Last updated on January 3rd, 2024.
- Generational Divide - September 13, 2022
- Mousing for Trout at Night - September 6, 2022
- Best Tenkara Rod of 2023 – Buyer’s Guide - July 22, 2022
A fly fishing float tube can be a great way to target fish in ponds or lakes. Here is what you need to know about this kind of fishing.
A fishing float – often also called a belly boat – can be an excellent choice when targeting fish like bass or pike in ponds or lakes. These floats allow for a quite approach and and easy handling of fish caught. They also offer great flexibility when fishing waters that are a little more remote. Inflatable belly boats can be packed into a car and even carried on the back to ponds or lakes a little off the beaten path.
Other than in a kayak or canoe, you don’t use a paddle but your feet instead with a fin on each foot. That gives you great flexibility in casting since you don’t have to row or cast but can do both at the same time. Since belly boats and float tubes become increasingly popular, more and more manufacturers start producing them. In this guide we want to give you an overview of what’s out there on the market and the pro and cons of the different styles and models.
Disclaimer: All products in this guide are independently researched by our team. We only recommend products we believe in and never get paid for the reviews. Learn more about our review process here.
Table of Contents:
How to Choose the Best Fishing Float Tube
Best Belly Boats on the Market Quick Answer List
Best Fishing Float Tubes Reviewed
How to Choose the Best Float Tube for Fishing
The great thing about fishing float tubes is that you can get going with little extra gear. Some float tubes in our test include additional equipment such as fins or a pump to inflate your belly boat. Additionally you might consider getting things like rod holders, anchors or dry bags depending on the gear you carry.
Most modern day bellyboats have good storage options in the form of multiple pockets. It might take some time for you to get used to your belly boat but once you’re settled in, it’s a nice and relaxing way to fish. And it will get you places you would not have considered before.
It’s also a comfortable way to fish if you’re practising catch and release since you’re very close to the water’s surface and can hence release fish with ease.
Best Float Tubes for Fly Fishing on the Market Quick Answer List
1. Classic Accessoires Cumberland Float Tube
3. White River Float Tube Combo
4. Goplus Inflatable Float Tube
5. LAZZO Inflatable Float Tube
6. Classic Accessories Togiak Inflatable Fishing Belly Boat
7. Outcast Fish Cat 4 LCS Belly Boot
Best Fishing Float Tube Review 2024
In this buyers’ guide we want to give you our opinion on a number of float tubes. We’ll offer our recommendations on all kinds of tubes for all kinds of budgets to make sure there is an option for all fly fishermen and women out there.
Notice: We take part in the Amazon Associates Program and earn a small commission at no extra cost for you if you end up making a purchase. We only recommend products we are convinced of and use ourselves.
Classic Accessories Cumberland Float Tube
Key features:
– Weight: 14 lbs
– Size (assembled): 56″L x 44″W x 19″H
– High backrest
– Ruler in front of the seat
Why we picked it:
The Classic Accessories Cumberland is one of our favorites in the mid-range section. There are a number of features that are very thought through and make it a great fishing float tube choice. The Classic Accessories Cumberland features a high adjustable backrest which can be a great asset especially if you are planning to spend long days on the water. The float features two rod holders and adjustable shoulder straps for easy transport.
The Classic Accessories Cumberland comes with one large double zipper cargo pockets on each side for ample storage. Two interior zip pockets provide even more room for valuables. The Classic Accessories Cumberland Float Tube also features a fish ruler in front of the seat for easy measuring of the fish you caught.
Pros:
– Lots of storage space
– Integrated ruler
– Seat is very comfortable
Cons:
– Set is only available with pump or fins
Caddis Sports Pro 3000
Key features:
– Cargo area behind the seat
– Big side pockets
– Max weight capacity 250lbs
Why we picked it:
The Caddis Sports Pro 3000 has everything you’re looking for in a high quality float tube for fly fishing. Its welded PVC bladderless construction make this fishing float tube extremely durable. You can fish your favorite water using the fins or if you prefer rowing, that’s no problem either.
An integrated ruler, right where you need it, makes it a piece of cake to measure you catch and safely release it to the water if you want to. The Caddis Sports Pro 3000’s seat is inflatable and the lap apron makes this float tube an excellent choice for fly anglers as the line pick up gets much easier. The Caddis Sports Pro 3000 also features two big equipment pockets (one on each side) and a big rear pocket behind the seat. The built-in carry handles, make it easy it transport and an carry bag ensures a safe storage.
