I appreciate the info. I will take what your saying into consideration.

Pm sent

Fisher:

I also don't like everything below my waist submerged for hours in "natural" water that is a microbial soup. You can use a fisherman's vest or a shirt with at least 2 pockets, that is where my wallet and cell go... I use pants made of material like "coaches" pants which have multiple pockets and dry quickly, plus they stretch and are very comfortable.

The older you get, the more the hauling aspect becomes a factor. That's why I went from a motor boat to kayak, pontoons and now a float tube. The float tube is completely set up in my garage (no surprises on leaks, pumping, forgotten equipment, etc.) and can go on an instant's notice. I have used the float tube more than any of the others, an average of once a week for last 5 years or so. I do smaller rivers up to class III and portaging is very easy compared to kayaks, pontoons, etc. Taking small craft into big water is just not for me; safer to rent, borrow, or go with friends in a big motorboat. JMHO.

Hope this helps.

Porta

Fisherman1, Porta gives you alot of good info. I have been fishing from a tube since the early 80's and have tried almost every tube there is. The FishCat series is the best tube I have ever owned. Very stable, very sturdy. In colder weather, breathable waders work best and have a pocket on the chest for storage that seldom gets wet. In the summer months, just simple shorts will work. DONT skimp on your fins. You will use alot more energy with smaller, cheaper ones. As for being wet......I am only wet below my knees most of the time. And there is more than enough storage for pliers, baits, etc. Only one thing though, during hot temps, protect your knees as they will get sunburned quickly.

Fisherman1. I have several tubes if ya want to go out sometime and test before ya buy. Let me know...

Thanks for all the great info guys. You have given me a ton to consider.
Basch, I might have to take you up on that offer.

I just got my Fish Cat 4 Deluxe yesterday and tried it out today and found it to be a comfortable tube that I can use for several hours a day on the water. It moves around very easily and the wind didn't seem to bother it much. The storage pockets ar large enough to hold a lot of flies and tackle.

Look at the tubes Outdoor Pride makes on the internet. Great tubes and great people to work with. Custom make pockets and rod holders and they sell tackle boxes that strap to your tube.

Back for one week until Jan 31 on the ODC lightweight foam seat model, which can be retrofitted with the inflatable seat (see float tube parts) for $50, 8# wt.

http://creekcompany.com/product.php?productid=16151&cat=249&page=1

Also fishcat 4 DELUX includes inflatable seats already is still $219 no free shipping, + tax.

http://www.cabelas.com/float-tubes-fish-cat-4-deluxe-float-tube-1.shtml

Caveats, I have no connection with either company, but have good customer satisfaction with both.

Pon

If you buy the Fish Cat 4 Deluxe online from Cabela's at $219.00 you can have it shipped free to the store in Allen. That's what I just did.

I use the Fish Cat 4 Deluxe. Here in California we are required to use chest waders in the local lakes. This keeps you dry all day. I use stocking breath-able foot waders with dive boots and them the flippers. Very comfortable. This eliminates the worry of bacteria.

I highly recommend the Fish Cat 4 tube. It gets you higher in the water and is very comfortable for 14 hour days on the lake. Here are pictures of my tube with the rod holder that I built out of PVC pipe. Great fishing machine.
http://s1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd458/socaltexan/

I am new to TFF, but found this thread and decided to register. @Fisherman1, I too live in Allen. I just bought a float tube from Cabela's (http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=1504866&destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct.jsp%3FproductId%3D744214).

I bought it to fish some of the ponds and creeks around the Allen area. I have yet to find time to take it out on the water, but this past weekend, when the weather was bad, I rigged up a PVC frame with adjustable rod holders, anchor trolley, and even an adjustable umbrella stand to shade me during the hot summer months. Total rig job, but was fun to tinker with it. Gonna take it out on it's maiden voyage next weekend down on Lake Bastrop in the Hill Country. Here are some pics during the build stage:
http://s1325.beta.photobucket.com/user/Aaron_Dolton/library/Float%20Tube%20Mods

Have you taken your tube out on any of the area waters around Allen yet? I am looking for some spots to try out. I doubt my neighborhood association would like me fishing in our ponds. I was curious about Bethany Lakes...would a tube be allowed on the main pond?