gear suggestions

[tomnilll]

So...I accidentally bought a float tube and now I guess I need some other stuff...I am looking for recommendations for waders and fins...I have never been in a flat tube and never owed any kind of waders...I have fins for snorkeling...will those work?

Any help would be appriciated.

Tom

[StinkyPinky23]

Yes those will work. Just know not all fins are created equal. I prefer neoprene stocking foot waders. Check Amazon. You’ll need an air pump, manual or small battery/ac mattress pump. Life jacket. Lots of deals on auto/manual inflating pfd’s right now

[Rattus]

Hi Tom, my preference is hip waters, but I sit on a cushion so my butt doesn't get wet. I have Frogg Toggs Rana II hip waders (super cheap, less than $50) and they're comfortable and durable. I don't think it's cold enough in San Diego to necessitate neoprene, I use wool socks and a thermal leggings if it gets really, really cold.

The cushion is a Stearns Boat Floating Cushion, but any thick cushion would do. I like the Stearns because it is a backup flotation device. It's about 3" thick and my booty stays completely dry sitting on it.

I use Outcast's Power Kick fins.

The great thing about float tubing is you are fishing 100% of the time on the tube. With (non-pedal) kayaks and paddle boards, you are not fishing while paddling. For me, that translates to not fishing about 40% of the time on the water. Good luck!

[Gotfish?]

Unless you have really long legs, you probably want chest waders. Sitting on top of a cushion in a tube will not leave much leg in the water and when the fins break the surface, that can spook fish too. Plus, when a nearby boat causes a wake, the water will surge up higher too.

I fish most weekends so I look for durability and quality rather than just lowest price. My preferences:
LL Bean seam welded stocking foot waders. Seam welded waders are less likely to leak.
Tube of shoe goo since sooner or later, waders will leak
One size larger diving booties to go over the waders so you don't wear out the wader feet
Frogg Toggs rain jacket (Frogg Toggs would be 2nd choice for waders)
I have Force Fins but got an email saying they were going out of business
My pump is a dual action from Walmart. I had to fashion an adaptor to the tube.
In colder weather, either biking tights or float tube tights (Cabelas has some for cheap)
A synthetic (quick dry) long sleeve SPF 50 shirt with Velcro pockets to put phone, keys, wallet
Wide brim hat with a neck flap so the back of the neck doesn't get sunburned
Landing net with rubber mesh, wooden frame. Tie a string from it to the tube

Tube fishing is great. Everything is right there, no boat towing, much lighter than a kayak, much more access than shore fishing.

[Rattus]

One advantage of hip waders is when you gots to pee!

[Carpkiller]

One advantage of NEOPRENE PANTS is when you gots to pee!

Fixed that for ya.