How To Buy The Best Fishing Float Tube

Float tubes are more than just cheap alternatives to boats and other vessels.

They allow you to cast much farther than with a boat and even afford an improved degree of accuracy while fishing.

Due to their popularity, these vessels have seen a marked enhancement in their construction as well as design.

There are now some truly impressive options on the market.

With this in mind, we set out to find the best fishing float tube that was available.

Best Fishing Float Tubes

Here are some of the models you should consider to find a good fishing float tube.

The float tubes on this list have a durable structure, are incredibly stable out on the water, and have features that optimize your fishing experience.

How To Select The Best Float Tube

Here are some of the guidelines that you can use to find a fishing float tube that is best suited to your activities and requirements:

Float Tube Design

The most commonly found float tube designs are teardrop shaped, U-shaped, and pontoon-style float tubes.

The round shaped tubes were one of the first shapes in circulation. While you can still find them, they have become a lot less popular.

The shape of the float tube is not ideal for fishing.

While these type of tubes tend to have a lower price tag, they are also bulky and difficult to maneuver.

The U-shaped float tube looks just as its title suggests.

The front portion of the tube is completely open, allowing the angler to get on and disembark with ease.

“These are perhaps some of the most popular designs around”

Pontoon float tubes resemble inflatable pontoon boats with a raised seat and pontoons on either side of the seat.

This offers up better maneuverability and keep you above the water.

Typically, you should be able to attach trolling motors and similar accessories.

A teardrop shaped float tube is essentially a crossover between a U-shaped tube and a pontoon float tube.

The most discernible feature here is the slightly pointed ends.

Also, unlike with the U-shaped tube, the seat is slightly detached from the rest of the tube.

These are gaining popularity as they are quite efficient.

Durability

In order for a floating tube to be utilized, it needs to retain a certain amount of air at all times.

This is why it is important to purchase a tube that is made from tough material.

Fabric or materials that are resistant to abrasion, tears, and rips are often best.

One of the toughest materials for floating tubes is rip stop fabric.

This is quite similar to what is used to create parachutes.

This material has been specifically designed to prevent tears from appearing in the fabric, even when it brushes up against an abrasive surface.

Weight Capacity

The design of the float tube and the materials used typically determine just how much weight a float tube can hold.

When considering the weight capacity, you cannot only think about your own body weight.

One of the main purposes of fishing float tubes is to be able to take a considerable amount of gear and accessories.

Therefore, when deciding what kind of weight capacity you should opt for, think about all of the weight, combined.

Pockets and Attachments

On a similar note, you are going to need to store all of the items on your floating tube.

You will need to search for floating tubes that have raised pockets.

This is so that you can store your gear and even food at a level above the water.

Some float tubes come with fishing rod holders which can certainly make transportation of your gear a lot easier.

If the tube doesn’t have this feature, you should ensure that it is compatible with attachable fish rod holders.

If you are planning on taking a lot of gear with you, look out for D-rings and other attachment features around the floating tube.

This will help to keep the space around free of clutter.

Portability

It is important for your floating tube to be easy to carry.

It is quite probable that you will have to haul it at least a short distance.

With this in mind, the first thing to reflect on is the weight of the tube and whether it is something that you can manage.

If you are looking for something that is quite portable, look for tubes that are referred to as ‘backpackable’.

These are lighter and have been designed to be carried similar to a bag. These come with padded straps to make them easier to carry around.

Comfort

Float tubes should be comfortable enough to sit in for hours on end while fishing.

One of the main components determining the comfort of a float tube is the seat.

You should look for seats that are either padded or have an ergonomic design.

Due to the variations in height of anglers, it is important to have an adjustable backrest.

This allows you to get the amount of back support that is right for you.

The Best Fishing Float Tube Reviews

Read the reviews below to decide which features will be most useful to you as an angler.

Classic Accessories Cumberland Float Tube

We chose the Classic Accessories Cumberland float tube to be at the top of the list because it ticks many of the boxes required.

First, it is very easy to transport as it is lightweight and also comes with thick, adjustable straps that allow you to carry it around.

It is also capable of carrying up to 350lbs in weight.

There is plenty of place to store your gear and other items.

There are two raised pockets on the armrests. These are sizable, allowing you to stash food and anything else you might need.

The interior has been sealed to protect your belongings from items.

There are mesh pockets on the tube as well for those things that you need to reach quickly.

The float tube comes equipped with rod holders.

The high seat ensures that you sit above the water and stay dry.

It also helps to make it easier for other boats and anglers to see you.

The seat is adjustable, affording you a greater level of comfort.

There is a mesh stripping apron with a ruler on it to make it easier to gauge the size of your catch.

The float tube is inflated through Boston valves and it comes with adaptors to suit a variety of pumps.

