The Float Tube Fishing Forum

 So we have been running our Float Tube Fishing Forum for the last 12 years now and have had a lot of success.  We just want you to know we are still running and doing what we do best.  Helping newbies to the float tubing world get started.  If you are new and looking for information to get started or are a seasoned veteran who would like to share there knowledge.  The Float Tube Fishing Forum is the right place for you.  Join us in 2023 and be part of something you can be proud of.

Float Tube Fishing Forum  

The Float Tube Fishing Forum is 10 years old

Today January 5th of 2020 is the day the Float Tube Fishing Forum turned 10 years old.  This is an achievement that we will be celebrating here at the FTFF.   If you are not a member of the Float Tube Fishing Forum maybe its time to checked up out.  We educate, connect members with needed products and promote the sport for the future.
The forum is free to join and free to talk on so don't be shy join the group and get involved as we work on our next 10 years.  The Float Tube Fishing Forum We're Always On The Fish.

Maxxon XPW 240 is on Sale $999

       That is right the Maxxon XPW 240 is on sale for $999 that is a $300 savings.  Not sure how long this will last so you don't want to miss out on this sale.  The Maxxon XPW 240 is one amazing inflatable watercraft that will last you years to come and keep you safe in the water.  I have been using it now for the past year and I can safely say it is one of the very best float tubes out there. 

       If you are interested in purchasing the XPW 240 you can contact us at the Float Tube Fishing Forum ( floattubefishingforum73@gmail.com ).  We at the FTFF are also offering a Layaway program that will help you break up the payments.  Reach out to us to find out more.

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Float Tube Fishing Forum

Float Tube Fishing and Fins

This one of the most common questions on our forum and what people ask me is what type of fins should I be using.  That is a tough question to answer or is it.  Here is my thought, after 20 years of float tube fishing I can say this get a pair that fit and use them.  The more important question is what type of waders are you using.  Boot waders require a specific type of fin and stocking foot waders a different type.  The following video cover the basic's that you need to know and as mentioned in the video Muscle Memories is something we don't take into account.

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https://youtu.be/oB-Z4pB7z7Q

Maxxon XPW 240 All you need to get on the water

So I have been lucky enough to have the ability to test and review some really great boats recently.  I have recently been using the XPW 240 from Maxxon Inflatable.  So let me start with this hybrid boats might be expensive but they are so worth every penny.  A hybrid is a float tube that is bladderless and tough. So many think that bladderless boats leave you with the possibility of catastrophic failure, and I was concerned about this as well.  But once I inflated the first Hybrid I was confident that I would be safe. These boats are built to last.

The Maxxon Inflatable XPW 240 is a drop-stitch flat float tube that is unusual looking.  Once you get on this boat and kick offshore you quickly notice this Hybrid boat is one solid and stable boat.  The size of the XPW 240 is almost 8' long and 4' wide and weighs 40 pounds.  Right away you can see that this is a large inflatable that can seem tough to move from the truck to the water.  First, it packs down into a bag that can be put in the trunk of a car with a lot of room left over. Also, you can simply carry it to the water as it has 2 handles perfectly placed to make it balanced and light when you carry it.  

The XPW 240 when on the water is just so comfortable and moves like a dream.  I have been in float tubes for a long time they move with such easy it's amazing.  So I really thought at first it would take more work and effort to move this boat in the water.  I figured I would be tired after struggling to kick this big inflatable in the water. Well, there is nothing further from the truth.  These flatboats glide over the surface of the water and have no drag. I remember being in the sling seat float tubes way back when. Those had drag as half your body was in the water, so it stands to reason the less of you in the water the less drag.  Of course, besides you not being in the water, there is less tube in the water as well. This boat sits right on top of the water.

The XPW 240 by Maxxon Inflatables is one of the top leave boats on the market.  I can safely say you will be happy with a boat like this any questions please ask I am happy to share more details floattubefishingforum73@gmail.com / https://squareup.com/store/floattubeforum

Float Tube Buyers Guide from my eyes

     I have been tubing now for the last 20 years.  I started off in a Browning u-boat which served me well over the years.  I fished it as much as I could and got some great use out of it.  Of course like most sports we are always looking for what is new and better.  I soon found the next best things started to move up in tubes.  Here is what I have floated in over that past 20 years.

