I usually agree on a few things you mention ..Not this one. 😂 I’ve been in tubes 40 years. Day and night. Almost every thing you went over is pretty much wrong. Except the moving backwards part, and I use that to keep pressure on the fish and get them out of cover. I’ve gone in 30 mph winds..no problem, try that in a canoe or board. Cold water? Wear waders. Tubes are one of the most productive ways to fish. Thousands of fish I’ve caught, with lots of trophy size, prove my point. They’re a Huge part in my fishing arsenal. Get out there and belly boat! Lol! 👍🎣👌
Low above the water must be good, and the loss of distance to cast, means nothing, when you can go as close as you want. Never tried one, but would love to own one for sure.
Same. I have some very remote lakes that are tiny and no room to cast and the shore is like quick sand. Deep small northern lakes. But I didn’t want to rile up Ben. He’s got some strong opinions on this one. 😂😂 To each their own. Sorry🇨🇦😂
I agree with you. It gets me beyond the limit of chest waders and in and out of hard to access waters easily. Been doing it for decades. I also have a solo canoe. Between the two (well three when counting on-foot) I can reach all the waters I want to.
I have caught everything from trout, lake trout, bass, pike and Muskie in a float tube. They are comfortable, easy to maneuver and great for back country lakes. They are much better to fish out of than a canoe especially in the wind. The only big downside is with with waders in it sucks when you have to pee, not to mention the dreaded # 2 😮 it certainly beats the fuck out of buying and hauling a raft or drift boat, and for those of us who don’t just fish tail waters for boring over caught trout they are a blast.
I've caught a lot of fish from float tubes. Great for mountain lakes where it is hard to fish from shore. But I mostly fish them for how cool I look. It fits my dad-dork image perfectly!
There are some benefits to a float tube over paddle board and kayak. One of the main benefits is your legs are the trolling motor. Unless you’re spending $2.5k on a peddle kayak, you’re paddling the kayak or paddle board. Also, if it’s a remote lake, I’ll take by 10lb float tube over a 65 lb kayak any day. Also, wind sucks on all these, but at least you can fly fish and make your way back at the same time in a float tube…
Totally agree - wind sucks! I have pontoons and a float tube. Though I'd much rather my pontoon, the float tube (Super Fat Cat) is a stellar option for SMALL high mountain lakes where you are not trying to cover a lot of area; especially when the body of water is thick tree lined. Otherwise, I use my pontoon for floating or simply wade out as far as I can.
Love my float tube. 90% because it fits in my car (no truck) and I can carry it down a trail, or use it where there's no "launch" with no issue. Going backwards all day used to be annoying, but now I feel like I'm going back in time. If it do it enough, will I get younger? ;)
My wilderness Lite 3.5 pounds Float tube allows me to take a ultralight gear up into the alpine lakes. They are awesome for the right situation. You don't need to perform big casting if you are throwing dries at shore or want to troll around a alpine lake. I would only want to use them for mountain lakes and a ultralight setup. It allows you to get out on the water and view scenery that you would not get to normally do.
Belly boating is popular on the Hooch, on the Lake Lanier tail waters. BUT! most guys you see doing this solely use the belly boat to navigate from shallow section to shallow section, then stand on rocks or land to fish from. Rarely see them fishing from the "boat". Just moved to Northern Virginia, have not see any anyone fishing out of anything other than big boats here so far. But also haven't ventured up any headwaters quite yet either.
I always catch more fishing using a float tube than a canoe or kayak. The fish don't spook as easily because there are less shadows. For some reason fish are not spooked by the fins. You can control your slow trolling speed much better. The slightest breeze will blow your boat too fast but not the float tube. The float tube is colder and slower however. Force Fins are the way to go!
I’ve had my float tube since the late 80’s. Although , most of what you said is true ( at the beginning of float tubing. They’re are a great alternative to a boat and you can move around stealthily. Getting wet, distance casting etc, all improves with experience, although as you age, you lose a little bladder control, so need to stay closer to the shore!
When all I had were my Hodgman waders a VW and very little money a float tube ( U ) boat was all I could afford . I would spent a lot of time camping in the Buffalo Peaks and fish Spinny Mountain , Antero , Eleven Mile , and had a great time . Sure I almost died a few times wind , waves, lightning but I survived. They are not for everyone but they can be useful you have to remember these were before the days of paddle boards , fishing kayaks and Dave Scadden pontoon boats . A friend of mine gave me a canoe and that’s when I said goodbye to the U tube . Thanks for sharing the photo of you in the old float tube :-)
I have a float tube, a canoe and about to get a paddleboard. All three serve their purpose for different fisheries I have close to my home in WA. Canoe with outriggers is my favorite, though.
