For tubers that do not have/use waders, how warm does the lake water surface temperature need to be in order to be comfortable in a float tube?

Once it is mid 80s on the water temp it is good for me. Hubbard was 75 this past Friday. I'm seeing a lot more snakes now though and have my head on a swivel a lot more when I leave the waders home.

Whenever it is comfortable to you. Most of the snakes you'll see on Ray Hubbard are fish eaters and not poisonous. Obviously you don't want one to bite you, but they are not deadly. Just nasty. Ray Hubbard is loaded with them.

Thanks for the replies. I am thinking about buying a pair of chest waders this year. When I wade into the lake with my tube, I have to wade through shallow hydrilla and it kinda bothers me rubbing around my legs. Also, when I get out of the water, I have to take my wet swim suit off and put on dry shorts before I get in the car. So, I am naked from the waste down for a few seconds, hiding behind the car door in the parking lot. Sound familiar? Yeah, I think waders are in my future this summer.

Water temp is not the only thing that affects that. Lack of breeze, blasting sun, high humidity all make you uncomfortable in waders. Some sweat accumulates inside even with my breathables. Plus the hassles of waders- mobility loss, put on take off, danger if they fill up, etc. Sometimes Summer is so hot even when soaking in swim trunks.

I use a tube or toon that floats my backside dry about 3 inches above water and a footbar to quickly dry out and warm my legs above water. Allows temps down to low 50s with layers of quick dry nylon pack pants, depending on wind/sun conditions.

OE

This is my 2 cents worth. It just depends on you, how you can handle the cold,just don't get stupid.I fish from a kayak, float tube,and pontoon.I've fished from the Florida coast to Canada.I have regular waders to 8 mm thick.Your in 30 degrees water catching Steel head,30 min at your best or mine. No waders, sunscreen highly recommended, just from experience. Good luck. And breathable waders only out of the water not in.

porta and Clouser, thanks for your replies. Danger if they fill up has always been a concern to me. Might talk myself out of waders again this summer. I could use some quick-dry wading pants to sorta protect my legs. Guess I need to think more about what to do. No rush in making a decision -- it will be awhile before the water is warm enough for me (I like the suggestion above about comfortable in the mid 80s).

You can use a belt to keep water out for safety, but it will be hotter. If water gets inside, probably cancels your trip as they are a hassle to carry around or wear when wet.

PC

Just go for it, took my first yak out to test the stability. Water 40 degrees, make sure you can stand up. Word of advice, gets a little chilly.