Tube or Toon? Which one is for you

Float Tubes and Fishing Pontoons are extremely popular today as a unique and effective fishing platform. Self propelled, stealthy, and with a close proximity to your environment that is unmatched, make Float Fishing so very rewarding and fun. I don’t believe there is a more basic and enjoyable way to pursue fishing. Over the years, the Float Tube has evolved, improving and adding features of safety, comfort, and fishability. As a result of Float Fisherman’s interest in an ever more effective platform, a smaller version of the whitewater cataraft, or the Fishing Pontoon Boat became the
logical progression. These two now, are the most popular of the inflatable Float Fishing
platforms.

NOTE: The newest and VERY popular frameless permutation of the Pontoon, is a special addition to the Float Fisherman’s options and may be the perfect hybrid. An article for another edition perhaps?…
As a member of the FTFF I have read and discussed (argued?) the attributes of both,
(Toobs and Toons) particularly in regards to discussions advising those in the market to purchase an inflatable, and trying to decide between the two. I have over the years, owned and fished, a variety of both.

     When I decided to offer Jeff my thoughts on a comparison of Toobs and Toons, I went hard at researching and developing a fair comparison of the two, and after three or four frustrating drafts, (this being #5)
 I suddenly realized that comparing the two is almost impossible ( and definitely an exhausting volume of reading! ), because they are inherently different watercraft. So instead, here is my simplest description of
my likes and dislikes of both…. Now, before we get to the meat of this article, let me state that my perspective on Toobing
and Tooning, is primarily, and most importantly, about the FISHING.  Although the overall experience of Float Fishing goes well beyond simply the fishing, I tend to focus closely on the fishing.

That being said,…..

The Float Tube:
     The Float Tube is the simplest bridge between the shore and offshore. The most basic of watercraft. So basic in fact, the United States Coast Guard and most state motor/aquatic vehicle agencies still do not know how to designate it. But, in its simplicity, lies its charm, and ever growing popularity.

LIKES:
1)Toobs are cheap. Even the most sophisticated, feature laden toobs, are well   within the financial reach of most of the fishing populous.

2) Toobs are easy to assemble and operate. Blow it up, throw it in the water, climb in, kick and go fish! Justlike that!

3) Toobs are easy to transport and store. Most Float Tubes, even fully inflated, can be transported in the typical passenger car, carried easily by hand, and (when deflated) take up no more room than a large suitcase in a closet.

4) Toobs are built tough and last a long time. Barring a catastrophic failure or dumb abuse, and with very little maintenance, a good quality Toob can last you a lifetime.

5) Toobs are a great and satisfying fishing platform. Toobs put you closer than almost any other platform, to your quarry. They enable you to fish in tight spaces, but still have the ability to fish almost anywhere else a normal boat can go, (weather and water conditions permitting).

DISLIKES:
1)Toobs are sloooooow…… nuff said.

2)Toobs can be a bit uncomfortable in less than ideal conditions. For myself comfort equates to quality fishing time on the water. Toobs, because of their simple design and construction can be a bit of an effort to maintain a comfort level that allows you the maximum amount of stress free time on the water. Hypothermia, cramps, limited movement, and sitting down in a soft inadequately supported seat with chest waders on, Toobs are a wet ride in bad conditions,… Well,…. you get the picture.

3)Toobs are not particularly seaworthy. Susceptible to wind, wave, and current, and having only your best physical effort to supply locomotion, they are at best a fair weather, short range, platform.

4) Toobs are small. Fisherman are notorious for needing to carry lots and lots of stuff. Toons are inherently poor regarding cargo, and/or accessories carry.

The Pontoon:
     The Pontoon is the natural progression in the Float Fishing realm, from the Float Tube
to a more conventional watercraft. It is a boat. A small, very special kind of boat.



     Simple, self propelled, and with the same close proximity to the environment we all enjoy in the Toob, BUT,…. with the improvements in performance, comfort and fishability that make it my choice in Float Fishing. (REMINDER: I am about the fishing!)

LIKES:
1) Toons are a real boat. Toons sit on the water. You sit on the Toon. As much as this is a difference of just a few inches ( the proximity of your butt, to the water surface), It is the world of difference. Toons are fast, very maneuverable, a dry ride (comfort), warm (comfort again), can be propelled by an assortment of means, have great range and seaworthiness, are inherently safe, can carry a BOATLOAD (pun) of stuff, and are an extremely worthy fishing platform.