• Browning Uboat
• Gallatin Pontoon boat
• Kennebec Pontoon
• Togiak Fishing Float Tube
• U-Boat 2000
• Big Horn Float Tube
• Caddis Pro 2000
• Stillwater Talon
• ODC 420
• Cumberland 
• Seven Bass Flatform

     Over the years I have had lots of experience in different types of tubes as you can see.  I have been able to fish them in different situations and locations.  I have built rod racks and fish finder mounts for them and have generally learned a lot as far as what worked best at least for me.  So what should you look for when you are buying your first or next float tube.

     I believe after fishing in the float tubes with sling bottom seats that being high out of the water is a plus, and would be what most are looking for.  However I have noticed that the higher you are out of the water the more you are at the mercy of the wind that comes up when you are on the water.  It is simple the more body under the water the less you are moved by the wind.  Of course the flip side is the more body in the water the more you are subject to the currents of the water.  So be sure to look at the areas you intend to fish and choose what would work best for you.

     I think the next thing to look at is the tackle storage pockets, some boats have different designs but they are not all equal.    I like the pockets that open to one large pouch using 2 zippers on either end, like what is found on the Cumberland.  The pockets that have 2 pockets on each side that opens with one zipper for each side limit the ability to put in and take out your tackle with out any issues.  Plus the sides matters you need enough room to put in your small size tackle boxes.  A quick fix for these issue are smaller sized tackle boxes or zip lock bags to hold your tackle, this may not be an option for some.

     Next you should be thinking of weight of the overall tube.  This matters especially if you are like to hike to those back country fishing spots.  Some tubes are pretty heavy some are amazing light and still some are right in the middle.  I have used some very light weight tubes and they worked well but in most cases lacked the other things I liked in a float tube like small pockets or low seats.  I have used much heavier tubes as well which have the quality and float high ability, but the weight does limit the distance you can park away form the water.  In my opinion if you are like me, you don't hike but you do like to find new waters, weight can be and issue and you want to find the tube that fits your weight needs.

     Finally you should also be looking for overall quality, or could I say longevity.  It is nice to have a boat that you know will last you a few seasons of fishing, and one that can take the abuse we have can put or tubes through.  The old adage is you get what you pay for and in the world of float tube fishing that is so true.  You can spend as light as $80 and as much as $1500 what is your budget and what are you looking for.  If you are someone that maybe goes out 2 or 3 times a year and just for the heck of it, maybe the low cost options are a good deal for you.  Whoever if you are someone that heads out 2 to 3 time a month or more and fishing is a true passion and not just a fun occtional activtiy they you will be looking to spend some money to get a float tube that with with stand the infalte and deflate over and over again and the constent tossing in and out of your truck or car.  It is very true you get what you pay for.  But even if you buy on the lower end of the scale as long as you take care of your boat you can make it last. 

     I have tried many different tubes over that last 20 years some were great and some were not.  Some I miss and some I do not, if you are looking to get in to this sport I hope I gave you some insight and helped you naviagate the wide world of float tubes that are out there.  Shop around and ask around there is a lot of info out there you just need to search it out.   The sport of float tube fishing is a passion of mine and I know it might not be for everyone, but if you get the right tube you might have a better experiance then you thought.  Good luck and happy shopping.

Float Tube Fishing Forum Quarterly Magazine Vol: 5 Iss: 1

It is a pleasure to build and publish these magazines for the Float Tube Fishing Community.  I hope you enjoy reading them as much as we enjoy building them.  It is tough sometimes but in the end, we are pretty happy with what we produce.  Remeber if you ever have suggestions, comments, or would like to submit an article please contact us at floattubefishingforum73@gmail.com

No here is our most current issue Volume-5 Issue-1

Volume: 5 Issue: 1

Float Tube Fishing Forum Tournaments

    So we at the Float Tube Fishing Forum have been running a Float Tube Tournament Series for the last 2 years now.  Things have gone very well and we will continue to work hard to improve and build this is to something big for the Float Tube Fishing World.  Do you think you have what it takes to battle Float Tubers from all over the US, in a Tournament Series style platform?  If you can do this come to the Float Tube Fishing Forum for more details and sign up for our June - September Tournament.  Tell your friends and spread the word, because you know, the more competitors the more fun we will have. 

