I am a rookie at tube fishing. I have had mine a year and only fished it 3 times. How far away from the dock do you go out in your tube?

LOL!!! I am a little extreme, but I have no limits. If I have the energy to get there, I go. I know for a fact I kicked over 3 miles one day with my 12yr old daughter following at Cooper once and we didn't get a bite.

I went out about a half mile once but I went out against the wind. But had the wind to help me get back.

I am also looking for a good place to blast some crappie from my tube.

Ray hubbard under 30 the pillars have always done good for me!!if you got bigger cohones than I which most do ...lol...Palestine pillars are amazing!!

Like MIke, I have gone 2-3 miles in my tube and could have probably gone more if the fish were cooperating. Once you get used to it, distance is of no consequence.

PM sent

In theory as far as you can swim to shore:-)
Since I am only a fair swimmer, I only venture beyond 50 yards of the shore line for short periods of time, unless I have propulsion.
The total distance traveled will be different, over 10 miles for me when I have been propelled by a chest deep river current, and never more than 50 ft from a river bank. You can pedal into the wind on an open lake until you tire, then coast back and steer yourself with only slight pedaling. Or go around the perimeter of a lake until you're tired, if the shore line is protected from wind.

Porta

Porta is correct for the most part. One thing to always remember is to wear a PFD that is sufficient for your size and weight. I wear snorkel fins when I tube. I do not wear boot waders, only stocking foot with slip on fins, I have been doing this for 20 years now.

I've been using floaters for 40 years and I don't get very far from shore. Although since most floaters have multiple tubes I have never used a PFD, and I did have one old inner tube type burst at the seams! I lost my rod/reel but had no great problem betting to shore.

Another 40 plus year user, and I still use tubes an average of at least every 2 weeks year round. Hypothermia is the danger with cold water, rather than how far you can swim- so stay close in Winter. I also carry 3 shielded tiny razor cutters for the tube, my PFD, and person. I have read about close calls when the fisherman gets tangled with fishing line, treble hooks or anchor line, and a cutter was needed. Agree most tubes will not sink when they fail due to trapped air pocket sections, unless something heavy is attached- like a troll motor, fisherman, etc. Waders also tend to trap air pockets in the lower areas especially with a belt, and you will swim only very slowly and on your back, so a PFD is helpful to keep your head up to counter the leg floatation. These things work for me, not sure they are correct for everyone.

PC

Good sense stuff Porta. I didn't take winter time into consideration in what I said.