DISLIKES:
1) Toons are a real boat. With the decision to own a Toon, comes the commitment to own a boat. Toons are expensive. Toons are bigger, heavier, need more room to store, are less easy to transport, (especially, from your vehicle to the water), are more complicated with more parts, require more assembly time, and maintenance, can carry a BOATLOAD (pun) of stuff, AND!…. if you decide to put a motor on it, has to be registered with the local Department Of Motor Vehicles!!!

    As I have mentioned before Toobs and Toons are completely different, and yet similar items. One is about simplicity and economy. The other, about commitment, and performance. The common element between the two is the ability to enter the environment on a close and personal level and enjoy Fishing at it’s simplest and most rewarding.


     My next article regarding the Toob and Toon will be a more technical and comprehensive comparison that will help support my aforementioned contentions regarding both.


By; FTFF Contributor

Article from the Float Tube Fishing Quarterly Magazine:
https://www.joomag.com/en/newsstand/the-float-tube-fishing-forum-vol-1-issue-3/0081505001405147900

Classic Accessroies Colorado Pontoon Boat

   

      I had the pleasure of give one of these boats away on our Float Tube Fishing Forum just recently. We have a annual toy drive for the spark of love, and Classic Accessories has for the last 4 year donated to the cause.  I thought I would take a quick moment to give a small review about the Colorado Pontoon Boat.   To start after receiving the pontoon boat at home I decided to build it so that I could take proper pictures for our members to know what they were competing for.  

      It is a fairly easy boat to build as I was able to have it together in the my living room with in an hour.  Being the first Pontoon boat I had built I figure that is not to bad.  you start with the pontoons and inflate to almost full capacity.  The combination quick inflation/ deflation valves made inflation quick and simple these are a great improvement on the basic valves you still find on float tubes.  After the pontoons are inflated you then are able to add the mounting assembly to the pontoons  which is used to attach the seat to as well as to have have the pivot spot for the oars.  

      Next you add the seat assembly which is simple attached with pin system assembly which make it easy to assemble and disassemble.  Then you attach the back basket and anchor arm.  This piece has both a anchor pulley and a plate to mount a trolling motor to.  Finally you need to attach the foot resets and add the oars and you are ready to go.  Overall I believe this Pontoon boat is a great product from Classic Accessories.  If you are in the market for a 9' pontoon boat this is one you might want to look at.  Below is a list of spec's that  you might find helpful in making your discussions.    

Special Features 

• High storage capacity; includes 10 mesh pockets, 12 zippered pockets and two insulated drink holders
• Wire rear storage and battery platform
• Rod holder can be mounted in three different positions on each oar stand
• Anchor system with fillable mesh bag; cleat and pulley controls can fit on right or left side of boat
• Sturdy two position motor mount for trolling
• Detachable foam fly patch

Boat Specifications

• 9' pontoons
• 400 lb capacity
• River rating—Class 1
• Assembled size: 108"L 56"W 26"H
• Weight: 71.5 lbs

Comfort Features

• Three oar-lock positions
• Seat and footrests adjust to a wide range of leg lengths
• Padded fold-down plastic seat

Safety Features

• Safety labeling as per ABYC standards
• Rides high for improved visibility
• Unique dual-side stripping apron with fish ruler allows entry and exit without unclipping
• Non-slip footrests

Construction Features

• Heavy-duty pontoons with abrasion-resistant PVC bottoms and tough nylon tops
• Bronze oar-locks
• Powder-coated steel tube frame
• Rugged 7' two-piece aluminum oars
• Cold and heat-resistant bladders
• Combination quick inflation/ deflation valves

Caddis and the New Teardrop

The Teardrop by Caddis

There newest float tube is a upgrade from there Caddis Pro 2000.  This new product looks to be very similar to the Pro 2000 but there are some big differences between the both of them.  The top and pockets are made of heavy-duty rip stop material and heavy duty Tarpaulin bottom to reduce resistance in the water and protect against punctures and wear. All critical seams are double stitched. Foam seat and adjustable backrest sits you above the water for less drag and warmer days of fishing. Storage features include two large and two small pockets, front rod holder straps, two dry fly patches and cargo area behind seat. Custom Boston Valves and bladder-to-cover attachment points make filling and deflating your Premier Plus easy. Also includes florescent safety accents behind the seat, stabilizer bar and stripping apron and D-Rings for shoulder straps. The maximum weight capacity on this float tube is 325 lbs.  This is a weight increase of almost 100 lbs from the Pro 2000.

