Just wondering as I think I prefer a Float Tube.
I live in an apartment and I don't have much money. So I don't have a garage, can't afford storage, decent kayak racks seem exspensive and I don't want to carry a kayak into my upstair apartment every time I use it. I was recently in a kayak for 5+ hours and was uncomfortable the entire time, sometimes in pain.

I can inflate and deflate the float tube. Access most of the areas I want to fish without having to move 1/2 mile in the water.

Just thinking outloud without a whole lot of thought.

What might be some of your reasons?

I'm a tuber. for some of the same reason you just mentioned. But, I am somewhat extreme in that I put mine on a cart and pull it 1/2 mile before I even get in the water. But, in the water I am comfortable and can stay in it all day. For 200.00 a good tube from OUTCAST is worth the $$. I use a fishcat 4.

I had a tube but now where I fish there are alligators so I decided I would get a kayak. If you get to a place where you have that issue, you might want a kayak. For what you're describing, a tube sounds perfect for you.

Wylie,

Did you make your cart? I'm wanting one to pull my tube on land.

My pontoons are faster and have greater range, but I moved down to a 7# ODC 420L with back straps because it is much lighter and can be packed further/in/out/over/around/through without wheels- even compared to kayaks. The ODC can be stored in small spaces inflated and is transported in my Prius with all chambers inflated except the seat bottom. There is only one small bottom seat chamber to inflate on launch location, when done this way. I have modified my ODC to keep my body dry without waders and my feet only get wet on launching, then dry quickly when using my footbar. As to the advantages over a kayak, it can be summarized that both pontoons and float tubes are designed specifically for fishing on the water, whereas in a kayak, fishing is an afterthought. Besides transport/storage tubes are better for comfort, stand up start/stop/launch/retrieve, 2 hands free hovering/supreme turning/fighting fish, no marinating feet in muddy water for hours, etc.

Hope this helps.

Porta

Man....where are you fishing where there are alligators?

kayaks get to the spot and back from the spot MUCH faster. and i dont have to get wet except when I 1st get in a foot of water to launch. get a 12 foot perception pescador from academy for 500. used go for 400 or so. it really moves fast. had em all and will stick with a yak til i get a motor boat but not in a hurry to get one. i never tried a float tube in winter and wouldnt want to try. i fish my kayak in winter with no problems. for storage problems get an advanced elements kayak. use it on vacation. folds up in a 3 ft package . bought mine used for $175. fished at lake palestine and in arkansas no problems

http://www.airkayaks.com/products/Advanced-Elements-AdvancedFrame-Kayak-%252d-AE1012.html http://www.airkayaks.com/products/Advanced-Elements-AdvancedFrame-Kayak-%252d-AE1012.html

Yes I did. I'll post some pics of it at some point. I loaded 2 fishcat 4's on it yesterday, a cooler, minnows, 2 sets of waders, and the rest of my gear and pulled at least 1/2 mile yesterday across tall grass, thru some mud and over some rocks. It's work, but it sure beats making 2 trips.

Thanks for the links on the advanced elements, BFC.

I love kayaks when they are faster- when used in drop in/out close in, and in open water, no portaging. But 35# minimum is just too heavy to carry beyond 1000 yards in one trip, when you add in the weight of fishing gear, beer and snacks, etc., plus more for overnight. Cold water is no problem with toons or larger tubes where you are over 4" ABOVE water and dry- no waders. Longer learning curve on kayaks to deal with rollover, and skilled one hand paddling for hovering or to keep turned to a running fish. They wouldn't work in the type of fishing I like to do, but I can see where they would be better in some situations.

Here's a kayak type I considered years ago, but never pulled the trigger. http://www.pokeboat.com/index.html

Would be faster than my "V" tube and light- only 2x as heavy, but no easy chair comfort, high cost and less manuverability...

P.

There is just no way I could fish some of the places I fish, and have to paddle at the same time. In my tube, I can face a 20mph wind and stay on a marker that I've dropped and fish all day, hands free, without tieing up or dropping an anchor. That's about all I need to know. I'd sure get there faster, but staying there would be a pita for me.

you couldnt roll over that advanced elements inflatable if you tried. also a malibu mini x is really stable. i have never come close to flipping. also a kayak cart is what i use if i have to go a long distance which is hardly ever. i fish lakes and creeks so i just pull up and launch. i like a tube in summer when i dont have to flip fins too far. use a brush clip or anchor works great if you want to stay in one place in a yak. i know im in the tube forum but it wouldnt hurt to have a float tube and a kayak both of which i have.

