How to Fish From Float Tubes
Float tubes, or "belly boats," offer anglers an inexpensive and practical alternative to canoes, kayaks and gas-powered boats. These one-man craft range in price from less than $100 to a few hundred dollars and come in a variety of styles, from the original O-shaped design to more modern U-shaped and pontoon styles. Easily portable, float tube anglers can easily make long portages to small lakes and ponds that are otherwise inaccessible to heavier watercraft. Fishing from a float tube also offers a quieter approach to fishing small waters.
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Instructions
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Inflate the flotation and backrest bladders. Loosen the valve cap on the flotation bladder and inflate it either by mouth or by foot or hand pump. Many float tube models also have a stem valve that allows you to use a portable tire air compressor. Follow the manufacturer's directions for properly inflating your float tube. An overinflated tube is more likely to develop leaks. An underinflated tube creates more resistance in the water and will be more difficult to maneuver and move.
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Put on your chest waders and life vest. Choose a set of neoprene booted waders for cold water and colder weather. Breathable waders and wading boots, or a swimsuit and old sneakers may be more comfortable on warm waters during the summer. Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest. A vest with pockets allows you to store lures and small pieces of gear.
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Carry your float tube to the shore and don your float tube fins. Float tube fins fit over your wader boots or shoes and are attached by either straps or buckles. They make walking on land difficult, so wait until you are lakeside before putting them on.
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Launch your float tube by wading knee- or thigh-high into the water and then sitting on the float tube seat. Boat ramps at more developed fishing lakes and ponds make lake entry easy. If the lake you're fishing lacks a ramp, choose a spot where the lake bottom tapers slowly. Place the float tube apron across your lap and fasten it.
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Kick to propel yourself backward and turn your float tube. With your leg bent at the knee, alternate kicking one foot toward the surface and then the other. The wide blades of the fins offer enough resistance to move you and your float tube. To turn the float tube, kick with only one leg.
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Cast your lure or bait. Side arm casts work well for fishing from a float tube. With practice, you can also pitch or flip baits with bait casting and spinning rods. If you fly fish, keep your rod tip high on the back cast stop to avoid your line striking the water.
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Tips & Warnings
Float tube accessories include anchors, rod holders, fish detectors and coolers.
Dry your float tube thoroughly before storing it to prevent mildew growth.
Only use float tube on lakes, reservoirs and ponds. Float tubes are not designed for use on rivers, streams or oceans.
Use common sense. Get off the water during thunderstorms and high winds.
Stay fairly close to the shoreline. Sharp hooks, particularly treble hooks, can tear holes in your tube's air bladder.
