Float Tube

[drifter]

Hello everyone.

I'm looking into getting a tube this year and have my eye on the Outcast Super Fat Cat. Being a larger angler I think that this would be a good choice.

If any of you use this tube or any other I would like to get some fresh feed back on the subject.

Thanks in advance.

drifter

[npauls]

I have heard nothing but good things about them. I was thinking of getting one but don't float around enough as it is.

On a side note. I have a small one man pontoon for sale if you are interested in something like that. It has 6 foot pontoons so it will fit in any truck box full assembled and inflated.


Nate

[goldscud]

Fish Cat/Fat Cats are fantastic fishing tools. If you don't have to travel far, they are even better than a pontoon due to their great maneuverability and less swinging in the wind.

[ericlin0122]

i got the fish cat float tube.
not a single complain. it's super easy to setup and teardown. light weight compares to other tubes. comfortable to fish in this tube.

highly recommended.

[Doc]

I wrote this article a few years back but it still applies to what's offered today.
http://www.albertastillwaters.com/floattubestgbu.htm

Here some more on float tubing.
http://flyfish-edmonton.webs.com/floattubing.htm

Cheers,
Doc

[drifter]

Thanks for the replies and Thanks Doc for the great article.

I'm doing a lot of research so I can be ready for next season. I know that this is something that I really want to get into.

Anyone have any mods that they have come up with and would like to share?

[Doc]

Glad you enjoyed them. Not sure if you're fly or spin fishing but here's another you may like if you chuck feathers.

http://www.flyfishingtechniques.co/2010/12/fly-fishing-troll-casting-techniques/

As far as mods, don't go with the basic tube anchor, it doesn't hold in a stiff breeze and the scotty sonar mounts work great for a fish finder. As far as rod holders, I prefer the side mount holders as the scotty is a little to big and your line gets tangled around it fairly easy.

Cheers,
Doc

[drifter]

Thaks again Doc.
I will be doing the float with the fly mostly. But I will change up if need be.
There seems to be a lot of info out there to weed through.

I will also be looking into bodies of water that are good for the tube.
The plan for the spring is to start at the community lake here in Calgary
until I'm familar with the tube.

[goldscud]

Which community lake are you at Drifter?

Tube anchor: get an 8lb rubberized dumb bell from Walmart. Wrap 40 feet of rope/cord around it and you are set. I tie a piece of rope between the two side handles and leave it slack enough to stretch out behind the seat. You can tie off the anchor rope to this section.
I use a waterproof bag to haul extra stuff (lunch/jacket/fly boxes) around and it sits in the space behind the seat.
I use big diving fins to get around...they are great in a strong wind

[drifter]

Hi goldscud

I'm in lake Bonavista
.
I was wondering about an 8lb because I all ready have one.
I will be looking at fins in the next while. Looks like there is a few types and prices to go over. I've read about others using the diving fins so I will be looking at those as well.

Thanks

[drifter]

Picked up a pair of fins on kijiji last night that were a great buy.
Now I will be looking into a PFD.

Any suggestions on types and brands that work well on a tube.

[goldscud]

Price no option....Mustang inflatable probably the most comfortable.

Or check this out
http://www.mustangsurvival.com/products/product.php?id=368

[Doc]

You can also check these out. A little bit cheaper than Mustang. I believe Canadian Tire sells them.
http://www.nautilusbyprotexion.com/products.cfm?FamilyName=Odyssey&ID=57

Cheers,
Doc

[Willowtrail]

You can also check these out. A little bit cheaper than Mustang. I believe Canadian Tire sells them.
http://www.nautilusbyprotexion.com/products.cfm?FamilyName=Odyssey&ID=57

Cheers,
Doc

Hey Doc, is a pfd required in a float tube or just recommended? I picked up a tube in the fall and paln on using it a bunch this year.

[drifter]

The extrasport sturgeon looks like it would be a good one.

[drifter]

Hey Doc, is a pfd required in a float tube or just recommended? I picked up a tube in the fall and paln on using it a bunch this year.

Hi Willowtrail.
Congrats on the tube.
What tube did you pick up for yourself?

[Willowtrail]

Hi Willowtrail.
Congrats on the tube.
What tube did you pick up for yourself?

I picked up an Outdoor Accessories Kennebec at Bass Pro on way way home from a Kananaskis trip. I think it was $180. I'm only planning on using it part time as I have a small boat so I stayed low end. Used once, seemed to work pretty good for me.

http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x325/willowtrail/Fishing/IMG_5571.jpg

[Doc]

Hey Doc, is a pfd required in a float tube or just recommended? I picked up a tube in the fall and paln on using it a bunch this year.

Not required as a float tube does not fall under the category of boat. With that said, how much is your life worth? Those inflatable PFD's work great and if the CO2 cartridge is empty you can blow then up. Also, you'll barely notice it when you're wearing one.

[Willowtrail]

Not required as a float tube does not fall under the category of boat. With that said, how much is your life worth? Those inflatable PFD's work great and if the CO2 cartridge is empty you can blow then up. Also, you'll barely notice it when you're wearing one.

Thanks Doc. Been thinking of getting one for myself. I fish alone often and would like that peace of mind. As would the wife. Will be good for the boat and the tube.

[Doc]

If you really wanna save some money, see if you can get a hold of one of these. http://www.outcastboats.com/outcast/products/accessories.aspx?cat=15&id=65

They're not Canadian Coast Guard approved (US Approved) but by law you don't need anything in a float tube anyway. Just won't be able to use it in your boat. Seen them on ebay for $119.00.

[drifter]

Does anyone that uses the fish cat or fat cat with the inflatable seat and back rest have any problems with keeping air in them?
I've seen a review on another forum about pin holes and seams letting go. I would like to know if this was an isolated issue or an ongoing problem.

[jbasspro]

In my Mind Fish Cats are the only float tude that should be considered. Their Stability and ergonimics are un-matched. The V shape allows for easy manuverability. I prefer the foam blocking for the seat it offers more stability.

plus they have "water bottle" holders on them and lots of pocket space for extra "water"

[drifter]

I will be going to the foam blocking as well.

[drifter]

I will be going to the foam blocking as well.

After talking with the marketing director of Aire Inc I decided to purchase the Super Fat Cat. I also just received my Sospenders inflatable chest pak today.

Now I can't wait to get out on the water.

[horsetrader]

After talking with the marketing director of Aire Inc I decided to purchase the Super Fat Cat. I also just received my Sospenders inflatable chest pak today.

Now I can't wait to get out on the water.

Congrates on your tube Drifter