My buddy has “Kickboats”. Someone made them out of big pellets of compressed styrofoam and then painted them with a white sealant. In front is an aluminum crossbar and on each side are holes of different diameters to store loose fishing equipment, etc. They are lightweight enough to carry from a vehicle to the water, you sit above the water and of course kick with your legs as they are in the water, and behind where you sit, there is ample room for a tackle box. These things are fantastic to cruise around on small lakes. Sitting above the water, you stay dry, and it’s quite easy to fly fish from the sitting position.
paddle boards are the way to go, just don't stand on the cooler you put on them for more visibility. the whole getting wet thing really comes into play there
Counter argument: walmart tubes are 5 dollars and a case of beer is 20, thats 25 bucks to kickback and have a sick summer day slayin fish out on the mountain lakes w the boys.
I’ve had GREAT success using using my Caddis float tube back trolling using fins (flippers). I use a full sink line this a 4 to 5 foot 6 lb. flouro-carbon leader. I use a simple black or olive leech pattern tied on a size 10 long shank hook weighted with 8-9 wraps of lead substitute wire. You don’t need to be fancy casting out your line. Just get out 10 to 12 feet of line and feed out more as you back troll. Keep the rod tip down just off the water and your index finger on the line. If you get a bite DO NOT lift to set the hook because is you don’t hook up, you’ve just pulled the fly 8 feet away from the fish. When back trolling and having your rod tip low and in front of you, merely jerk your elbow back and you’ll set the hook. I’ve caught largemouth, smallmouth and rock bass, bluegills, crappie, trout and northern pike using this method. Anyone fishing in southern WI should try the south shore of Devil’s Lake. G’fishin
I always appreciate your take on all things fly fishing, even when I might disagree with some of it, which I do with some points you made on tubes. No WAY I'm getting on a paddle! Talk about getting wet! Eventually you're going for a swim on those things. I look at a tube as just one more arrow in my quiver that I can use to get to fish. I did like the tip about using a float cushion to help you sit up a little higher, I'll have one for my u boat next time I'm out.
Great video Ben also Thankyou for wishing me a happy birthday lmao that was cool. I also have a float tube that I use for small bodies of water and I also have a kayak for larger lakes. Mine is a higher end float accommodates me for short trips and the small lakes here in Pa. hope all is well in the west.
You ever seen the kick fins that have the water wings on the outside of a heel cup? There’s a hinge that the wing collapses on when you kick forward and it pops out and pushes you forward on the down kick. While certainly not ideal for fly fishing, a belly boat is a lot easier to utilize with conventional gear (to an extent). Wouldn’t trade my yak or boat for one though, that’s for sure.
You almost got to the best solution: The Packraft. I started with a very basic flatwater model in 2018, the Supai Matkat. Last year I stepped up and went all in and bought two packrafts from the company that has set the standard for this relatively new product, Alpacka Raft. My main boat is the Alpacka Ranger (10 lbs. packed, self bailing). It has a carrying capacity of 700 lbs which can be stored inside the tubes. My second boat, the more basic Alpacka Caribou, packs down to 5 lbs and has a carrying capacity of 400 lbs. I've been fly fishing since roughly 1987. My first time doing any fishing from any inflatable was sometime around 1980. I've used float tubes in places like Silver Creek in Idaho, Harriman Ranch, Lakes in Central Oregon like Davis Lake, Crane Prairie. Nothing changes things like a Packraft. Consider what is possible after you make a simple tubular deck to strap onto a packraft and you will quickly find this is a total game changer. Storage inside the tubes sounds like it can't work as well as you think. Wrong. These rafts actually deliver. Nobody is paying me to say these things, by the way. If you want to see what can be fly fished with a packraft, just watch videos showing what people are doing with them in places like the S Fork of the Flathead in the Bob Marshall Wilderness or the Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado. Don't get me wrong, I think the paddleboard is a pretty cool setup and better than a float tube. But the packraft is truly revolutionary and I think you will be amazed at what is possible if you take a closer look. ruclips.net/channel/UCBCYWgtXGN-KPQju5cMvFGA is my little RUclips channel and instagram.com/dolanpatj/ is my instagram. I'll be headed back down to Oregon's Deschutes river at the beginning of May with my Alpacka rafts (for the second year in a row) and plan on floating and doing some HUGE fly fishing until July again. Thanks again for the videos, I've been watching you a few years. Tight lines.
I likely am using for different reason but I love fly fishing from the belly boats. We have a place in West Virginia and have easy access to put in upstream and drift downstream for a relaxing trip. The belly boat is a great option because the current does most of the work moving us downstream and we mainly just kick here and there to adjust slightly. The creek is also not very wide so most of my casting is only about length of fly rod anyway. We also have kayak, canoe, and small boat with electric engine we can use but all 3 of those have harder time with shallow parts of creek and where we are seems to always have wind which is easier to deal with in belly boat (most spots can even find place to put feet on Boulder in water to anchor in place when wind really bad). That said and with how much I love it I can’t imagine using a belly boat where it’s my main transport on a lake or something or using it in water that could put me in over my head if tube went flat.
Love my Fish Cat float tube! I have caught plenty of fish from it. I do only use it for smaller alpine lakes and perfect for those little lakes that get crowed or don't have a lot of usable shoreline. They do have their place especially if you have to hike in. They are will blow around in the wind. I had a pontoon boat that was horrible in the wind and returned it after my first trip. I have been fishing with my Fish Cat for about 20 yrs and it is not that bad in the wind as your sitting at water level.
