Nothing's sadder than standing on shore while someone in a boat catches fish from just out of reach. Float tubes or belly boats give shore fishermen new options for fishing both small and large lakes. Anywhere the water's quiet, a float tube system slips an angler into the tricky spots to access the best fishing holes without the obstacles of shoreline brush and picket lines of bait-robbing panfish. Manufactured float tube fishing rigs include seat harnesses, back rests, gear pockets and sometimes even oar-locks. Many remain light enough for backpacking into remote areas, while a few qualify as mini-boats better suited for short walks from car to water.
Step 1
Pack the boat to the lake shore before inflating the tube. Fully inflated boats make traveling awkward, and a fall or encounter with trail-side brush could damage the flotation bladder. Though some models include pack-straps for inflated carry, transporting the fishing tube deflated makes travel simple and safe.
Step 2
Connect the pump to the tube valve and inflate the fishing tube. Lightweight touring bicycle pumps work well and collapse to a small size for storage. Pump enough air into the tube to smooth out the wrinkles in the cover and make the tube firm to the touch.
Step 3
Don flotation vest and waders before putting on the fishing float tube. Step through round ring boats, straddling the seat harness and slipping straps over shoulders. Adjust the crotch strap for a snug but comfortable fit.
Step 4
Buckle on foot fins next. Diver's swim fins meant for bare feet offer poor protection against shoreline debris like broken bottles and fish hooks. Use paddle fins meant for wear over wader boots or shoes and often included with the fishing tube outfit.
Step 5
Walk backwards into the water, and backwards when coming out again. Foot fins often trip up a belly boat fisherman when walking forward.
Step 6
Propel the boat forward by leaning slightly forward and kicking backwards smoothly with the float tube flippers. Back away by lifting feet towards the front and kicking smoothly forward. Be patient---float tubes move slowly but don't require strenuous efforts.
Step 7
Fish out, not down. Playing a fish in the water directly beneath the float tube could tangle the line in other gear and lose the fish. Cast from a short distance when probing difficult fishing spots and paddle slowly backwards with foot fins while playing the fish to keep the action on a horizontal plane.
Tips and Warnings
- Go light. Take only what gear fits easily into tackle pouches and vest pockets. Attach important items---like the fishing pole---to the flotation rig with safety lines, and use wrist lanyards on fishing pliers and knives. Front access boats allow easier entry than round ring models, with harness-and-buckle closures instead of step-through design.
- Wear personal flotation. If punctured, the flotation tube might not carry a fisherman safely to shore. Wear waders if fishing cold waters. Don't wander far from shore, and head to the bank periodically for a warming break. Never fish from a belly boat in fast-moving currents or high winds. Be extra cautious when the prevailing wind blows offshore. Always bring a signaling device like an air-horn in case of trouble.
Things You'll Need
- Personal flotation device
- Air pump
- Waders
- Swim fins
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Wide brim hat
- Water bottle
- Fishing gear
- Repair kit
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