This is the biggest advantage of a tube. I'd add stability. You'd have a hard time every rolling over a tube. Still, I'd love to have a 'yak, just for fishing some bigger waters.

I like my tube, but am looking at getting a kayak for the lake house .

now i'm confused.

For me, kayak all the way. Tried pontoons and float tubes. I can get anywhere with a homemade kayak dolly so transport is a breeze from truck to the water with a distance in between.

I am comfortable all day, paddle good distances and can go light or with a lot of equipment. Fish deep or shallow.

Learning curve is not hard like some may say.

It all depends what are you looking for and what works for you. YMMV. As for the storage issue, a rigid kayak has a small footprint when hanged in a wall. Still, it may be a concern for you.

Hi, Pappy:

Call around to fly shops and see if you can rent a tube, then the same for a kayak or, see if someone will let you borrow.
Then judge for yourself on the various points considered above. How many times will you get in/out instead of just standing up, lumbar support sitting flat vs. a recliner, how long it takes to learn to hover or hold position in the deep and how much trouble is it, how steady/stable is the platform, how fast do you need to go, how easy to transport/store for your personal situation, etc.

P.

Don, if you are wanting to save some money i have a classic arrow backpacker inflatable pontoon with fish finder i'll trade you for some of your baitrunner reels. I am asking $100 cash for it but will trade for some things

Reading the posts, I think there are advantages and disadvantages to having both. Renting a kayak when you're fishing say the saltwater lakes on the coast, an East Texas park, Caddo Lake, e.g., floating a river makes perfect sense, too, and that way you don't have to worry about where or how to store it in your situation. Living near many Central Texas rivers, I am sure there are plenty of places that would rent you one.

Now, if you talk with Kevin Hutchison, he's going to tell you kayaks are a waste of time and one of the biggest myths forced on to fishermen of all time. For Kevin, pontoon boats are the only way to go. I have a tendency to agree with him, because I think the pontoon boats marry the best of float tubes and kayaks in one inflatable, easily storable piece.

This from the owner of a canoe, kayak, paddle boat, float tube, and pontoon boat, so take it as just my 2 cents worth.

I am under the same criteria as you. BUT, I decided that a kayak would work best for me. I don't dare take a tube out in saltwater.

I live in an apartment and decided to upgrade to a apartment with a 2 car garage to have room. I know have 3- 12 foot kayaks and still fit my car in there. I decided kayak so I can move miles about the water.

I also own a float tube AND I have a inflatable kayak called the Sevylor Colorado I bought for $500.

i float down rivers. a kayak is best. dont have to worry about punctures. get home throw yak in backyard and its ready for next trip. throw it in back of suv and off i go in minutes.

Enjoyed reading this trail. I have owned and/or fished in everything mentioned thus far. I then found the boats I currently own in Canada. Storage/Stability/Ease of transport/Fishability/etc./etc. in my view these are hands down the over all best choice. Check them out and feel free to contact me for more information and you can take one for FREE any time to test. Merry Christmas!

I would be willing to take you up on your offer. I have never seen a Frog Boat before in my life. I really like the pictures with anglers standing to fish/boating, and I like the way they store in your garage. Very interesting boat.

85# is too heavy for the remote areas or packing/crossing narrow hiking paths between streams. But this one can go where no other boat can: https://www.alpackaraft.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=store.catalog&CategoryID=53&ProductID=66
Too pricy for me, but the ODC 420 L at 7# is a lot more comfortable and can be found for under $100 during special sales.
Not even inflatable kayaks can go miles in remote riding in comfort, and without repeated inflation/deflation cycles because of their length.... Not for everyone, just the type of areas I enjoy. Lightweights also work in regular places, but they are SLOW to row/paddle....

Porta

Porta

I live in Granbury and can be reached via email and/or mobile 574-536-6617. Touch base to set up a time/location and I will bring you a boat to test. Just an FYI the hull wieghs 53lbs. Pontoons are 8lbs each. I am 52 yrs old and have no problem loading/unloading by myself. You can see more photo's and video's on our Facebook site. Simply type Go Froggin' in the search box to find the page.