The seat or back rest appears to have been made a little taller which is a great improvement over the Pro 2000.  I would also like to point out that the two pontoons are now attached unlike the Pro 2000 create better stability in the water.  I had a Pro 2000 and I will say it is a good way to get in to a stadium seated type float tube.  There was a lot lacking in the Pro 2000 and it looks as if they have addressed some of these issue.  The tube sells for $200 which again is not a bad price for a decent entry level float tube of this quality.  I have not heard any reviews on this float tube as of yet.  If looks are any indication it should have some pretty good reviews.  

Tioga Inflatable Pontoon Boat Closeout

9' deluxe pontoon boat with padded seat, side rod holder, removable stripping apron and stowable transport wheel for $388.33 Closeout Deal including Free shipping.  So from time to time I come across deals that I feel I need to share.  So Cover Bonanza came to me with two deal and this is one that they wanted me to spread the word on.
This is a Closeout due to a simple mistake that was made, it was to have gray straps and the straps ended up being tan.  Such a simple mistake that was made means that the customer will get a great deal.   If you look this up on Amazon it sells for $100 more plus you are getting free shipping.  I would jump on this if I was not married with three kids,, but I am so I am passing the deal on to others.
Here are some of the specs you might be looking for on this Pontoon Boat: 

• 9' pontoons
• 400 lb capacity
• River rating - class 1
•  Assembled size: 108"l 58"w 26"h 
• Weight: 68 lbs

There is a limited number of these in stock and I will be sharing this with others soon.  So if you are looking to upgrade and wanted a deal I think you should check this out http://www.coverbonanza.com/38900/709275/Pontoon-Boats/Tioga-Inflatable-Pontoon-Boat.html

BW Sport Floatpower "trolling motor for you tube"

Tierd of cramps in your legs when float tubing, or just can get througth the wind on you favorite lake. Or maybe your just plan lazy, ok scratch the last one because you are out on the water in a float tube and that does take some work.

here is an alternative to float tube fins must of you know about this, but still some out there are new check it out.

You now can enjoy float tubing like never before. Float tube with ease and confidence in windy conditions. Fish longer with little or no fatigue and cover more water in less time. The unique FloatPower design provides simple and quick attachment to virtually any float tube or pontoon raft. When used with any inexpensive electric trolling motor and battery, FloatPower provides enough power to pull your float tube, with a second or third float tube attached. This enables effortless float tubing opportunities for yourself, or with a friend.

the cost for this is just a hair under $100 and this maybe worth it for many reason, you just have to convince yourself.

The Trinity Float Tube

I dont really ever have a chance or place to do this, but I would like to try it one day. The Trinity Float tube system is designed for the float tuber that needs a light wieght tube that can be back packed into remote locations.weighs only 8 pounds. It features 5 air chambers, 2 large gear pockets, an inflatable stripping apron and a mesh cargo deck.

I dont think that it is much to look at but that is not what it is for, alot was cut out to keep it light and able to fit in to a back pack along with it pump. Made my Outcast you know thit it is quality and going to last. The only problem I can see is the cost $500 to $600 this is not a starter tube, but well worth a good look.

Finding a float tube for less

If you are looking for a first float tube and need to save some money or have very little to spend, it can be hard to find something. However I think a good place to start would be the Bass Pro Shop www.basspro.com and search for float tubes. The Bass Pro Shop has a White River Fly Shop brand that look to be worth a further inspection. The cost is under $80 and from what I can see has got some great reviews, and you can also compare them to the higher end float tubes out there. Yes most will say spend the money and you will be happier but I was and still am in the same boat as some, money is important so shop around and you maybe just as happy as everyone else on the water. Below are a few pictures of the White River Fly Shop float tubes I found on line.