While most of us would prefer to fish from a nice comfortable boat, some of us can’t afford one, and many places don’t allow them. If you need to walk some distance to access a lake or pond, you’re not going to carry a kayak.
Fishing float tubes allow fishermen to access waters where other methods won’t work. The ideal places to use float tubes are mountain lakes, remote ponds, and close to shore in larger lakes. Some fishermen use them in rivers, but I don’t recommend it. A high-quality float tube can last a long time and provide you with a great fishing experience.
If you’ve decided you’re ready to buy a good fishing float tube, how do you figure out which one to buy? I’ve identified four major considerations to bear in mind when shopping for a fishing float tube:
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Classic Accessories float tube
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Check On Amazon
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Basic float tube
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Check On Amazon
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The Camo Gunnison float tube
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Check On Amazon
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Bighorn Inflatable Fishing Float Tube
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Check On Amazon
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Outcast Fishcat 4-LCS
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Check On Amazon
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Creek Company Style Float Tube
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Check On Amazon
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Outcast Super Cat
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Check On Amazon
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Togiak Inflatable Fishing Float Tube
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Check On Amazon
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Pontoon-style tube
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Check On Amazon
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Caddis Sports Pro 2000 Float Tube
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Check On Amazon
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Shape
Float tubes are available in four different shapes: round, U-shaped, teardrop, and pontoon.
- Round float tubes are tough to maneuver and create a ton of drag rather than cutting through the water. Having the tube all the way around the fisherman also cuts down on any room to move. Most modern float tubes are one of the other three shapes.
- A U-shaped float tube looks just like a letter U. The fisherman faces toward the open, or front end of the tube. This open front helps with getting in and out of the tube. The back support on a U-shaped float tube is usually an inflated part of the tube, which may be uncomfortable.
- A teardrop-shaped float tube is a hybrid of the U-shape and pontoon styles. It has an inflated portion that comes to a point behind the user’s back but is separate from the seat back. The pointed part acts similar to the bow of a boat by cutting through the water as the user paddles with their fins. This is a very popular float tube style.
- A pontoon-shaped float tube looks just like a miniature pontoon boat. Cylindrical pontoons are located on each side of the operator’s seat. Advantages to this shape are extra room front and back, ease of entry/exit, and increased maneuverability. Most pontoon float tubes sit high in the water.
Comfort
This one’s all about seating. If you’re going to spend all day fishing out of your float tube, try to make sure the one you get is comfortable. Browse through user reviews and see what they say about seat height. Being up out of the water is always more comfortable, and allows you to see much better.
Also, look for a float tube with an adjustable seat back. Everyone’s body is unique, so it’s nice to have some adjustment to make your float tube comfortable to you. Pay attention to comments regarding seat padding as well.
Storage
All float tubes come with some type of storage, but they are not all the same. Figure out the size and number of storage pouches on the float tube. Try to picture what gear you’ll be taking with you out on your float tube and where it will go. Additional storage behind your seat is always great for your jacket, and a cupholder isn’t a bad thing either.
Portability
The main feature that makes a float tube useful in situations is its portability. By this, I mean how much it weighs and how easy it is to pack. Check the weight of any float tubes you are considering and remember you’re going to be carrying it, perhaps a long distance.
Some float tubes come with straps so you can carry them on your back like a backpack. That is a nice feature if you must carry an inflated float tube. Just remember, lighter is better when it comes to portability. Don’t forget that you also have to carry your rod(s), tackle, flippers, and waders.
Recommended Fishing Float Tube
Are you ready to go shopping for the best fishing float tubes? I’ve found ten of the best float tubes available today. Let’s take a look at them, with a brief review on each one:
Editor Rating:
This float tube from Classic Accessories is a teardrop shape. Some of the great features on this float tube are the mesh storage pouch for your jacket, adjustable backrest, extra cushy padded seat, and a cupholder for the beverage of your choice.
Customers really liked the comfort of the seat on this float tube and the high sitting position.
Highlighted Features
- Backpackable float tube with adjustable shoulder
- Hydrodynamic hull shaped for superior tracking
- Thickly padded seat
- 2 fishing rod holders
- Back mesh storage platform
Editor Rating:
This is a more basic float tube from Classic Accessories available at a lower price point. It has a U-shaped design with a fixed inflated backrest. Dual storage compartments will hold your gear, and a handy D-ring will help you anchor or attach a stringer.
User comments were positive overall, noting how comfortable this float tube is and ease of use. A good value for the price.
Highlighted Features
- Float tube
- Comfortable backrest
- Hydrodynamic hull shape
- Unique sculpted design
- Stripping apron with fish ruler
Editor Rating:
The Camo Gunnison float tube is similar to the Teton model, with a few extra features. It has additional storage pockets in mesh or zip-up configurations. It has classic U-shaped construction with a fixed backrest.
