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...c&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.