13 replies to this topic

[highz]

LuckyDan - Very helpful advice. Thanks very much. Given that the majority of lakes that I would go to are small, plus I try to keep weight down when traveling, it sounds like a float tube is the way to go for me. I will check out U boats. You recommend Creek Co., I take it?

[LuckyDan]

HighZ: I have had good luck with my Creek Company. I have the Original U Boat. Caddis and Outcast make some good ones too. I recommend the U style or open front style over the round tubes for the reasons mentioned previously. When choosing, a couple things to keep in mind:

#1 Stability: Mine has been stable with me from calm to mild wind and wave. It does not have a restraint system other than the stripping skirt in front. If you anticipate using one in less than calmer conditions you may want to consider some of the other models. Anyone else on here have more advice?

#2 Weight Capacity: Mine has a 275lb capacity. IMO The good ones have this much and up.

Best of luck with your decision. Glad it's Friday as this discussion has mentally wrecked me for working the rest of the day. I'm OK with that.

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

HighZ: I have had good luck with my Creek Company. I have the Original U Boat. Caddis and Outcast make some good ones too. I recommend the U style or open front style over the round tubes for the reasons mentioned previously. When choosing, a couple things to keep in mind:

#1 Stability: Mine has been stable with me from calm to mild wind and wave. It does not have a restraint system other than the stripping skirt in front. If you anticipate using one in less than calmer conditions you may want to consider some of the other models. Anyone else on here have more advice?

#2 Weight Capacity: Mine has a 275lb capacity. IMO The good ones have this much and up.

Best of luck with your decision. Glad it's Friday as this discussion has mentally wrecked me for working the rest of the day. I'm OK with that.

I have had a Caddis u type for years and find it very satisfactory.If I don't have room I deflate it than I carry a 12v air pump.Seems to work for me.I see a lot of fisher people with pontoon type but to big for me to pack.Also I can put mine on like a back pack and walk in to some nice small lakes.As with my canoe I prefer small water.

Have fun fishing.I envy you.Here on the central cal. coast there isn't mush in the way of public fishing.My season usually starts after the snow melts in the Sierra.

Frank

[whizbang]

I am switching primarily to save weight. It will also be easier to come and go through the back door. I may also fish Lenice or Quail (hike in lakes). My Outcast U boat is much easier to haul into Lenice.

However, the pontoon boat is a better fishing craft. You sit higher off the water which is better for casting, maneuverability, and keeping you out of early or late season COLD water. You can also use it on moving water (Yakima, Skagit, Wenatchee, etc), since you can get your feet completely out of the water and row the boat. Rowing also allows you to cover a larger area. The trick is to remember that you are there to fish, not row.

It is a beautiful area. steamboat is one of our favorite parks.