Sorry Ben, I've had a lot of fun in my float tube and caught some awesome fish. It doesn't beat a day on the river, but it's been really fun and never popped it!
Favorite part of these videos is the use of pictures to illustrate a point. Coming back "against the wind" was pretty epic. Had a float tube. Got it and then before I used it, moved to Florida, where there are alligators, so I traded it for a reel. Keep them coming, Ben.
Worst fishing experience of my life was in a float tube. Steering them is nearly impossible. When the wind blows you’re screwed. Casting out of them is very difficult. If you book a guide and they say “float tube” just run!
Haha, my channel focuses exclusively on fishing in float tubes, which I believe are an excellent way to fish. My niche in exploring lakes that have seldom, if ever, been fished using float tubes. I do agree with the fins tho, I hate walking in them.
Yes I bought a float tube because I thought having the legs do the padding would make it easier to fish the weedy edges of a pike lake but it takes ages to get any where with the small fins, I even carried it up to a high hill loch to fish for trout but all I got was cold, Now I just use the canoe and a small anchor so I don’t get to close to the bank, what are your thoughts on those pack rafts?
I agree with everything in this video. It's why I haven't gotten a float tube yet. But for me, who does almost exclusively solo fishing. Wants to be able to hike in with both my water craft and camping gear. And fish Maine, where the forest is thick AF. A float tube seems to be my only option :( Canoes are also a slight pain if you are solo. They swing like crazy in the wind if you're alone. I've learned how to mitigate it but it's still a pain.
that was a hilarious video ben! love the content. I've been thinking about getting a paddle board for sight fishing carp but I'm not sure of the stability of fighting a carp on one. any thoughts?
@@ethanovenell2173 No it wont pull you off, but it will probably drag the board a bit, I bring a small anchor its helps a lot in wind and when I catch one.if you get one i recommend a BOTE paddle board. they are stable and reliable 😀
You didn't mention a pontoon boat ,or maybe you haven't used one. If you had ,you could have mentioned what an awesome alternative a good quality one is.
I dare you to put a kayak on top the company car to go on a 3 week sales trip that will find you on Tie Hack Lake one weekend and Jenny Lake the next. Even a pontoon won't fit because I needed to take customers out to lunch and needed the back seat vacant. The only on-the-water option is a float tube, and I've loved mine. Took them on that circuit many times and thoroughly enjoyed them every time I blew them up and got them wet all over WY and CO. I highly recommend the U-Style for a few bucks more.
Never understood why the solo canoe isn't more popular. I do a fair amount of fishing out of mine, it works great. Cooler, pack of too many fly boxes and spare spools, and everything stays pretty dry. The seat gives you a much higher platform for casting than a kayak, and they are stable enough to stand up in if you need to. With a kayak paddle, they're easy to maneuver.
Float tubes work great in places you can’t get a boat. High mountain lakes and such. Besides, they are luxurious and comfortable to fish out of compared to standing on a SUP - which, let’s be honest, is something you’ll only strap on top of your Subaru with the strength your man bun gives you.
Funny vid, Mr. Hugeman. I thought about getting a float tube for years, but now I'm glad I never did. I still suck at fly fishing, though. Cheers! -Kor
I rarely comment on videos. You suggested two categories of float tubes. However, more recently there is a third category: the dingy style like the watermaster grizzly and kodiak. Would be lovely to see your review of the watermaster.
They definitely have their place. While I own one, I havent used it in about ten years now that I have a boat. There are a few places that they would still work but anywhere I can fish from a boat, I am going to use the boat.
Not to mention the having to pee. Once you get to shore the the water is no longer compressing your bladder. Maybe not a problem for those with Huge bladders. Then again, there is the Depends option.
Having survived the years of using one, okay two, everything in this video is spot on. Laughing out loud. Pontoon is a step up , literally. It puts me a foot or two above where I used to sit in the water. It's portable enough ( detachable single wheel) that I can still use it like a wheel barrel and hike in a ways to get to my fishing spot. But, Drift boat is king for me.
Ok, I admit a drift boat is best. But the price? You can't fish them without a partner. I can float a river, with a U-boat, and step out and wade a good pocket.
ok, so what about the single person float pontoons? You're a little higher out of the water. You'll still be going backwards when rowing or kicking. Maybe you have alittle more room for your arms to strip. You talked me out of a tube but I am still looking for something cheap and storable until I can get that drift boat when i get my dental practice up and running.
As someone you fishes from one some of the points were valid, but there were a lot of exaggerated claims that just were not accurate. For someone who might be fishing small bodies of water, or where storage and cost are a consideration, then they definitely have a use.
the only thing I agree with you on float tubes is the stripping position but its something you get used to. A lot of pros though, a lot of great fish Ive had has been from float tubes. Id go float tubing any time.
I sold my wagon and bought a 90’s compact sedan as my post-covid inflation car. I couldn’t find roof rails that fit it so I sold my kayak and I was going to buy a tube. Maybe I’ll look at sup’s now.
