I bought a used Old Town Angler Kayak. Seemed to spend most of the time fighting the wind.
Years ago I had a donut float tube and really enjoyed it. Mostly I just waded until the water got too deep and then floated.
I understand that the newer float tubes are much improved.
Can anyone give me any recommendations for equipment (tube, fins, etc), and
tactics (whether you use waders? Mostly in fall & spring I guess).
Any other helpful suggestions?
Thanks!

It's worth it, I have the U shaped one and I enjoyed it while I had it. I fished where the brush pile was just out of reach from the shore so when I got the tube I was able to get to the brush pile and I caught more crappie than I have ever caught before. I never used waders cause I never went when it was cold. I used the 30$ fins and they work I haven't tested any other fin so. I had a fish finder on mine thanks to float tube fanatics the wind is a problem I never went out if it was over 7mph

Check.out the fishcat4 it's a u boat, open in the front, has bladders on either side. Good amount of storage and they are about $250 new, if you want a round tube I have one I'll sell you, and XXL waders if you want those too

http://www.outcastboats.com/float-tubes/fish-cat-4-float-tube.asp

I've been fishing out of these for 10 years. Sturdy and comfy. I use standard slip on snorkel fins. I've built a contraption to hang a lowrance elite 7 on it. I can fish in whatever depth I want to in a 20 mph wind facing the wind. Now keep in mind that in that 10 years I have spent 100's of hours in it. So I'm kind like a duck as it is now natural for me.

I've had guys come with me that looked like a foal trying to stand up for the first time. But, once they got the hang of it they were just fine.

I've fished in sub freezing temps with ice falling and having to dip my rod in the water to get the ice out of the guides on it.

Caught 1000's of crappie out of it.

It's the best value on the market for a float tube. Did I mention I own 2 of them and a couple of U boats.

Get a tube like this and maybe you can catch a 16.5# striper like this one.

I use the caddis pro 2000. It's an awesome rig. In the summer, just regular snorkeling fins work great. In the winter, waders and the duck foot flippers is the go to. I have a kayak also, but by far, this is my favorite way to fish.

A search in the archives will give you some ideas, for example: http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/10987773/Re:_Float_Tube_suggestions?#Post10987773 (7-19-15) if no hot link (maybe someone can post the hot link to this, I can't seem to get it to work)

There are basically 3 float tube types: doughnut (least storage), "U"(little more storage) and "V" (storage behind seat- can be motorized) tubes plus small pontoons.

Best to tailor your choice according to the questions posted by K.D. in above post, and what is important to you.

My priorities are compact fold up/light weight, comfort and a dry butt, so I like the 8# Creek Company 420L pack in tubes with inflatable seats, which sometimes go for under $150 during Xmas sales. The fishcat 4 DELUX version is higher quality (500 denier), more comfortable than foam seats and rides high, but is not as lightweight (12#).

If you are a big guy, the super fat cat (or a small pontoon) might be the way to go.

Sometimes you can get float tubes cheap or free from members of this list. Walmart has free shipping to the store and easy returns on their tubes, the BIG Cumberland series is rated high.

I will use stocking foot waders during Winter if it is windy or not sunny, I like the $50 Magellan breathables at Academy. Not having a wet butt will help with staying warm without waders.

Hope this helps.

PC

I have both the FishCat 4 and the Fat Cat. In the FishCat, you will be sitting in the water somewhat. No big deal, but it doesn't have the flotation capacity to get you sitting above the waterline.

The Fat Cat does. You will sitting above the water line, and have much more storage. IMHO, the Fat Cat is worth the upgrade.

Finally, you haven't lived until an 8 lb. bass pulls you through 30 feet of coontail. It's a blast fishing out of a kickboat. I have owned 2 nice bass rigs before and I will never own another boat with an engine on it.

Still Available?

Nels in Fort Worth @ 817-307-4126
nels.brwn3@gmail.com