Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Big Steel on March 14, 2007, 07:07:21 PM

Title: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: Big Steel on March 14, 2007, 07:07:21 PM
I have been wanting to get one for a while.  I almost picked up a Pontoon, but I couldn't find a place to store it.  One of these I can.  Wondering if anyone out there has had experience with these and what one they would recommend.  It is the last peice of gear I need to start my lake fly fishing career!!  :D ;D
Right now I am thinking this one,

(http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/Item/31/53/92/i315392sn01.jpg)

or this one,
(http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/Item/31/64/48/i316448sn02.jpg)

But if anyone has any other ideas, that would be great.

Thanks!  :)
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: Sterling C on March 14, 2007, 07:26:14 PM
I've put in my fair share of days on the fishcat 4 and its the best float tube out there. What I particularly liked about the fishcat 4 was how high it keeps you out of the water. I found it to be nearly twice as fast as my other U-tube because of the lessened drag. Another nice feature about the fishcat 4 is that there is a small storage area behind the seat which is perfect for storing your anchor (believe me you will want to have an anchor). I can't say about the trout unlimited tube but I know the fishcat also has the valves that match the high volume pumps, which is a big bonus. I could pump up that boat in about 2 min. The other non high volume pump U-boat took about 10 min.
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: Big Steel on March 14, 2007, 07:32:06 PM
Biff, does the fishcat have the stabilizer bar across the front that the Trout unlimited one has?  Or have you ever had any problems with the fishcat's pontoons folding in on you?
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: Sterling C on March 14, 2007, 07:38:35 PM
No stabalizer bar but never had to worry about the toons folding. That boat is unbelievably stable.
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: Sterling C on March 14, 2007, 08:20:12 PM
Get the FISHCAT4

Have you ever used a fishcat or are you just reccomending it on hearsay?
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: Big Steel on March 14, 2007, 08:24:23 PM
Get the FISHCAT4

Have you ever used a fishcat or are you just reccomending it on hearsay?
I believe he had one for quite a while!! ;)
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: Sterling C on March 14, 2007, 08:27:18 PM
N/M your right I remember now, it was the orange one. For some reason I thought it was a different boat.
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: troutbreath on March 14, 2007, 09:02:03 PM
Why drag your knackers around the lake in a non responsive quasi inner tube.
(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a391/troutbreath/AHTK1_small.jpg)
Unless your trying for fertility I'd get one of these.
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: bbronswyk2000 on March 14, 2007, 09:18:52 PM
Why drag your knackers around the lake in a non responsive quasi inner tube.
(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a391/troutbreath/AHTK1_small.jpg)
Unless your trying for fertility I'd get one of these.

I have both a frog boat and a float tube ( Fish Cat 4 ). They both have their place. In really small lakes I would use my float tube and in medium size lakes which allow an electric I will use my frog boat. In large lakes the 16 footer comes out. I have all my grounds covered ;)

Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: troutbreath on March 14, 2007, 09:58:26 PM
I was looking for the pic of a cheap two person inflatible to post and came across the kayak. Problem with most inflatible kayak's is the seam rips inside where you sit. Unless there made of stronger and usually heavier material. I've used the cheapo two person for about 30 years and am on my 6th one. Have used them in most mountain lakes around and would use my sleeping ensolite in the bottom for extra comfort. Your facing backward and can troll flies like a champ and see the bite. Unlike the kayak which I use and paddle backward sometimes but it's not the best. I've seen people carry there float tube, waders ,fins etc to to the tune of about 50 lbs to some mountain lakes and my set up would way about 12 lbs (pump, boat ,oars) just not too freaking trendy that's all. Not that I am onto something better just more adapatable to rowing longer distances.


The 3 person inflatible is like the pontoon boat in wind, useless! Nice and roomy but a curse in the wind, almost lost my nephew one day in one when the wind swept him away. An anchor is a rock in a sock tied to some cord in my books and if you can't swim don't go out without a lifejacket. I take my polar bear dive every year to keep the juices flowing. Inflatible boats don't exactly loose all the air out of them unless the design allows it. Same nephew pushed a flaming stick through one of my boats. I patched it and was fishing Lizzie Liake in the late fall when the patch blew, I only got my knackers wet and had to stay away from my male fishing companion to keep the peace.

Maybe more info than needed but WTH
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: Coho Cody on March 14, 2007, 10:02:03 PM
Dave, my dad and I both own the fishcat 4. You can't go wrong with them, they are a great float tube ;) A couple of my favourite things about them is how stable they are, and how quick they blow up.

GO WITH THE FISHCAT! ;)
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: Geff_t on March 14, 2007, 10:06:42 PM
Have you checked out the waterskeeter.
http://www.waterskeeter.com/enlarge/lg_daytripper_lp.jpg

Ckeck out the link.
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: testo84 on March 14, 2007, 10:10:17 PM
Why drag your knackers around the lake in a non responsive quasi inner tube.
(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a391/troutbreath/AHTK1_small.jpg)
Unless your trying for fertility I'd get one of these.

I don`t wanna hijack this thread too much but what make and model is that Troutbreath? Do you own one, how does it store and is it easy to inflate? Will a fish hook puncture sink you :) Do you use 2 anchors to hold you in moving water to fish?