Well I do agree to a point. I’ve been doing this crap for 40 plus years. Started with a round belly boat, then a v-boat, then a pontoon boat, then 3 different kayaks. Still have 2 u-boats, the pontoon boat, and 2 kayaks. If you’re wanting to fish a body of water with only a trail for access and it’s a distance. You’re ONLY option is a belly boat of some kind. Enough said.
Yes…I can see where a float tube would be a pain in the posterior. But, depending on financial ability and certainty of will power, plus the being able to work around the BS of a float tube…they do provide an avenue into the water.
I agree. Spent my college days fishing from a float tube and shitty rubber waders w no belt. Lucky im still alive. No way to escape rubber boot waders. Hey, no moonshine reference? Lol I have a 4wt drifter I use for bluegill and enjoy it. Glad I discovered your channel, really enjoying it!
Such a great video! Had one, sold it. Never ever felt safe, and agree completely, totally awkward to move around in the water. Moved up to an outcast style pontoon, but it was too much of a hassle to set up when I got to the lake. Now I have a nice Sea Eagle, which is only a minor hassle to set up lakeside. None of 'em can beat my 14' aluminum putt-putt Klamath, though!
Thanks for helping me decide and know better now i.was gonna try it.out saying how hard could it be now.i realized it's a ripoff of my money's well thanks a million buddy....;)
I've gotten used to hearing the God's whole TRUTH from your shared wisdom on Monday mornings ..... Today is no exception Thanks as ever...from another of your obligate enlighten-ees..... Is That even a word? I think not..
The video was funny but your wrong. Float tubes add another element to fishing. I hike mine up to a lot the Alpine lakes and you can't beat it. Sure you can't go as far, but if you know how to fly fish you can catch fish know problem. I fish in Alberta and we fish in all kinds of weather. when the wind blows I have better control in my float tube then anyone in a boat. When there heading back to shore I'm still slaying fish. Last year was out 46 times and caught 474 fish. all from my float tube. Extreme is where it's at
Hey if it works for you, go for it. You sound exactly like the kind of person I don’t want to fish with. Also your spelling sucks and float tubes are anything but extreme.
In order to enjoy fishing from a float tube one must learn to mitigate the suck…The suck you can’t eliminate then must be embraced…You can make adjustments and get things done rather efficiently on still water even on windy days…Like with anything it’s relative as well as how bad do you want it…Something to be said for gaining access to a pond with steep over grown banks as well as big shallow weed beds well off shore in 90+ degree heat… Funny video though…You left out the absolute worst part of fishing from a tube…Going potty hurries when in waders and no real good place to exit the water…I hate that suck the most and I’m 55 so yeah… worst suck with float tubes…Oh and having the police and fire being called because people think your fishing from a pool toy and are concerned for your safety and call them to do a wellness check…Those are the two worst sucks…
I watched a group of men get into the water (awkwardly) on a small "designated trout lake" in northern Minnesota. It was a bit breezy and within two hours they were all piled up together against a rock face at the other end of the lake. Quite entertaining.
I usually agree on a few things you mention ..Not this one. 😂 I’ve been in tubes 40 years. Day and night. Almost every thing you went over is pretty much wrong. Except the moving backwards part, and I use that to keep pressure on the fish and get them out of cover. I’ve gone in 30 mph winds..no problem, try that in a canoe or board. Cold water? Wear waders. Tubes are one of the most productive ways to fish. Thousands of fish I’ve caught, with lots of trophy size, prove my point. They’re a Huge part in my fishing arsenal. Get out there and belly boat! Lol! 👍🎣👌
Low above the water must be good, and the loss of distance to cast, means nothing, when you can go as close as you want. Never tried one, but would love to own one for sure.
x 2 my friend, here he was everything but huge
Same. I have some very remote lakes that are tiny and no room to cast and the shore is like quick sand. Deep small northern lakes.
But I didn’t want to rile up Ben. He’s got some strong opinions on this one. 😂😂
To each their own. Sorry🇨🇦😂
I agree with you. It gets me beyond the limit of chest waders and in and out of hard to access waters easily. Been doing it for decades. I also have a solo canoe. Between the two (well three when counting on-foot) I can reach all the waters I want to.
I have caught everything from trout, lake trout, bass, pike and Muskie in a float tube. They are comfortable, easy to maneuver and great for back country lakes. They are much better to fish out of than a canoe especially in the wind. The only big downside is with with waders in it sucks when you have to pee, not to mention the dreaded # 2 😮 it certainly beats the fuck out of buying and hauling a raft or drift boat, and for those of us who don’t just fish tail waters for boring over caught trout they are a blast.
I've caught a lot of fish from float tubes. Great for mountain lakes where it is hard to fish from shore. But I mostly fish them for how cool I look. It fits my dad-dork image perfectly!
