Would've posted this on the tube board but it appears to be quite slow, so thought I'd ask here. I'm thinking of getting a tube, and BPS sells this as a kit - tube, pump, & fins - for $100, which seems either too good to be true (and we all know how that usually turns out) or a great deal for something that will really add to my fishing enjoyment.

Do any of you have experience with BPS' branded "White River" stuff? The tube kit in question is here at this link:
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores...5005000_175-5-2

I'd be pleased to have any input on tubes - things to look for or things to look out for. And of course, good places for tube fishing around the Dallas area, too.

Thanks
J.

PS I am in serious trouble with this fly fishing obsession.

While I don't have that particular tube, I do have the bottom line Bass pro tube (wait a sec, this one may be the same tube in new livery) and I've been quite satisfied with it.

Where is Bill Sankey, when we need him?

I do not use tubes. I have a "thing" about sharp points and inflated devices. They should not be mixed(at least I should not mix them) .

Did you learn the hard way? Are you speaking from previous experience? If so, we would love to read a funny story...

I agree, please tell us more!

Sorry no funny story here! Just know my self and if it can go wrong it most likely will. This is called preventive embarrassment.

Yes, the sharp points & inflatable object question has crossed my mind as well. I am anticipating that there is a direct correlation between distance from shore and propensity to drive hooks deep enough to damage the tube, too. This would certainly fall in line with my remarkable talent for making a total a$s of myself.

just curious, can they be filled with fix-a-flat ?

I don't have that tube BUT I have one of their old round ones and it has been fine, Other then losing air sometimes and having to repair it. It looks like a good deal for $100 dollars. the fins alone are 25. you will also need some waders too cuz usually you have water up to your belly and the water is getting colder.

Yes, but don't stay in it while it is rolled the distance specified in the directions. Remember, use only as directed.

Well, I have waders and boots. I weigh 210 or so, so I'm hoping I don't swamp the thing and overtop my waders... but I guess I'll just drive off that bridge when I get to it.

Most tubes have a valve that you can easily use to add air while you're sitting in the tube, just in case of a puncture. But most tubes also have air bladders inside an exterior casing that is usually pretty resistant to punctures. The tube I have, as well as the one pictured on that website you cited, actually have three bladders, the big one for the U-shaped bottom, a smaller one for the backrest and a third one for the headrest. So, if you get a hole in one of them, you will still have enough flotation to get you to shore safely. Don't worry Jonathan, it'll easily handle your weight.

OK, here's the poop on the BPS ONLINE ad. Although it's usually policy that BPS will honor it's online ads I'd order it online. The stores quite often will have a different pump or fins...unfortunately that tube combo comes as just that a "Combo." The SKU numbers have to match or is messes with the inventory figures.
As far as the quality...not bad at all. From time to time we have to exchznge one because the bladder leaked. These leaks come from overinflation. If you blow it up firmly and leave it in the car or Sun the air expands and PSHSHSHSHSH.
I usually get mine inflated enough to get in and feel safe, then "season to taste" with the surgical tubing I bought from the drug store. The valve is a Boston valve.
Good idea on the waders...critical when you're chasing those early Spring crappie.
These tubes are not the top of our line. We have some tougher, some ride higher , and some are both. Yes, we have some for the wide-bodied fisher up to 350 lbs I think.

Ah... the voice of the insider. Love it - thanks for the good info. Having never been in one of these things I am a little reluctant to drop one of those increasingly-scarce c-notes for something I haven't tried. "Riding higher" sounds like it might be a good idea. I would hate to drop $100 on something and kick myself for not waiting to save another $100 or whatever to get what would've been the better option...

Anyone want to weigh in on the pros & cons of a pontoon boat vs. a tube? I would imagine the pontoon boat is less portable, and I have a small car so that would be an issue.

Thanks all for the advice as always.

Pontoon boats are difficult to handle with even a little wind, and in Texas we usually have a lot of wind. I'll let you try my tube one day if you want to so you can see if you'd like one.

I make A Styrafoam kickboat which sits higher but does'nt catch the wind. I can send a pic to a phone if I have your # if you like to see one.

One nice thing about tubes, it's awful hard to flip one over!

You might try the Fish Cat at Bass Pro. They ride high and have a very tough outer skin. They cost more, but if you are planning on using it more than one time, i would invest the extra money and get the fish cat. I work at BPS fly shop in Garland and have had good replies on these and we have a hard time keeping them in stock. They run 195, but will last you a lot longer. I would suggest coming into the shop and looking and feeling them to get the gist on how they differ.

Stupid ideas but has anyone tried duct tape and swim noodles to make a tube? Or filling the outer covering with closed cell foam or cut up noodles?
OK OK I been watching to much youtube; it was just a thought. It is kind of like the guys making pond boats from foam flotation.

Hey!!! I represent that remark.(Foam Flotation that is)

What do you call it then? Its the foam floatation used in floating docks isn't?

Yes it is and I was just making light of it. Styrofoam. I enjoy fishing off it just like a dock except the dock moves. LOL

I "armored" my Trout unlimited Kennebec which is the 'two straight floats" style pontoon float tube. I used 1/32" polypropylene plastic sheet. I laid in and fixed fitted sheets between the canvas exterior and the interior air bladders I placed them under the 'top deck', like, under the gear bags, and my elbows etc... The thought being, things fail at the user interface. The user interface being the storage bags full of hooks.

Make the plates as wide as the canvas allows when it is flat/deflated. ( 1/2 the bladders circumference )

The large stiff plastic sheet hardware stores sell to place into garbage bags / leaf bags is a great material.

Next up for most likely to puncture areas are the vertical ends of the tubes, especially from errant flies and fins of fighting fish. I think it is not worth the effort though. Probably a proper size small bucket bottoms could work.



But even when I've witnessed a minor hook puncture, ( no deep barb tears) I've only needed to add air every 45 minutes, and I did that for TWO MORE DAY TRIPS. (Lazy !)

Last, the Kennebec has THREE separate bladder. After five years my tired, faded, pushed hard, dragged, well used tube has never let me down.

I just received in my Email inbox a Note from Bass Pro with an offer for $20 of any on-line order of $100 or more.
Might make the jump to a better tube easier.
I have the Fish Cat 4 and it is great!

BPS offer code L8HM.

Just thought I would share the information.