Float Tube Fishing in Ireland
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Float Tube Buyers Guide
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Float Tubes I can recommend .... try to get a urethane bladder tube if possible. |
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OUTCAST FAT CAT
Manufacturers Comment: The original V-shaped style float tube just got better. The addition of an adjustable height stripping apron allows a personalized fit for casting and landing fish. The foam seat and backrest provide a warmer and drier ride, a more efficient fin kick and the ability to see and cast farther than belly boats. The 600-denier PVC bottom resists snags, sharp rocks and everyday wear and tear. Urethane bladder in earlier versions, please check current specification. Factors to consider My Reviews of the Tubes Top |
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BUCK BAGS BULLET
Manufacturers Comment: The Bullet offers all the benefits of an open front, without the crossbar. The patented adjustable 22” mesh seat is padded on an internal stainless steel frame, setting a new standard for comfort and providing structural support for the open front design. The bow in the back of the boat helps you move through the water more efficiently. There are two storage pockets on each side with one additional pocket on top of the backrest. With a 42” width and 56” length, this boat is large enough to add a significant amount of stability and is very comfortable to sit in for a long period of time. The shell is a durable 420 denier nylon and the internal bladder is 100% urethane. 5 year warranty. Weight Capacity = 325lbs. Factors to consider My Reviews of the Tubes Top |
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SPARTON RED DEVIL CRUISER
Manufacturers Comment: Modified Vee designs specifically to suit British conditions. All pressure seams are triple stitched . Exclusive use of YKK zips and 1000 Denier CORDURA. Our standard V hull model supports fishermen up to 17stones in weight and comes with long pockets on either side, carrying straps, lung Inflation, triple urethane bladder, line tray, back bladder, adjustable seat, integral rod carriers and landing net velcro strip mounts. The most comfortable tube made ! (Please specify preferred colour and your weight) . Factors to consider My Reviews of the Tubes Top |
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OUTCAST FISH CAT 4 & FC4 DELUXE
Manufacturers Comment: The Fish Cat 4-LCS is an excellent value by combining a superior design with quality materials. This float tube, with a foam seat, was designed to keep anglers warmer and drier by positioning the seat above the water level. This also properly positions the angler for a more effective fin kick, offers a better field of vision and the opportunity for longer casts. The Fish Cat 4-LCS now incorporates an adjustable height stripping apron for easy entry and exit and a tensioned apron surface for better control of stripped line. Two spacious gear pockets with beverage holders keep necessities close. Constructed using two durable vinyl aircells and a 600-denier PVC bottom that resists snags and everyday wear and tear. The FC4 Deluxe has an inflatable seat.. Factors to consider My Reviews of the Tubes Top |
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SHAKESPEARE EXPEDITION
Manufacturers Comment: A totally new and innovative design by Steve Parton ... the well known UK Float tube specialist. ... has culminated in the launch of the Expedition - the ultimate top specification float tube that provides comfort, stability and above all safety. Field testing has been extensive and the unique ‘V’ shaped hull design ensures improved manoeuvrability and reduced drag through the water. The Expedition boasts 5 durable PVC bladders - 3 main hull bladders + 2 backrest compartment bladders for additional safety. All are fitted with life jacket quality inflation/deflation valves.. Factors to consider My Reviews of the Tubes Top |
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ODC 420 OUTDOOR
DISCOVERY & LIGHTWEIGHT VERSION
Manufacturers Comment: Float Tube Hybrid from The Creek Company. Thick foam seat keeps you comfortable and out of the water while increasing floatation. Tough PVC bottoms to resist wear and tear; the same material we use on our top of the line pontoon boats. Streamlined design makes moving around quicker than ever and increased side storage pocket size lets you bring the little extras you need. Rear storage area allows you to bring a small cooler with lunch or a dry bag with the bulkier items you may need (rain gear, cameras, nets, etc.). Comes with D-ring attachments for using our pack straps (not included) for easy packing. Weight 16lbs, capacity 300lbs . The lightweight version weight 8 lbs, capacity 300lbs. . Factors to consider My Reviews of the Tubes Top |
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BUCKS BAGS Hi & Dri
II Manufacturers
Comment: A donut round tube is slower, but very suitable for the newcomers, etc. The Hi & Dri II has been the standard for round tube design since 1981. It is unique in the fact that when inflated, it takes on a streamlined shape on the sides and forms a bow in the back of the boat which helps you move through the water more efficiently. The interior squares at the backrest, giving you more hip-room and expanding the patented adjustable seat to a roomy 20” width. There are two storage pockets on each side with one additional pocket on top of the backrest. With a 40” diameter we have designed this boat for stability and comfort. The shell is a durable 420 denier nylon. 5 year warranty Weight Capacity = 250lbs . Factors to consider My Reviews of the Tubes Top |
