such thing as a perfect design, and every situation can turn into a mishap. Having this safety system will ensure that your session never turns into a drama or an experience that takes you away from the water.
Le waders is the second element that also needs to be chosen wisely. Neoprene for colder periods and 3 or 4 layers for warmer seasons, it provides both protection against low temperatures, but also against possible shearing, which occurs very quickly with skin in water.
La pump is also a must. Inflating by mouth is out of the question, and a double action ensures rapid inflation of your float tube. Our article How do I inflate a float tube? deals with the subject in depth. Compact models are available and can easily fit into any pocket or bakkan you take on board.
Remaining flippers, these will be essential for fast movement and ease of return to the shore at the end of the session. We recommend our article Which fins should you choose for Float Tube fishing ?, if you're really interested. For a good start, we recommend short fins, which have the advantage of being less difficult to use and will help you to be much more precise in your positioning. You'll then be ready to choose a float more serenely
Different models to get you started
With inner tube
This is the very origin of the float tube. Models with a chamber often offer a very attractive price and a simple design, where it will be easy to change a component if necessary. It's the perfect choice for young beginners who are concerned about their budget, but want to get out on the water without a boat
On the downside, the seat is fairly basic. The lack of rigidity in the assembly means that you'll regularly slip and have to reposition yourself on the seat to get as comfortable as possible. The base position won't be very comfortable over long sessions, and the bladders will be more fragile. Some series are available with a stronger fabric to avoid this problem.
Pneumatic PVC models
Today, this is the form of float tube the most popular boat on the market. For more information on these boats, see our articleHow do I choose my Float Tube ? should be the answer to your problem. You'll find them in almost every brand, with virtually identical designs. This float tube offers you greater strength thanks to the greater thickness of the material and greater rigidity thanks to the low elasticity of the fabric PVC.
It will clearly be a model of choice for the majority of fishermen, it has a large load capacity, can be motorised and is fitted with a range of accessories. Real small boat, it combines ease of use, safety and efficiency
The only minor drawback is that it does not allow the fishing you'll need a raised seat to make sure you're comfortable all day long.
The Dropstitch series from Seven Bass
When it comes to tackling the biggest rivers and lakes, this is clearly the type of boat you want float tube you need. Its extra-large size provides outstanding stability, allowing you to fishing standing on almost all models.
You'll be able to face the wind with confidence, as well as waves and currents. The range can cope very well with a slightly stronger engine, so you can take a lot of equipment out on the water. You can move around using your feet or oars. A few tips will help you get the hang of this collection the first few times you use it.
The big names in this series are Flatform and the jungle operator available in a range of sizes and colours to suit all your fishing needs. They are a clear guarantee of safety when searching for the fish of your choice, be it perch, trout or pike.
As you can see, starting the float tube fishing you need to know what you want to do with it. This will ensure that you quickly make the right choice and take advantage of this new approach, which will open up new and exciting possibilities.
Our other articles about float tubes :
- How do I choose my Float Tube ?
- Which electric motor for a float tube ?
- Which rod for Float Tube fishing ?
- Which waders for float tubes ?
- Which sounder for a float tube ?
- 7 accessories for your Float Tube
- Float tube or kayak: how do you choose ?
- How to start Float Tubing: equipment, spots, techniques
- How do I inflate a float tube ?
- How do you install a fish finder on a float tube ?
- How do I repair a float tube bladder ?
- Which fins should you choose for Float Tube fishing ?
- How do you move forward and steer a float tube ?
- Float tube sailing: what does the law say ?
- Float tube storage and maintenance: Complete guide
- Which float tube is right for catfish fishing ?