I recently asked for recommendations on a float tube for halibut and bass fishing. Thanks to everybody for the input. I will probably buy one this week. ...but while looking around on the internet, I ran accross a product that turns a basic car-tire innertube into a fishing tube. It is called the Deschutes Float Tube Converter.

I am curious, has anybody ever had a puncture in a float tube while fishing? Is sinking really a big concern? Does it really ever happen? The idea of a $29 float tube converter is attractive, but maybe there is a reason the $150 float tube is covered in that bullet proof stuff -- maybe a basic innertube in the ocean isn't really safe??? Anybody have an opinion?

FISHLIPS

A basic truck inner tube is what is inside your round tubes. Unless you do something crazy these type are almost indestructable. Just make sure you don't put lures in the pockets with exposed hooks. You also don't want to leave them fully inflated for long periods of time. You should be able to pick up a round tube for no more than $50 or $60. If you were to buy an inner tube seperately it will cost you around $20. Plus the cost of that kit, you're really not saving any money. If you're looking for durability, then go with the round tube. If you want to be a little more comfortable and be a little quicker, go with a pontoon or u-tube style. Also, whichever you go with, if you buy it from a reputable company, they will have warranty coverage. This way you can replace something(sometimes the whole unit) if something fails.

Oh, and yes, they do get holes in them and worse. I left a Zara Spook in one of the pockets one time in my round tube. Made a small hole and I lost air very slowly. I also had a bass make a charge at me with a mouth full of chug bug in my Nav4 with the same results. Nothing life threatening. But it did put an end to a day of fishing. I'm sure someones got a horror story or two.

Horror stories I don't have, Thankfully....Hey whats up Todd!! Been away from the fresh water action lately, been hitting San Luis Harbor, going out there again this weekend. Yes, same place the woman was killed by a great white....The Hali's have been hitting hard out there lately.

Tube safety in the ocean, this has been a big thing on my mind since I started in salt water....not so worried about it in Fresh. If you are doing mainly salt water fishing then I would recommend a wet suit and life vest....its the best back up. As far as tubes, the Caddis Nav. II has three different compartments, kind of hard to puncher all three at one time...I think you can find them around a $100.

Have fun,

Bryan V.

Sorry, that was a Nav 4. I have...lol...I'm in the kickboat more though...

Have you tried the Kickboat in the salt? I love mine and use it a fair bit out of Capitola (South of Santa Cruz). I launch off a floating dock mostly but have gone through the surf a few times. I haven't tried launching in anything over 3 or so feet but have recovered in 6+feet. I figure I look a lot less like a seal in my Kickboat than when I was using a U-tube and I'm not on the bulls-eye anymore either. I wash it every time with salt-X and haven't had any problems. I pull the foot-pegs out and squirt it up into the frame pieces.
Tight lines,
Wade

Hey Wade...

Yep, been using the kickboat, I have a Waterskeeter Rebelion. Not bad in the ocean. Handles good in light surf. I've used my Nav. in the ocean also, and yes I like the kickboat better cus I am completely out of the water most of the time. No havn't been using anying but the hose to wash it down, hmm wonder if I should be using something else?
I like Pete Wolf's suggestion on getting out past the surf, laying on the tube and kicking out. Alot better then turning your back to the surf and paddling like a mad man!!

have fun,

Bryan V.

Hey Brian. Yeah I noticed you kind of disappeared from the other board. I have seen your other posts on these boards though. I sure would like to hit the big salty. I went one time down in Long Beach. Caught a bunch of short halis and some decent spots. It just cost too much money to travel anymore.

I have had quite a few leaks in my float tubes over the years. They have always been very slow leaks that never put me in any kind of danger.

But... I would be very uncomfortable in a float tube where the insert (truck tire tube or bladder) was not incased in some kind of fabric or canvas or whatever they use and this is why... when I lived back East I used to float fish down warm water rivers using an inner tube like you described. I would just sit/lay on top and fish while I floated downstream (tons of fun if you've never done it!). One time I caught a nice largemouth and somehow it flopped so that one of the dorsal spines caught the inner tube and it exploded - literally! My sister was with me in another tube and she said one second I was there, then there was a big POP! and the next second I was gone.

If that converter thing is what I think it is (I saw one in a catalog once) then most of the tube is exposed which I would be very leary about.

Now when I float down the river back East (on vacation) I use an old float tube.