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SUPER FAT CAT
Manufacturers Comment: The Super Fat Cat tube from Outcast is loaded with comfort, convenience and durability and these features have been upgraded for 2008. There's a new adjustable-height stripping apron. The above-the-water seat allows you to see and cast farther than you can from traditional belly boats. With large pockets with beverage holders, D-rings for nets and accessories, and space for cargo or dry bags, you're ready for an entire day of fishing. When inflated, it measures a roomy 45" x 64", yet is highly manoeuvrable. Weighing 12 lbs., it can easily be packed into a remote mountain lake. The 600-denier PVC bottom is snag- and tear-resistant. All seams are sewn to guard against leaks. Features Summit 2 valves. Maximum capacity: 300 lbs. Five-year warranty. Colors: Green, Willow . Factors to consider My Reviews of the Tubes Top |
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Freestyle H3
Manufacturers Comment: A patent-pending, fully rockered design from North Fork Outdoors provides the stability needed to keep you fishing safely and comfortably. The Freestyle H3 comes standard with a rugged, heavy-duty Cordura nylon shell, four puncture-resistant urethane bladders, deluxe padded pockets and four air chambers with Halkey Roberts valves. 10-year manufacturer's warranty. Weight capacity: 350 lbs. Factors to consider My Reviews of the Tubes Top |
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Factors to Consider When Making the Final Choice:
Raised
Seats Made of Aeroboard Foam
Both the
ODC 420 and the regular Fat Cat have foam insert seats. The seat is a 3"
thick 2 foot wide slab of white foam. So these foam blocks take up
significant additional storage space beyond the rolled up bladder(s) and shell
when deflated.
It would be difficult to get either of these tubes into a frame type
backpack. The foam blocks are too large, clumsy, and bulky.
So if you need to get it into a backpack, don't go with a tube
with foam seats.
For a compact (when deflated) tube, you can choose either a Super Fat
Cat or a Fish Cat 4 Deluxe. The FC4 Deluxe is a Fish Cat 4 with an
inflatable seat.
The inflatable seats that roll up with the rest of the tube. The Bucks
Bags Bullet and Expedition have a mesh seat which is not so high. These fit in
reasonably small spaces and might fit into your backpack.
Backpacking inflated tubes
You
can carry your tube fully inflated with backpack type straps. In this
case the foam seat poses no problem. Just check the makes supplies a
pre-made backpack set, otherwise you will have to play with straps and
sewing needles! There is no problem backpacking an inflated tube.
It is pumped up at the car, maybe with a convenient electric pump. then
it will be ready to use when you walk to the fishing spot.
The reason why backpacking a deflated tube (inside the backpack) might
be desirable would be due to walking through a brushy tangled area where
the inflated tube would catch in tree branches causing wear and tear.
Weight
considerations arise when backpacking. If you want to backback your
craft into a high mountain trout lake ... for example you will find a
simple round boat, with a lightweight vinyl bladder, to be the best
choice from a weight consideration.
Urethane Vs PVC Vinyl Inner Air Chambers?
Experienced float
tubers learn to value the difference between more expensive urethane vs
lower cost vinyl inner air bladders. Vinyl is a less expensive air
chamber, used to provide affordable floating for tubers who are
not going to be using their craft very much, over a long period of time.
Like the old rubber round inner tubes, vinyl degrades over time, with
heavy use and exposure to sun, water and abuse.
Urethane air chambers generally have slightly
thicker walls and are "harder". In other words, they are more resistant
to casual pokes from fish spines or glass splinters on tarmac at the
carpark or lakeshore launch spot. Urethane is not impervious to getting
holes, just a little more resistant. Vinyl is soft and sharp points find
easier access.
Choosing ... round float tubes, U-tubes, or Vee-tubes
The
single biggest difference between "round boats" and the U-boat or Vee-boat
designs is in the launching and beaching process. Launching the
traditional "donut" requires that you step down into your craft, at some
point during the launching process. This is a big challenge for
beginners who do things in the wrong order.
The beginners try to step into their tubes with their scuba fins already
on their feet. Very funny to watch, it can be dangerous, toppling onto
rod and tackle often occurs! It is easier to lay your fins down
under the tube first (out of the water), in the place your feet will go
once you step in, and then step into both the tube and fins at the same
time,sit on the tube and place the ankle straps in position . After
that, you just lift the tube up around your waist and walk (backwards)
into the water.
For my children I have always used round tubes. The crotch cross strap
makes slipping out impossible. As they are more familiar with tubing
the U or Vee tubes with a crossbar are more suitable. Later a full open
front tube can be considered.
The U and Vee open end designs make launching and beaching much easier.
You can push your tube out into knee deep water in front of you as you
walk in. Pull it over to you, position yourself inside the open front of
the tube and then simply sit down. Beaching is just the reverse. You fin
over into water shallow enough to be able to stand up, stand up and walk
ashore towing or pushing the tube to shore like a dog on a leash.