Cheers

Nuggy




wanna buy ?? nuggy lets go !
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: Big Steel on March 14, 2007, 10:36:39 PM
Me like, how much?(http://www.waterskeeter.com/enlarge/lg_daytripper_lp.jpg)
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: bbronswyk2000 on March 14, 2007, 10:47:57 PM
I saw that they go for about $169US so probably about $200 CDN? Maybe a  bit more.
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: Big Steel on March 14, 2007, 10:50:13 PM
I saw that they go for about $169US so probably about $200 CDN? Maybe a  bit more.

I'll do some checking on them, they look good, but seem a bit high, now that I have looked again.  Wonder what they would do in the wind. :)
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: bbronswyk2000 on March 14, 2007, 10:53:15 PM
Save yourself the hassle and just get the FishCat 4 ;) I love mine. I have owned 3 different float tubes and this has been the best.
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: Big Steel on March 14, 2007, 10:55:29 PM
I gotta say, I am leaning heavy with the fishcat.  Mind you the togiak has a better handle on arm rests and places for additions, such as rod holders!!  Hmmm..... ;D
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: Geff_t on March 14, 2007, 11:17:26 PM
If you are out in Maple Ridge fishing with Brian go and have a look at the waterskeeter at Hatch Matcher's. They are open Monday-Saturday
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: searun17 on March 14, 2007, 11:44:19 PM
get something with a high resale value, ;D ;Dbut honestly you cant go wrong with the fishcat.
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: CAPTAIN BONK on March 15, 2007, 12:09:41 PM
THE WATER SKEETER IS PRETTY MUCH ALL I CARRY NOW, SINCE THE COMPANY IS NICE AND CLOSE !  ;D
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: coryandtrevor on March 15, 2007, 01:31:22 PM
Water Skeeters on Ebay right now :

http://search.ebay.com/water-skeeter_W0QQfkrZ1QQfromZR8
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: Hook Set on March 15, 2007, 02:31:33 PM
Go with the fish cat. I own one and love it. They move great in the water, and your up out of the water a bit more so u can fly cast easier and if the waters really cold it doesn't get you as much.
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: CAPTAIN BONK on March 15, 2007, 02:33:47 PM
CAR TOPPER WITH A 38 PD THRUST MINN KOTA !  ;D
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: Big Steel on March 15, 2007, 08:45:08 PM
I think that I have made up my mind!!  Thanks to all you guys on here, and what looks to be one heck of a deal, I am going to look at and perhaps pick up this after work tomorrow!! :)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v321/ILoveBigRacks/Fish%20Cat%204/fishcat2.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v321/ILoveBigRacks/Fish%20Cat%204/fishcat3.jpg)
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: bbronswyk2000 on March 15, 2007, 08:53:44 PM
Good choice ;)
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: Lumps on March 20, 2007, 05:20:56 PM
I found the Fish Cat 4 down here with the air chair $210 US and with the foam chair 155 US.  Are these good prices or comparable?
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: Lumps on March 20, 2007, 06:35:26 PM
Cool. Thx. RW.
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: nigglesworth on March 20, 2007, 06:39:24 PM
Why drag your knackers around the lake in a non responsive quasi inner tube.
(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a391/troutbreath/AHTK1_small.jpg)
Unless your trying for fertility I'd get one of these.

I like this idea...

I am looking for something to haul up to alpine lakes....  and this makes sense!  Can I get more details Troutbreath, of is it a simple inflatable kayak.  I have a canoe for larger lakes and am simply looking for a light weight solution for small lakes.

Please let me know!

Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: 4x4 on March 20, 2007, 07:38:18 PM
I bought a Fish cat 4 Deluxe last June for $200.00 plus taxes from Searun in Coquitlam.
I'm not sure if the prices have changed or not.
The Deluxe has the inflatable seat and backrest.
Title: Re: Getting a u-tube, what would you recommend?
Post by: troutbreath on March 20, 2007, 08:30:49 PM
Why drag your knackers around the lake in a non responsive quasi inner tube.
(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a391/troutbreath/AHTK1_small.jpg)
Unless your trying for fertility I'd get one of these.

I like this idea...

I am looking for something to haul up to alpine lakes....  and this makes sense!  Can I get more details Troutbreath, of is it a simple inflatable kayak.  I have a canoe for larger lakes and am simply looking for a light weight solution for small lakes.

Please let me know!



http://www.mec.ca/Search/search.jsp?BRAND%3C%3Ename=Innova&bmForm=brands&bmFormID=1174446868904&bmUID=1174446868905

The boat ways 24 lbs and is pricy but good Czech quality. Sevlor makes the Tahiti which ways about the same costs about quarter of the price but tends to rip on the inseam and is not near as durable. Others available as well, I forget the brand I had many years ago but we liked just paddling around in them without fishing.Army and Navy usually have some inflatables as well as other stores. Remember your not facing back on a kayak so trolling is a little difficult. I now favour the cheapo two person inflatible raft for alpine fishing or hiking though. You face backwards and the whole set up is light. They row well when you get the hang of them.