As most of you know, I moved from Cedar Creek Lake to Oklahoma recently. I've been fishing Lake Texoma exclusively since the move and with the lake about 5' low, I'm finding some really good looking areas I'd love to fish but, can't get my Lund launched to get into them. Plus, I understand these areas are the most productive places to fish in the winter and spring. Having said all that, I'm now looking for the best way to get next to the crappie short of a wet suit and speargun!

Big Pappa uses a float tube, standard issue canvas covered truck inner tube. Jiggen El uses the latest bigger tube and loves it. But, searching around the web I find inflatable one man pontoons, canoes, kayaks and a bunch of different tubes. All have their pluses and minuses. Any of them could work but, which is the best way to go and why?

I hear from several folks that the 5 mm neoprene waders will definitely keep you dry and fairly warm in cold water so they are on my 'to buy' list. I'm confused about which way to go beyond that.
I prefer to stay dry, warm and safe and what ever I get has to be a one old man lift and carry! I'm thinking sitting up higher out of the water is good but, feel I would be blown around in high winds. Lower in the water doesn't sound very warm or necessarily dry.
LF25 took me up a creek last spring in his little two man fiberglass boat with trolling motor and locator that was nice.
I'm not sure there is a single best solution but, that is what I'm hoping to find.
Any help or comments????

http://www.ultraskiff.com/

Check this site out. I haven't fished in one but they look like they would be easy to handle for 1 man. I fish out of a two-man and it takes TWO men to get it in the water. Hope this helps and BOOMER SOONER.

-Dan

Talk to David at Shut-Up-And-Fish. He fishes out of a kayak at some of his local waters and is very successful at doing it.

Bobby,

I used one of these for many many years and found it to be a great option for skinny waters. Very stable, durable, reliable and comfortable. I only used a 12 volt transom hand control trolling motor (I used on the bow), 12v battery. I had mine on a small trailer I configured from an old flat bottom boat trailer. Yes as Guy mentioned I am currently using a kayak in smaller waters but it can be a booger on your back after a couple hours.

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/pr...JOIWRoCOO_w_wcB

How is your back?

Years ago I used a small rubber raft to fish the mountain lakes in New Mexico for rainbow trout. I had a small trolling motor for power, which would run all day off the battery. It was easy to get into position as the heaviest component was the battery.

But I would be unable to use that now, with my back. I think the tube that jiggen el uses would be the most usable for me, with my age and physical condition.

You looked quite healthy the one time I met you but I learnt years ago you can not tell a person's physical condition just by looking at him.

get ya an old welded aluminum 10 to 12 footer .....
2 can go that way ....
lots of advantages in an old john boat in my opinion

I really like my kayak! And there's one out there for everyone!

I'll give you my 2 cents regarding kayak fishing. I have one that I use in the winter months for creek fishing. It will never take the place of my Basscat, but I hate having to idle long distances to get to the creek in the big boat.

I enjoy fishing out of my yak, but it is not for everyone. A big boat will spoil you. They are not light, mine weights 55# unloaded. They are a b***h to push back to the truck going up hill in the creek bottoms. The wind will really mess with you, so always take a small anchor or loose rope to tie to a stump. You can get wet when paddling or boat traffic. They make my butt go to sleep after about 5 hrs of sitting in it. Fishing out of it takes some getting use to.

Other than this, it's better than fishing from the bank.

Kayak is the only way to go. Waders or not I don't think I want the "boys" in 40 deg water all day....

MAY CAUSE: hearing loss, dizziness, vomiting, suicide, anger increase, high blood pressure, risk of a heart attack.....Sign me up Scotty..

LOL, that's a good way to put it too.

I just got a Caddis Pro 200 (I think) from BPS for $160.00. I had the neoprene waders and flippers from my Dad so was a limited investment (air pump, fish basket, need a little landing net, etc.). Tuesday night was my second outing with the tube and I really enjoyed the quietness and ease of it all. I had to park about 200 yards from the water so I put my waders and boots on, shouldered the tube (it has backpack straps built into it) and made the easy stroll to the water with no problem.

I also have degenitive disk disease in L3, L4 and L5 and am currently dealing with a bulging disk that is flaring up pretty bad (getting tested for surgery as soon as I can get some time off). I tried to sit in a yak (not a cheap one either) and after five/ten minutes, I almost couldn't stand up. The two times in the tube and my back hasn't flared up yet. It actually relaxes my back to some degree but getting in and out does take a little coordination. It may also take a little conditioning on the leg muscles but no soreness yet.

Will it replace my bassboat? No but it does give me options if I don't want to get it out of the garage or if I want to visit a far away lake/creek without the boat. So far I am very happy with the tube with what the limited use I have planned for it.

Did u visit that website I gave u ????
Creekcompany.com ...u won't be sorry... On sale NOW

It is good to have a second option ready so when all the boat ramps around here are closed we can still fish to some degree.....