Hi all-

I am looking for advice/recommendations in buying my first float tube. I've shopped around a bit and am aware of the different features. Specifically, I would like to know which tubes are the most comfortable for those of us who are broad of beam. I'm considering the Navigator II. With it's load limit of 350 it'll be way more than I need (I'm 275) but do you think the seat will be adequate and comfy?

So all you big guys out there- any ideas? What do you use?

Thanks in advance-
Fish Hawk

P.S. not looking to go with a pontoon boat just yet.

Wish i could help you but its ben a long time since i fished out of a tube. Once you go to a kick boat its hard to go back. Dont know what your reasons for not wanting a kickboat are but the outdoor pro shop has (had) a water skeeter kickboat on sale for about $ 219.00. They are a good sturdy boat but a little heavy. There is still a lot of guys that love fishing out of tubes so im sure you'll get plenty of opinions and info.

hey there, the navigator II is a great tube! very sturdy, lightweight, and easy to maneuver. I have the navigator VI I love it. I like the pontoon design. it makes cutting through the water, waves, and wind a lot easier. it will cost you a little more than the donut but well worth it!



joe

My first float tube was a plain ol' round Caddis. It didn't even have any pockets! I kept my tackle in a fanny pack that I slung over my shoulder to keep it relatively dry. I didn't have waders or a wet suit and my fins were just some old snorkeling fins I bought at a garage sale(I still have 'em).
The bottom line is, if it gets you to the fish, USE IT! :D
You'll upgrade your tube as your skills improve and you see what others are doing.
It depends on what you are doing and where. Tubes and kickboats both have their advantages and disadvantages. Experience will tell you which one to use and when. My advice is to own a float tube, a pontoon boat and a kayak(for saltwater).

Tight lines
Chris

There is only one name in round tubes and that name is simply
BUCKS BAG, BUCKS BAG, BUCKS BAG.
The top gun comes in two sizes specially designed for large folks.
Dollar for dollar you can't beat a bucks bag, triple stitch, heavy zippers, a # 1 quality. Bucks bags are the only tube my mom lets me use

:)

Rich

Thank you, guys, for your replies. Sorry for the late response.

I see I have some shopping to do. Bucks Bags, huh? They do have a good reputation. The pontoon boats are a tad more than I can afford but they are attractive. The more I read the posts here the more I desire to get a tube out there on the water. Night fishing on Sonoma sounds really nice.

See ya all out on the water-
Fish Hawk

Dude, I know you are not into a kickboat, but being a big guy myself (6'4, 240lbs) I thought I would post as requested.

I started with a float tube (trout unlimited tiogak) and it worked well enough, altough it seemed as if I was constantly patching pinhole leaks.

Frustrated, I ended up getting the water skeeter promo boat "vision" and I'll tell ya what, I will never go back to a tube! Its PVC coated(not just straight nylon) so it could take the abuse of going through thorn laden bushes (sometimes you gotta hump through that type of vegetation to get to the water) and has not failed me in the slightest. I also feel that fishing from a kickboat will allow you to get really tight to the shore 'cause your feet arent dangle as far down....

Thats my take. I also agree with the guy who posted "whatever gets you on fish"....find a deal and get out there!