There are some benefits to a float tube over paddle board and kayak. One of the main benefits is your legs are the trolling motor. Unless you’re spending $2.5k on a peddle kayak, you’re paddling the kayak or paddle board. Also, if it’s a remote lake, I’ll take by 10lb float tube over a 65 lb kayak any day. Also, wind sucks on all these, but at least you can fly fish and make your way back at the same time in a float tube…
Totally agree - wind sucks! I have pontoons and a float tube. Though I'd much rather my pontoon, the float tube (Super Fat Cat) is a stellar option for SMALL high mountain lakes where you are not trying to cover a lot of area; especially when the body of water is thick tree lined. Otherwise, I use my pontoon for floating or simply wade out as far as I can.
It’s better to sit on the toilet than in the toilet…..
Love my float tube. 90% because it fits in my car (no truck) and I can carry it down a trail, or use it where there's no "launch" with no issue. Going backwards all day used to be annoying, but now I feel like I'm going back in time. If it do it enough, will I get younger? ;)
I love my Fishcat. Nuff said.
My wilderness Lite 3.5 pounds Float tube allows me to take a ultralight gear up into the alpine lakes. They are awesome for the right situation. You don't need to perform big casting if you are throwing dries at shore or want to troll around a alpine lake. I would only want to use them for mountain lakes and a ultralight setup. It allows you to get out on the water and view scenery that you would not get to normally do.
Belly boating is popular on the Hooch, on the Lake Lanier tail waters. BUT! most guys you see doing this solely use the belly boat to navigate from shallow section to shallow section, then stand on rocks or land to fish from. Rarely see them fishing from the "boat". Just moved to Northern Virginia, have not see any anyone fishing out of anything other than big boats here so far. But also haven't ventured up any headwaters quite yet either.
I always catch more fishing using a float tube than a canoe or kayak. The fish don't spook as easily because there are less shadows. For some reason fish are not spooked by the fins. You can control your slow trolling speed much better. The slightest breeze will blow your boat too fast but not the float tube. The float tube is colder and slower however. Force Fins are the way to go!
Canoes are LOUD.
I’ve had my float tube since the late 80’s. Although , most of what you said is true ( at the beginning of float tubing. They’re are a great alternative to a boat and you can move around stealthily. Getting wet, distance casting etc, all improves with experience, although as you age, you lose a little bladder control, so need to stay closer to the shore!
The Bob Seger reference was gold. Very well done.
Glad you touched on the SUP, I had some huge days fishing of mine. My buddies in BC are still stuck in their tubes.
I love my float tube. Fly fishing from a kayak is about as close to Hell as you can get.
When all I had were my Hodgman waders a VW and very little money a float tube ( U ) boat was all I could afford . I would spent a lot of time camping in the Buffalo Peaks and fish Spinny Mountain , Antero , Eleven Mile , and had a great time . Sure I almost died a few times wind , waves, lightning but I survived. They are not for everyone but they can be useful you have to remember these were before the days of paddle boards , fishing kayaks and Dave Scadden pontoon boats . A friend of mine gave me a canoe and that’s when I said goodbye to the U tube . Thanks for sharing the photo of you in the old float tube :-)
I had the Caddis u-shaped one back in the late 90’s. Never caught anything using it! You are correct. But I think Tenkara would be good with it.
I have a float tube, a canoe and about to get a paddleboard. All three serve their purpose for different fisheries I have close to my home in WA. Canoe with outriggers is my favorite, though.
My buddy has “Kickboats”. Someone made them out of big pellets of compressed styrofoam and then painted them with a white sealant. In front is an aluminum crossbar and on each side are holes of different diameters to store loose fishing equipment, etc. They are lightweight enough to carry from a vehicle to the water, you sit above the water and of course kick with your legs as they are in the water, and behind where you sit, there is ample room for a tackle box. These things are fantastic to cruise around on small lakes. Sitting above the water, you stay dry, and it’s quite easy to fly fish from the sitting position.
paddle boards are the way to go, just don't stand on the cooler you put on them for more visibility. the whole getting wet thing really comes into play there
Counter argument: walmart tubes are 5 dollars and a case of beer is 20, thats 25 bucks to kickback and have a sick summer day slayin fish out on the mountain lakes w the boys.
I’ve had GREAT success using using my Caddis float tube back trolling using fins (flippers). I use a full sink line this a 4 to 5 foot 6 lb. flouro-carbon leader. I use a simple black or olive leech pattern tied on a size 10 long shank hook weighted with 8-9 wraps of lead substitute wire. You don’t need to be fancy casting out your line. Just get out 10 to 12 feet of line and feed out more as you back troll. Keep the rod tip down just off the water and your index finger on the line. If you get a bite DO NOT lift to set the hook because is you don’t hook up, you’ve just pulled the fly 8 feet away from the fish. When back trolling and having your rod tip low and in front of you, merely jerk your elbow back and you’ll set the hook. I’ve caught largemouth, smallmouth and rock bass, bluegills, crappie, trout and northern pike using this method. Anyone fishing in southern WI should try the south shore of Devil’s Lake. G’fishin
Totally agree/ What are your thoughts on something like the Colorado XT by classic accessories?