Also be sure to check out our sponsors:

Fishhead Custom Lures

Coolbaits Lure Co.

Slab Zone Lures

Smartbaits Lures

Reebs Lures

Classic Accessories

A Better Bag

Basshavior Baits

Float Tube Fishing Tournaments, Yep they have those

The Float Tube Fishing Forum has been around now for 8 years, and in that time we have developed a reputation for being in the mix of all things float tube.  Our job has been to spread the word about this amazing and sometimes miss understood sport.  It is also to promote safety, share tips and techniques and educate the newbies to the sport.  We have been doing this for the past 8 years now and I think we have done this well, but there is always work to be done and room to improve.

But about 5 years in we had some pushing from members to start a tournament series involving only float tubes.  This at the time seemed like a good idea, but quickly lead to some problems and the realization that we were not ready.  So that first attempted was ditched and we moved back to our strong suits, education, safety and just promoting the sport.  Will time heals old wounds and after about 2 years of growth we looked to be more prepared to run the Float Tube Tournament Series.  We are now in the second year and things could not be going any better.  Our tournament is open to anyone in the U.S. and we hope to expand to outside the U.S. in time.  You can fish any body of water that can be float tubed, and that includes both freshwater and saltwater.

The tournament runs for about 3 months twice a year and has some ever growing prizes.  Grand prize is a new Cumberland Float Tube and could be growing even more soon.  There are about 7 to 8 different fishing product companies that join up to promote and provide prizes like lures, apparel, and float tube related products.  At this point, we can say that this is running so well that we plan on continuing these tournaments for years to come, and if it goes like the forum it will just continue to grow and thrive as it moves on.  If you would like to know more or would like to get involved, please check out the Float Tube Fishing Forum or email us at jeffcpr2@gmail.com

Float Tube Fishing Forum Quarterly Magazine

Decembers Magazine issue

Love to float tube fish, think you cannot get enough.  Well welcome to my world I enjoy it so much I decided it was time to share with the world.  Subscribe for free to The Float Tube Fishing Forum Quarterly Magazine.

Float Tube Fanatics has made some major growth

     A good friend of mine up in Canada has been making a selling Float Tube Fish Finder Mounts for a few years now.  He has been making a very cool product that allows Float Tubers and Pontooners to choose any fish finder we would like to take with us on our personal boats.  His whole design is simple and compact but extremely well made.  Well now he has taken his fish finder mount system to the next step.  Now you can take your fish finder and mount system with you on your kayak, Canoe or aluminum boat.  If you have not seen Float Tube Fanatics and there fish finder mount product, you need to check them out.

 


http://www.floattubefanatics.com/

Check out this great video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_VXD2d9Bfg

Smartbait "Color Changes Everything"

      The company named Smartbaits came o us at the Float Tube Fishing Forum and asked if we could advertise for them and help spread the word.  These baits come in a variety of different types, from soft plastics to hard plastics, all of which change color in the water.  The way this works is through temperature, as the temperature of the water changes so does the color of the bait.     Here are a picture demonstrating the color change the lures go through.

      On their website there is a lot of examples of the color change, as of course the best way to see how this works is to try the for your self.

 

      Smartbaits Inc.

808 Commerce Park Dr.,

Ogdensburg, NY, USA

E-mail: sales@smartbaits.net

4th Annual FTFF Toy Drive is underway

         It is that time of year everyone the holidays are here and it is also time for us to reflect on all the good things in our lives.  While you do your reflection, lets make sure we have take time to think about all those kids that don't have it as good as we do.  Or maybe you were one of those kids and remember what it was like to not have much around the Holidays.  Well here is our chance to once again make a difference in one of those kids life.

