I am going to get a new tube pretty soon and was wondering about the U tubes.. I have always fished out of the regular O shaped tube and wondering the advantages of the U shaped tube? I Also want to fly fish from it so is one better for that than the other for that??

I fish out of a round tube as well. You might try BPS and Cabelas web sites. They have comments posted by users for various products. I was looking to up grade last year and found a lot of info there. Never did get a new tube though.

I have a U shaped tube and find it easier to fish out of than my previous O tube. You have open space in front of you instead of tube. Though I never punctured my O tube, a buddy has done it a few times landing fish and he also switched to the U tube and hasn't had a puncture since.

I like the "U" tube better, easier to get out and in when. Also, I personally believe, it is easier to maneuver.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templa...nebec&noImage=0


Trout Unlimited's Kennebec is a great tube, has more storage that a Chevy Surburban, STINKS (slightly) for fly rodding - tooo many snags around the top and front. I often cover the buckles with duck tape, which melted in under the sun. The three air bladders are a real plus for safety.
Those long square pontoon style tubes allowed extra rods to strap on neatly. You sit slightly deep, which allows for a cooler summer, and an easier power stroke on the leg.


Cabelas had a sleek unit, really low on the sides, that I wanted to try, but it seems to be off the current site.
You'll want low height so's your elbows have casting room.


Is there a U style tube that does NOT need a bar across the front.

I think there are Buck Bags tubes that don't use a bar, but I'm not sure.

I have been thinking of getting the Fishcat, what do you think about them? The salesmen from Bass Pro said it was the best for the money, to him.

jay, seems like the past two days all my posts have been about the fish cat, and I agree with the salesman. I have fished about 5 or 6 different types of tubes and I currently own a FishCat Deluxe and I love it. I think this is the best deal for the money and you won't be disappointed.

Wes

Man, those double decker tubes, triple deckers,
with the huge back rests, what good are they for?
I've seen guys look like they were fishing while standing in a closet, casting out thru the door ..

Do the fish cats have good elbow room? Visibility?
Those floats look pretty big, whats the reason for their claim to fame? Toughness or great advertisment.

I've been thinking about purchasing a tube. Only reason I havent yet, is because I have seen how snakes like my 2 man raft!Wouldn't a U tube make it more difficult to get out of their way? Seems like the U would actually make a good "cubby hole" for one to get into, and more difficult to get away from!
P.S. I hate snakes!!! lol

• They are comfortable.
• You sit much higher out of the water; casting is easier.
• Maneuvaring is easier; slick vinyl bottom allows gliding on the water better.
• They don't have a "high" backrest, which to me would hinder casting ability.
• V or U shape tubes are easier to get in and out of.
• Snakes aren't likely to bother you. I've only had one encounter and slapping my rod on the water made it leave.

Well I have the fishcat and it is a very comfortable ride for one, only the calf down is in the water so in the winter it isn't quite as cold, it doesn't have a bar in the middle, it is easy to get in and out of, the material is very durable and the bladder is built into the tube which I think is great, with the type of valve you can air it up in about 2 minutes at the water instead of trying to find a gas station with working air, the raised V in the back allows it to move through the water easier, it has a lot of storage with extra room in the back to put shoes, etc., and last but not least, it has a drink holder so you don't have to put your cold beer in your waders and freeze your chest off.

I sure do appreciate all you guys have told me, I think i am off to buy a fish cat tomorrow!!! But two more question's did it take a bit of getting use to haveing only from the knees down in the water and does it take more kick to get you going??

No and No. Go get one and enjoy it.

My son and I are going to buy new float tubes.

It looks like the Fish Cat is the best bet for him, at 5'11" and 190. I am 5'9" and 250, is the fish cat big enough for me or do I need to go for the fat cat? Cabelas has a Kennebec that looks good too.

I don't mind sitting down in the water more, this is a way to be able to get out and fish when it's hot out.

I have tried several different tubes and the fishcat has been the best for the money. I am 6' 1" and weight about 270 and have no problems with the fish cat. The only complaint I have is there is no front bar to keep the float pontoons apart when i fill the seat but most of the guys like the way the net lays across without the bar. Prob a results of the weight limit causing it to come in some. Seriously. *Knock on wood* I have seen hundreds of snakes and never had one come to me other than chasing a top water. One small splash and they run away faster than I ever could. I only fear the snake on the entry and exit at the shoreline.

I do not have a lot of experience yet with my float tubes, but I bought a Fish Cat 4 and then found a deal on a Togiac. The difference being the bar - Togiac has one the fish cat is only the stripping apron.
Both are easy to maneuver and cast out of - but I have only used then a handful of times. I am 5'11 and just under 225, my 15 year old son is about 5'9" and about 150lbs. He prefers the Fish Cat.
It took me a while the first time to get the hang of controlling my position with fins but I think I got it down now. I think you would be happy with either one.

I have had the original U-BOAT for more than 10 years... It is a great fishing platform and has plenty of storage. I love the stretch across mesh work deck, and it is really easy to get in and out of. The Original U-Boat is still available at Cabela's and the price is unbelievable! I think you can pick one up for around $69.99 these days. Back when I got mine, they were $129.99... It has a moderately high back, but never got in the way of my flies or any other tackle. As a former fly casting/fishing teacher, I recommend modifying your casts anyway as an added precaution whenever deep wading/in a float tube.

I should say that I have owned round float tubes and done quite a bit of fishing from them in the past. The last ones I had (I bought 3, for me and my 2 sons) were made by Browning, and after having the family jewels crushed every time I fished in one, I swore my next tube would be a top of the line model.

U-tubes are less maneuverable, but much more convenient in terms of getting in/out. They also generally have more storage, and they are much more comfortable. As for brands, go with Outcast (makers of the Fishcat/Fatcat line) or Buck's Bags. Both are very durable and have excellent warranties.

I have to hike about 3/4 of a mile to my favorite spot. Is the fish cat as easy to transport as the roundies?

No real difference. You can get you some backpack straps and, with a little creativity, create a nice carrying system, too.