I always appreciate your take on all things fly fishing, even when I might disagree with some of it, which I do with some points you made on tubes. No WAY I'm getting on a paddle! Talk about getting wet! Eventually you're going for a swim on those things. I look at a tube as just one more arrow in my quiver that I can use to get to fish. I did like the tip about using a float cushion to help you sit up a little higher, I'll have one for my u boat next time I'm out.
Great video Ben also Thankyou for wishing me a happy birthday lmao that was cool. I also have a float tube that I use for small bodies of water and I also have a kayak for larger lakes. Mine is a higher end float accommodates me for short trips and the small lakes here in Pa. hope all is well in the west.
I’m 10 seconds in. What size trailer would you recommend for a float tube?
You ever seen the kick fins that have the water wings on the outside of a heel cup? There’s a hinge that the wing collapses on when you kick forward and it pops out and pushes you forward on the down kick. While certainly not ideal for fly fishing, a belly boat is a lot easier to utilize with conventional gear (to an extent). Wouldn’t trade my yak or boat for one though, that’s for sure.
You almost got to the best solution: The Packraft.
I started with a very basic flatwater model in 2018, the Supai Matkat. Last year I stepped up and went all in and bought two packrafts from the company that has set the standard for this relatively new product, Alpacka Raft. My main boat is the Alpacka Ranger (10 lbs. packed, self bailing). It has a carrying capacity of 700 lbs which can be stored inside the tubes. My second boat, the more basic Alpacka Caribou, packs down to 5 lbs and has a carrying capacity of 400 lbs.
I've been fly fishing since roughly 1987. My first time doing any fishing from any inflatable was sometime around 1980. I've used float tubes in places like Silver Creek in Idaho, Harriman Ranch, Lakes in Central Oregon like Davis Lake, Crane Prairie. Nothing changes things like a Packraft. Consider what is possible after you make a simple tubular deck to strap onto a packraft and you will quickly find this is a total game changer. Storage inside the tubes sounds like it can't work as well as you think. Wrong. These rafts actually deliver. Nobody is paying me to say these things, by the way.
If you want to see what can be fly fished with a packraft, just watch videos showing what people are doing with them in places like the S Fork of the Flathead in the Bob Marshall Wilderness or the Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado.
Don't get me wrong, I think the paddleboard is a pretty cool setup and better than a float tube. But the packraft is truly revolutionary and I think you will be amazed at what is possible if you take a closer look. ruclips.net/channel/UCBCYWgtXGN-KPQju5cMvFGA is my little RUclips channel and instagram.com/dolanpatj/ is my instagram. I'll be headed back down to Oregon's Deschutes river at the beginning of May with my Alpacka rafts (for the second year in a row) and plan on floating and doing some HUGE fly fishing until July again.
Thanks again for the videos, I've been watching you a few years. Tight lines.
I likely am using for different reason but I love fly fishing from the belly boats. We have a place in West Virginia and have easy access to put in upstream and drift downstream for a relaxing trip. The belly boat is a great option because the current does most of the work moving us downstream and we mainly just kick here and there to adjust slightly. The creek is also not very wide so most of my casting is only about length of fly rod anyway. We also have kayak, canoe, and small boat with electric engine we can use but all 3 of those have harder time with shallow parts of creek and where we are seems to always have wind which is easier to deal with in belly boat (most spots can even find place to put feet on Boulder in water to anchor in place when wind really bad). That said and with how much I love it I can’t imagine using a belly boat where it’s my main transport on a lake or something or using it in water that could put me in over my head if tube went flat.
Love my Fish Cat float tube! I have caught plenty of fish from it. I do only use it for smaller alpine lakes and perfect for those little lakes that get crowed or don't have a lot of usable shoreline. They do have their place especially if you have to hike in. They are will blow around in the wind. I had a pontoon boat that was horrible in the wind and returned it after my first trip. I have been fishing with my Fish Cat for about 20 yrs and it is not that bad in the wind as your sitting at water level.
Sorry Ben, I've had a lot of fun in my float tube and caught some awesome fish. It doesn't beat a day on the river, but it's been really fun and never popped it!
Great treatise on float tubes. A Little news, DO NOT use one here in Florida. You will just be a floating snack bar for the large lizards.
😅👍👍👌
Float tubes can be a pain on big lakes for sure, but I've had some awesome days on small mountain lakes in my float tube.
Favorite part of these videos is the use of pictures to illustrate a point. Coming back "against the wind" was pretty epic. Had a float tube. Got it and then before I used it, moved to Florida, where there are alligators, so I traded it for a reel. Keep them coming, Ben.
Worst fishing experience of my life was in a float tube. Steering them is nearly impossible. When the wind blows you’re screwed. Casting out of them is very difficult. If you book a guide and they say “float tube” just run!
U just suck at everything dog
Haha, my channel focuses exclusively on fishing in float tubes, which I believe are an excellent way to fish. My niche in exploring lakes that have seldom, if ever, been fished using float tubes. I do agree with the fins tho, I hate walking in them.
