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