Outcast Fish Cat 4 – Best Float Tube For Beginners

The Outcast Fish Cat 4 is ideal for the angler who has never been on a float tube before.

The hull is well designed, moving easily over even the calmest of waters. This allows for great performance on lakes and streams.

As it is quite simplistic, it is easy enough even for first-timers.

The double valve system on this tube means that you can inflate and deflate the tube quickly and efficiently, reducing the wait time considerably.

This tube is also incredibly comfortable, with a padded foam seat and backrest.

Not to mention, you also have a firmer base when casting.

There are two raised pockets and a mesh strip apron that is simple to attach and detach.

The aircell is made from thick vinyl, protecting it from most punctures and damage.

Altogether, the Fish Cat 4 can manage up to 250lbs in weight.

Despite this, the tube weighs just 14lbs and is light enough to carry around.

The only downside with this tube is that it doesn’t come with rod holders.

The Fish Cat 4 is best suited to anglers who are looking for a recreational tube that they can use intermittently.

Classic Accessories Teton Float Tube

The Classic Accessories Teton float tube has a hull with a hydrodynamic shape.

“This means that on the water, the vessel tracks better”

It is also easier to maneuver and steer the tube.

This is definitely a tube that you will have no trouble carrying as it weighs just 8.5lbs.

While the seat is a little thin, it is rigid enough to offer the stability required when casting.

The seat rest, on the other hand, is incredibly plush and comfortable, despite it not being adjustable.

The string apron which can be strung across the front of the tube has an accurate ruler drawn on it.

You get plenty of storage options with the Teton tube.

There are armrest compartments, a horizontal fishing rod holder, and even a compartment at the back.

You also get D-rings which can be used to attach larger gear to the tube.

You can also carry a great deal as the Teton tube is able to hold up to 250lbs.

The Teton is the most affordable tube on this list.

However, it offers up excellent value for money.

Caddis Sports Premier Plus Float Tube

The Caddis Sports Premier Plus float tube is what you need if you are looking for a durable option.

The topmost portion of the tube is made from tough, rip-stop material.

Therefore, the vessel is protected from most abrasive surfaces that can cause rips or tears.

The bottom of the Premier Plus is constructed from tarpaulin.

In addition to being very strong, this material also prevents moisture from seeping in, keeping you and your belongings dry.

It also works to reduce resistance when the tube is in the water. The tube moves faster and is easier to maneuver as well.

All of the major seams are double stitched.

There is no lack of space to store your gear on this tube.

There are pockets on the armrest, cargo storage area in the back, and rod holders in the front.

What we liked most about this tube is that it is able to hold up to 325lbs of weight, allowing you take a lot of equipment with you.

The seat and the backrest are adjustable, making it better suited to anglers of varying sizes.

Caddis Sports Nevada Gold  Float Tube

What stood out most about the Caddis Sport Nevada Gold float tube was the addition of a stabilizer bar.

This helps to balance out the tube even more, giving you greater stability, even as you are casting off.

The bar is padded so it is comfortable enough to rest your legs on.

The other impressive feature on the Nevada Gold is the construction.

The upper part is made from rip stop material which prevents any damage being done to the vessel.

The bottom of the tube is made from Cordura fabric which is not only strong and hardwearing, it is also excellent at repelling water.

This helps in keeping you dry.

The seams around the main bladder have double stitching to provide additional protection.

There are two main equipment pockets as well as a storage area behind the seats.

There are also two-rod holders in the front.

The seating is oversized and padded, making it comfortable to sit on for long periods of time.

The Nevada Gold should be capable of carrying up to 225lbs.

The tube is also incredibly portable, weighing just 11 pounds and complete with carrying straps.

Classic Accessories Togiak Float Tube

The Classic Accessories Togiak float tube falls into the backpackable category.

There are two thick straps to hoist the vessel and at just 15lbs, it isn’t too heavy to carry.

The design of the Togiak is a little different from other tubes.

There is a purpose for this, however, with this hull shape promoting buoyancy as well as stability.

The tube also tracks a lot better in the water.

It is a good thing that the Togiak can hold up to 300lbs in weight as it has plenty of storage options to utilize.

There are pockets on the armrest, reel pockets, mesh pockets, gear pockets, and flat zip pockets.

At the back, there is a rear mesh storage platform.

There are also D-rings and lash tabs to attach bigger pieces of equipment and creel bags.

The Togiak has a horizontal rod holder.

The seat is very comfortable and the backrest has a high, stadium seat design.

It is also adjustable for additional back support.

The detachable stripping apron has a precise ruler so that you can immediately measure your catch.

These are the best options available on the market for fishing float tubes. You can either choose a model from the list provided here or use the guide to buying an equally quality product.

This page was last updated on 2022-08-29. Affiliate links and Product Images are from Amazon PAAPI