Yes I bought a float tube because I thought having the legs do the padding would make it easier to fish the weedy edges of a pike lake but it takes ages to get any where with the small fins, I even carried it up to a high hill loch to fish for trout but all I got was cold, Now I just use the canoe and a small anchor so I don’t get to close to the bank, what are your thoughts on those pack rafts?
I agree with everything in this video. It's why I haven't gotten a float tube yet. But for me, who does almost exclusively solo fishing. Wants to be able to hike in with both my water craft and camping gear. And fish Maine, where the forest is thick AF. A float tube seems to be my only option :( Canoes are also a slight pain if you are solo. They swing like crazy in the wind if you're alone. I've learned how to mitigate it but it's still a pain.
that was a hilarious video ben! love the content. I've been thinking about getting a paddle board for sight fishing carp but I'm not sure of the stability of fighting a carp on one. any thoughts?
I fight tarpon on them so i think your good lol
@@Maraboumadness wow! i guess i shouldn't be worried about carp pulling me off
@@ethanovenell2173 No it wont pull you off, but it will probably drag the board a bit, I bring a small anchor its helps a lot in wind and when I catch one.if you get one i recommend a BOTE paddle board. they are stable and reliable 😀
@@Maraboumadness thx! For the info. I will have to check it out
When is the pontoon boat video?
You didn't mention a pontoon boat ,or maybe you haven't used one.
If you had ,you could have mentioned what an awesome alternative a good quality one is.
I like it for small bodies of water but I get your point😂
I fly fish the upper Delaware river for smallmouth and I really like my float tube .
I dare you to put a kayak on top the company car to go on a 3 week sales trip that will find you on Tie Hack Lake one weekend and Jenny Lake the next. Even a pontoon won't fit because I needed to take customers out to lunch and needed the back seat vacant. The only on-the-water option is a float tube, and I've loved mine. Took them on that circuit many times and thoroughly enjoyed them every time I blew them up and got them wet all over WY and CO. I highly recommend the U-Style for a few bucks more.
Never understood why the solo canoe isn't more popular. I do a fair amount of fishing out of mine, it works great. Cooler, pack of too many fly boxes and spare spools, and everything stays pretty dry. The seat gives you a much higher platform for casting than a kayak, and they are stable enough to stand up in if you need to. With a kayak paddle, they're easy to maneuver.
That’s because fishing kayaks were invented bud.
Float tubes work great in places you can’t get a boat. High mountain lakes and such. Besides, they are luxurious and comfortable to fish out of compared to standing on a SUP - which, let’s be honest, is something you’ll only strap on top of your Subaru with the strength your man bun gives you.
When kayaking i use titan tamper. helps for loading rod.
Same
I love to fish out of a pontoon boat on rivers. I know the guides love them. 😅 Nothing worse than the buddy that can’t man his turn on the oars.
Don't use them the "morning after the night before" cuz you can't rub out a leg cramp while sitting in a float tube.
Nice to see you open the beer this time
Funny vid, Mr. Hugeman. I thought about getting a float tube for years, but now I'm glad I never did. I still suck at fly fishing, though. Cheers! -Kor
I rarely comment on videos.
You suggested two categories of float tubes.
However, more recently there is a third category: the dingy style like the watermaster grizzly and kodiak.
Would be lovely to see your review of the watermaster.
Hard to say, but that could literally be the best yet! 100% Pure Gold, Pony Boy!
This is why I use a SUP to fly fish from. Dry, better casts, able to sight fish, relatively lightweight, etc etc.
They definitely have their place. While I own one, I havent used it in about ten years now that I have a boat. There are a few places that they would still work but anywhere I can fish from a boat, I am going to use the boat.
Not to mention the having to pee. Once you get to shore the the water is no longer compressing your bladder. Maybe not a problem for those with Huge bladders. Then again, there is the Depends option.
Thanks for letting us know how you really feel.😂.
what paddleboard is that?
Having survived the years of using one, okay two, everything in this video is spot on. Laughing out loud. Pontoon is a step up , literally. It puts me a foot or two above where I used to sit in the water. It's portable enough ( detachable single wheel) that I can still use it like a wheel barrel and hike in a ways to get to my fishing spot. But, Drift boat is king for me.
Ok, I admit a drift boat is best. But the price? You can't fish them without a partner. I can float a river, with a U-boat, and step out and wade a good pocket.
ok, so what about the single person float pontoons? You're a little higher out of the water. You'll still be going backwards when rowing or kicking. Maybe you have alittle more room for your arms to strip. You talked me out of a tube but I am still looking for something cheap and storable until I can get that drift boat when i get my dental practice up and running.
As someone you fishes from one some of the points were valid, but there were a lot of exaggerated claims that just were not accurate. For someone who might be fishing small bodies of water, or where storage and cost are a consideration, then they definitely have a use.
Ben looking slim and aerodynamic
Just get a boat!!! Some ppl can't afford a boat. I just got a brand new caddis on dale for $50.