         This is our 4th year running our FTFF Toy Drive, where we collect toys from our members and the public to donate to the Spark of Love in December.  We have had a great time over the years and this year is going to be no different.  There are to events open to the public, one is held in Newport Harbor, and the other is in Lake Perris.  Both events are being run in early December and all information can be found in the attached flyer, and on our forum.  You can also e-mail me with any questions (jeffcpr@hotmail.com)

Float Tube Kicking Technique Video

OK so I am not much of a GoPro genius but I thought maybe I could shoot a video showing underwater footage on different float tube Kick techniques.  Is there anyone that think this might be something they would like to see.  I will make sure to keep it simple and strait to the point, what do you think. You can see this video in the next 2 weeks on our forum and YouTube.

Tubing the Salt VS Tubing the Fresh

I have now had the pleasure here is sunny Southern California of fish both Freshwater and Saltwater, so which one do I feel is better.  I though I knew the answer until recently.  I was always found in the Freshwater Tubing and always though there is no way on Gods green earth you will find me hanging my toes in the waters were you find thoughts toothy man eaters.
I mean I saw Jaws, and that was enough to say Saltwater fishing is to be done from shore or a nice big boat. Well after years of fishing in Freshwater from my tube and just loving it, I was approached by some friends to do a fishing session in Newport Harbor.  So I took a chance and after that I could say I was hook on tubing the salt.  Freshwater tubing is just a great time fishing, and for the most part very safe, at least safer than fishing in the saltwater.  You are in a locked body of water for the most part with very light water movement, of course there is wind issues, but using your head and planning your trips makes it fairly safe.
Being new to Saltwater I had and still have a lot to learn.  In the Saltwater you are still very safe being protected because we stay in the Harbors and Bays.  It is like fishing a big lake, the important things to know here are there is current (the Tide) and you must know which way it is going in or out to plan your trip right.  Also a big difference is the boat traffic not only is there more but bigger boats as well, and let me tell you I have seen drinking be a problem in the Harbors, so always keep your eyes open for traffic and carry your whistle for your safety.
So what do I think about Saltwater VS Freshwater, I think it is up to you to decide head out to the Salt if you have not done so yet and get a line wet.  I know now that I was missing out on a lot of fun and good fishing all those years I was worried about sharks.  I am so glad my friends pressured me into trying it (who says peer pressure is bad just kidding) I am and will always be hooked now.  But don't get me wrong the freshwater is still a great place to tube.  I think if I could find a way to balance the 2 out it would be great but for now I am content to set up my next trip to the salt.  So I guess that means I choose Saltwater it is in my blood now.
I plan on talking more about this subject if you have any comments please leave a comment so I can see it.  As always stay floating my friends.

What I have been up to

Ok it has been some time scenes I have posted here on my blog, and I would like to let you know way. I have been working on building custom rods for some customers, been working hard (very glad I just have a job) and finally I would like to post up that I have started a forum. this forum is dedicated to float tube fishing of all kinds and all locations. http://floattubeforum.do-talk.com/

First of all it has been fun building, it is just a free site but I have learned a lot already, not that there is not more to learn. I have gathered a few sponsors, partners and affiliates. For member of the Float Tube Fishing Forum you will receive discounts of up to 25% from some of our sponsors and others will be sending sample lures for me to past out to members as well.

Our affiliates are Bass Pro Shop and West Marine and order through our site link will result in money back to the forum. My goal is to one day be able to purchase my domain and no longer be a free forum. Of course that would mean that I was making money with the forum.

As for now I am just looking for members to join up and start sharing with others let us know what is going on in your waters. Meet some new friends in your area that maybe able to meet up with you and start some fishing groups of your own.

http://floattubeforum.do-talk.com/ stop by and take a look it is free to join and it will be fun the more people we get involved in this forum. Also the next 3 members that join will receive a free sample of Alluring Baits so what are you waiting for become a members today.