V-Tube
with raised nose or ship's bow?
My Reviews of the Tubes
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The
ODC 420, Fish Cat and Fat Cat tubes have a vee bow which rises above the
water. This means that if you are sitting wrong you can tilt backwards,
pushing the nose of your craft down into the water. Now you are sitting
uncomfortably, and the streamlined design is not so efficient, making it
harder to fin along. On the other hand, these tubes have a higher
seat, with a better view, and faster speed.
The Expedition and Bullet have a vee nose which reaches down to the
water, like the bow of a ship. This means that these tubes have more
support up front, and the front can carry more weight. So if you are top
heavy, or very tall, or lean back while seated then these tubes may suit
you more. These particular tubes have a seat which is higher than a
round donut tube, but not so high as an ODC420, Fat Cat or Fish Cat, and
this means that in a wind you may be a tad slower, but there is less of
you sticking up to catch the breeze, and your energy to fin upwind will
be reduced.
My Own Reviews of the Tubes Above:
In sheltered areas, or big lakes on calm days high profile vee tubes Fish Cat, ODC420 and Fat Cat ride higher on the water surface and go faster. The Super Fat Cat and Freestyle H3 are similar for bigger people over eg 220lbs/10kgs. They have nice big pockets for tackle boxes. These are ideal for eg, lakes under 1 mile x 1/2 mile. If you are fishing in US, Canada, or continental European countries where wind is half what it is in the oceanic countries, these are ones to think hard about. For countries on the Atlantic seaboards eg Ireland, UK, Scotland, consider these but look more towards lower profile vee-tubes (next paragraph below).
However if
you are in the habit of fishing in a wind
of force 3 - 4,
the slightly lower height medium profile, more streamlined, vee-tubes come into their own. The
tubes listed above are long gone off the water by now but these are
still out fishing. A slightly lower profile reduces the effect of the
wind on these.
For a typical big breezy Irish or Scottish lough, or a bay in a major
lough like Ree, Derg, Owel, Ennell or Sheelin the Bullet and
Expedition, and Cruiser
are the ones I currently prefer
for average days.
When the wind exceeds force 4 you should not go out tubing on wide exposed loughs. The tube can take it no problem, but your legs will get tired from fighting the wind, and your enjoyment will reduce. In these conditions a 14' - 16' Irish outboard lake boat is more interesting because these are designed to take big rolling waves in their stride. However, on smaller 1/4 mile x 1/2 mile size lakes, float tubers with medium profile vee-tubes can still go afloat without a boat.
Beginners might try a round tube first, like the Buckaroo, Cutthroat or High & Dri. A round donut tube is a bit slower on the water, but it has a lower profile, a lower centre of gravity, and these features create a steady platform. Later when you are ready move up to a vee tube, the donut tube won't be wasted, it's also ideal for younger float tubing teens. I find an early version Fishmaster donut tube is made of seemingly indestructible materials and takes every abuse beginners dish out, remaining as good as it was coming out of the packaging.
If you
expect to keep the same tube for over two years, cough up the extra cash
and try to ensure
your new water craft has a urethane air bladder
inside. If the one you buy does not have this option, just a vinyl
bladder, pay attention to bleeding a bit of air out during hot
conditions, or before driving a pre-inflated tube up to higher altitudes
in the car. After a couple of years you can get a new vinyl air bladder
to refresh the strength and durability of this part of your tube.
People
backpacking over a
distance to a remote
lake should pay attention to weight. Round donut tubes are far lighter,
but some vee tubes are reasonable in the weight department provided you pick
carefully.
Not all tubes have a pre-made set of backpack straps available. these
allow it to be carried a good distance fully inflated, which can be
handy, you can then leave electric air pumps and batteries at the car
and not have to carry them with you, although a lightweight hand pump
may be useful for topping up if you have a drop in temperature. That is
an ODC420 ready for backpacking in the picture (right).
In fact the only reason I can think of for backpacking your tube
deflated, would be if you are walking along forested or bushy pathways,
which would catch and scrape at a bulky inflated tube on your back. The
best designed straps can take the tube inflated, or deflated, whichever
suits the angler and the venue best. The Bucks Bags straps do this, I am
not sure which of the others do, but it may be a key feature to research
while making your buying decision.
Start with medium fins for the first few months. You can not jump straight in with the best fins. Trust me on this. Plenty have tried before you. A stiff long fin too soon will break you and give muscle cramps which are painful. After maybe six months or a year get a pair of Mares Avantis and then you can go faster, tube longer, and deal with more wind. (But if you had got them at first you would have most likely thrown them away as not suitable, or possibly given up float tubing altogether.)
Email me for more information if needed. See the float tube contacts HERE. Call Norm or Patrick at Green Hobby & Model, Harolds Cross, Dublin Tel: From outside Ireland 00-353-1-4928776 , From Ireland 01-4928776