Ya a paddle board works better. Especially when you put a seat and make it a flat kayak.
the only thing I agree with you on float tubes is the stripping position but its something you get used to. A lot of pros though, a lot of great fish Ive had has been from float tubes. Id go float tubing any time.
I sold my wagon and bought a 90’s compact sedan as my post-covid inflation car. I couldn’t find roof rails that fit it so I sold my kayak and I was going to buy a tube. Maybe I’ll look at sup’s now.
Well I do agree to a point. I’ve been doing this crap for 40 plus years. Started with a round belly boat, then a v-boat, then a pontoon boat, then 3 different kayaks. Still have 2 u-boats, the pontoon boat, and 2 kayaks. If you’re wanting to fish a body of water with only a trail for access and it’s a distance. You’re ONLY option is a belly boat of some kind. Enough said.
So true, but when I was younger it was kinda fun!
Not even one mention of pontoon boats. Smh
Hey! That’s me with the grayling! I agree with everything in this vid. As per…
You forgot to mention getting hamstring cramps out in the middle of the lake that's the worse!!!
Yes…I can see where a float tube would be a pain in the posterior.
But, depending on financial ability and certainty of will power, plus the being able to work around the BS of a float tube…they do provide an avenue into the water.
"May your delusions continue"😁
I agree. Spent my college days fishing from a float tube and shitty rubber waders w no belt. Lucky im still alive. No way to escape rubber boot waders. Hey, no moonshine reference? Lol I have a 4wt drifter I use for bluegill and enjoy it. Glad I discovered your channel, really enjoying it!
Thank u great review
Such a great video! Had one, sold it. Never ever felt safe, and agree completely, totally awkward to move around in the water. Moved up to an outcast style pontoon, but it was too much of a hassle to set up when I got to the lake. Now I have a nice Sea Eagle, which is only a minor hassle to set up lakeside. None of 'em can beat my 14' aluminum putt-putt Klamath, though!
This one’s made by caddis
Me watching this video as I’m unpacking my new float tube!
😂
Can’t disagree at all, I’ve owned a few, multiple pairs of flippers, they all sucked. Went to a canoe for many years then onto a drift boat 🏆
Not sarcastic at all. Great vid Ben.
I'm modifying my 1436 john boat into a skiff. Best fishing boat ever. I hope...
They are a cheep way to get on the water. started in high school. it works, for value conscious. this is the best reason to use one.
last time i used a tube i had a leak. but at least it warmed up leg.
I love my float tube but l, it does indeed suck. I suck at fly fishing too so it fits my style.
Thanks for helping me decide and know better now i.was gonna try it.out saying how hard could it be now.i realized it's a ripoff of my money's well thanks a million buddy....;)
I've gotten used to hearing the God's whole TRUTH from your shared wisdom on Monday mornings ..... Today is no exception Thanks as ever...from another of your obligate enlighten-ees..... Is That even a word? I think not..
The video was funny but your wrong. Float tubes add another element to fishing. I hike mine up to a lot the Alpine lakes and you can't beat it. Sure you can't go as far, but if you know how to fly fish you can catch fish know problem. I fish in Alberta and we fish in all kinds of weather. when the wind blows I have better control in my float tube then anyone in a boat. When there heading back to shore I'm still slaying fish. Last year was out 46 times and caught 474 fish. all from my float tube. Extreme is where it's at
Hey if it works for you, go for it. You sound exactly like the kind of person I don’t want to fish with. Also your spelling sucks and float tubes are anything but extreme.
The only downside to the SUP is, it doesn't do well in rivers.
In order to enjoy fishing from a float tube one must learn to mitigate the suck…The suck you can’t eliminate then must be embraced…You can make adjustments and get things done rather efficiently on still water even on windy days…Like with anything it’s relative as well as how bad do you want it…Something to be said for gaining access to a pond with steep over grown banks as well as big shallow weed beds well off shore in 90+ degree heat… Funny video though…You left out the absolute worst part of fishing from a tube…Going potty hurries when in waders and no real good place to exit the water…I hate that suck the most and I’m 55 so yeah… worst suck with float tubes…Oh and having the police and fire being called because people think your fishing from a pool toy and are concerned for your safety and call them to do a wellness check…Those are the two worst sucks…
Nice you covered your beer so I can't make fun of it.
I watched a group of men get into the water (awkwardly) on a small "designated trout lake" in northern Minnesota. It was a bit breezy and within two hours they were all piled up together against a rock face at the other end of the lake. Quite entertaining.
Those donut float tubes suck.
Float tubes are better than all the options you mentioned, and I've fished from them all. Canoe for fly fishing? Really
The best yet😂
what a nice video!!!
don't believe the grumpy old man;). for slow trolling styles or tough to access areas the u shape ones and fins can't be beat.
well ok huge
It's hard to pack a boat or kayak on a motorcycle my dude lol
Even funnier, watch a guy in a tube with fins on his feet trying to get out of the river right above a class IV rapid. Don’t ask how I know this. 😂
A Radisson sportspal canoe is the perfect non motorized fishing vessel.
Omg. Haha 😂 you’re a hoot! 😂😂😂