Foo - Float tubes

Does anyone here fish in lakes with float tubes?

I was looking at some of the cheaper Caddis pontoon style float tubes but wasn't sure what the advantage was over the u-shape/v-shape style ones was. Weight? I would also like to keep the price for the float tube under $100 if possible, I'm willing to spend up to $150 if it's worth it to spend the extra $$$.

Also, how hard is it to rig up some rod/net holders out of pvc? And where do you put all your hooks/lures/leaders/etc.? I was thinking to put them in those yellow prescription bottles that you get from the pharmacy. And where do you put the fish you catch, on a stringer? I saw someone using a sort of floating live-well thing made out of PVC, but I didn't know where you could get netting to make something like that.

Another thing I was wondering about were the waders and boots/flippers. What thickness should I get for water around 50degrees farenheit? Any suggested brands/styles? Again, I'd like to keep the waders/boots/flippers under $100. Could possibly scrape together an extra $20-$30 if needed.

I know, lots of questions. Thanks for any(and all) help!

Oh BTW, what kind of lures do you guys like for trout? I'm fishing rainbow trout in semi-murky/clear water. Some suggestions for color would be nice too. Right now I'm using an assortment of Powerbait dough(not much luck), Panther Martin spinners in gold/silver(various weights), Kastmasters gold/silver-blue (1/8th oz.), some little jigs called LeLand's Trout magnets and various live bait setups.

I was thinking of trying Berkley Power Worms(some guys at Poway had good luck with these today, a 4lb and 2 2lb rainbows) and some baits called "lip'ripperz".

When I summer vacation on the Au Sable river in Mio, Mich, I am the King of Tubing...my wee silky terrier on my lap as captain of our innertube...the most prominent portion of my anatomy as an excellent & well-cooled keel...my flat-coated retriever swimming the river & wading the banks of our Floating Paradise! Is this the kind of float tube you're looking for? Probably not...but I believe the Spirit is the same... :rolleyes:

The tube is more like a U-shape with a seat in the middle and a tray that goes over you're lap.

Specifically made for fishing, nice story though:D

Just a couple of comments...

Regarding lures, sounds like you have the usual suspects covered...if the water is murky, or if the water is too warm, Power Bait will likely be your best bet for trout. I never spend too much time with one lure; if they ain't biting, try something else.

As far as float tubes go...I know next to nothing about float tubes, but I've always thought it would be a great method for fishing all the illegal spots up here in the Bay Area. I know a couple of reservoirs where you could absolutely slay the bass if fishing were legal! Store-bought goldfish make surefire bass bait, but they are always illegal as hell, so you didn't hear it here.

Oh, back to the trout...if you can ever find natural baits on-site such as grasshoppers or worms, use those, and hold on to your float tube!

Since float tubes and related gear are marketed primarily to fly fishers, it seems like they would be rather expensive, like way over $100. But look around used, and you're bound to get lucky.

Actually the float tubes were cheaper than I thought, a basic pontoon-style tube from Caddis is about $80.

I never seem to have luck with worms, I always catch the little fishies. I'm going to try some of those Berkely trout worms next time I go.

If I use powerbait I use the charteuse, red/pink and rainbow. Any suggestions for a lake that hovers around 60F and is crystal clear?

I gotta agree with the goldfish, just don't get caught!

The U or V shaped tubes are easier to get in/out of.

Don't worry about a net holder, there are nets that have a bungee running through the frame and through the handle. You clip the bungee to your float tube. When you pull the net away from the tube, the bungee stretches easily.

I keep my fish on a stringer. I will put the lures I want into a small double sided tackle box and put that in one of the pockets.

Get light-weight neoprene waders that fit loosely. You can wear sweatpants or polartech underneath. Tuck your pants into your socks to keep them from riding up when you put on the neoprene waders.

Look for adjustable fins you can wear comfortably (soft ankle/foot) with or without the waders. When it is hot outside it is nice to wear only the swim trunks.

Thanks neuronbliss, so I'm basically trying to minimize the junk I have to tow around with me.

I'll need:

net
small tackle box[X]
waders
fins
float tube

What about the boots that they sell for you to wear with the waders, are those any good? I'm assuming you can't swim very well with them on.

thanks for the help!