Its extra-large size is appreciated by larger users, and some people also use this float tube to hunt ducks with its camouflage material. I like the foam pad to hook your flies or lures on.
Highlighted Features
- Roomy armrest storage with additional reel pockets
- Extra large and comfortable backrest
- Rear storage pockets and exterior mesh storage pocket
- D-rings for attaching gear and creel bags
- Horizontal rod holder
Editor Rating:
Bighorn Inflatable Fishing Float Tube is another U-shaped float tube that is very similar to the Teton and Gunnison models. It has additional zippered compartments for storage and has a rated capacity of a whopping 350 pounds. Users loved the large size for roominess and ease of entry and exit.
Some buyers complained that the velcro patches used to suspend the stripping apron were inadequate. This is a good choice for the larger fisherpeople.
Highlighted Features
- Rear storage pocket and exterior mesh storage pocket
- D-rings for attaching gear and creel bags
- Quick-release stripping apron
- Safety flag pocket
- Orange rear visability panel
Editor Rating:
Outcast Fishcat 4-LCS is a teardrop-style float tube without a lot of bells and whistles. Features include an adjustable backrest and two zippered cargo pockets. People who bought this tube loved how high it keeps you out of the water.
Users reported that their knees were above the water, leaving only their lower legs in the drink. This float tube is made from high-quality fabric and vinyl, which may account for its relatively high price point.
Highlighted Features
- Affordable float tube
- Better casting distance
- Includes an adjustable stripping apron
- Cargo pockets for storing your gear
- 2 zippered side pocket
Creek Company Style Float Tube teardrop-shaped float tube has a bunch of nice features. At 9.75 pounds, this tube is much lighter than most others which weigh in at around 20 pounds. Another nice feature is that this float tube comes with a carrying sack.
The seat is inflatable for added buoyancy and comfort. Optional pack straps are not included. Buyers noted that this float tube sits you up higher than most others, probably due to the inflatable seat. This is a really nice float tube if you need to carry it for a long distance.
Highlighted Features
- Pontoon Style Float Tube
- Inflatable/Adjustable Seat
- Multiple Compartment Side Storage Pockets
- Carry/Storage Bag Included
Editor Rating:
This 300 lb. capacity float tube from Outcast Super Cat has some nice features. Adjustable backrest, behind the seat storage, and a large number of compartments and pockets for storage are included on this orange and gray fishing machine.
One feature I liked is the foam seat cushion and backrest. They look especially comfortable. Users like how easy this float tube is to use, as well as get in and out of.
Highlighted Features
- The inflatable seat
- Backrest in the Super Fat Cat
- Comfort and compactibile
- Better visibility and casting distance
Editor Rating:
Togiak Inflatable Fishing Float Tube is a teardrop style float tube from Classic Accessories. Features include an adjustable backrest, rear mesh storage platform, and a horizontal rod holder. Users like its light weight for backpacking and the high seat height.
Some people complained that the two foam blocks that form the seat make it too bulky. Overall, this is a nice float tube for the price.
Highlighted Features
- High back stadium seat with adjustable backrest
- Roomy armrest storage with additional reel pockets
- Small mesh pockets and flat zip pockets
- Horizontal rod holder
- D-rings for attaching gear and creel bags
Editor Rating:
This float tube is a pontoon-style tube with an inflatable backrest. Features that stand out are the dual rod holders, a cupholder, and a sheepskin fly patch for all you flyfishermen.
This float tube has a 325 lb. weight capacity for the larger folks. User reviews of this float tube are overwhelmingly positive, with one guy reporting 14 years of use with his Navigator II. This is a nice package for the serious fisherman.
Highlighted Features
- Big pontoon style floats
- The weight capacity is 325lb. easily.
- Two oversized storage pockets
- Two rod holders
- The Outershell is made of tuff durable ripstop style nylon.
Editor Rating:
Caddis Sports Pro 2000 Float Tube is a teardrop-shaped boat from Caddis Sports. The first thing I noticed was that the seat height on this float tube looks higher than all the others, which many people prefer. Features include 2” foam back rest and seat, and a 250 lb. weight capacity.
This is a pretty simple, no frills float tube. People who have fished with this float tube like its 11.4 lb weight and easy casting due to high body position. This is a reasonably priced and durable fishing float tube.
Highlighted Features
- Comfortable adjustable 2″ foam seat & back rest
- Outer shell made of nylon packcloth
- Double-stitched on ciritcal seams
- Two large auxiliary pockets for storage
- Weight capacity is 250 lb easily
Final Verdict
Well, there you have it. These ten fishing float tubes are all great quality items to buy for your fishing arsenal. Remember to consider shape, comfort, storage, and portability in your buying decision, as well as price.
Out of these ten tubes, my personal favorite is the Creek Company 420 Ultralight Pontoon Style Float Tube, due to its super light weight and many excellent features. As I said before, all ten of these fishing float tubes are fine products. Just consider your own needs before you make the purchase. Happy Fishing!