Pros:
– Removable fly patches
– Stabilising bar across the front
– Easy to get into and out of the water
Cons:
– Backrest of the seat is quite low – makes the back tire more quickly
White River Fly Shop Lost Lake Float Tube Combo
Key features:
– Set includes fins, pump and rod holder
– Triple stitched seams
– Max weight capacity: 225lbs
Why we picked it:
The White River Float Tube Combo is an excellent choice if you want a high quality fly fishing float tube for beginners. Out of the box it comes with everything you need to get started: a pump to inflate the tube, fins to get you moving once you’re in the water and a rod holder for secure storage of your rod.
The White River Float Tube Combo features a heavy nylon packcloth that makes this tube incredibly abrasion resistant and ensures fly fishing pleasures for years to come. We found the triple stitched seams to greatly increase the sturdiness of the White River Float Tube Combo.
A weight maximum weight capacity of 225lbs puts the White River Float Tube Combo on the lower end of the spectrum. A great value for money choice.
Pros:
– Set includes everything you need to get started
– Lots of storage options around the float
– Solid weight capacity
Cons:
– Does not feature a ruler
– Lacks a bit of stability
Goplus Inflatable Fishing Float Tube
Key features:
– Set includes pump, fins, paddle and repair set
– Integrated ruler
– Max weight capacity: 350lbs
Why we picked it:
The Goplus Inflatable is a great way to get into belly boat fishing. At only around $150 (for the set) it offers many features of a quality float tube. The Goplus Inflatable Fishing has a nicely padded seat that ensures comfort all-day long and features a security strap. Behind the seat is a net to store gear or your catch. On each side it features big storage bags for your tackle and gear. The ruler just in front of the seat makes it easy to measure the fish you catch.
We found the Goplus Inflatable Fishing can be easily carried on your back. It has 350 lbs load bearing capacity hence making it a good choice for bigger people as well. It comes with a pump so you are ready to fish within minutes.
Pros:
– Set includes everything you need to get started
– Very lightweight at 12.5 lbs
– High max weight capacity of 350lbs
Cons:
– Lacks attachment options for additional gear
LAZZO Inflatable Fishing Floating Tube
Key features:
– Set includes pump and repair set
– Big ruler in front of the seat
– Max weight capacity: 286lbs
Why we picked it:
The LAZZO Inflatable is another great choice to get started with belly boat fishing. It comes with a pump which means you can get going within minutes. The LAZZO Inflatable even features an adjustable back rest, a feature that is usually reserved to mid-range and premium fishing floats. It’s bearing capacity of less than 300 lbs (286 lbs) means it’s not the ideal choice for big people.
The LAZZO Inflatable also comes with adjustable shoulder straps that make it easy to carry this fishing float tube around. A seat buckle strap provides extra security when out on the water.
Pros:
– Set includes everything you need to get started
– Quite lightweight at 15 lbs
– Repair set means long product life
Cons:
– Back rest of the seat lacks a bit of stability
Classic Accessories Togiak Inflatable Fishing Belly Boat
Key features:
– Weighs in at 15lbs
– One year limited warranty
– Max weight capacity: 300lbs
Why we picked it:
The Classic Accessories Togiak Inflatable is an excellent choice for the highly organized fisherman. It provides numerous (zippered) pockets on both sides of the fishing float. At 300 lbs its bearing capacity is a little lower than the Goplus Inflatable and it comes in at 15lbs. Just like its brother (we’ll talk about in a second) it features a high adjustable back rest. The padding on this one is not quite as comfy as on the Cumberland version (see below).
Of course the Classic Accessories Togiak also features shoulder straps to carry the belly boat and a fish ruler on the front for measuring purposes.
Pros:
– High weight capacity of 300lbs
– One year limited warranty
– Horizontal rod holder
– Excellent stripping apron
Cons:
– Back rest of the seat lacks a bit of comfort for long days of fishing
Outcast Fish Cat 4 LCS Belly Boot
Key features:
– Weighs in at 15lbs
– One year limited warranty
– Max weight capacity: 300lbs
Why we picked it:
With the Outcast Fish Cat 4 LCS Belly Boot we are entering the section of premium fishing float tubes. You won’t realize all the features that make this kind of belly boat more expensive at first glance. The difference is in the details.
The Outcast Fish Cat 4 LCS Belly Boot’s high seat position makes you sit comfortably above the water making casting easier from an elevated position. The PVC bottom is very sturdy and abrasion resistant. With a load capacity of 250 lbs the Outcast Fish Cat 4 LCS Belly Boot is not the perfect choice for big people. It weighs in at 15 lbs making it a good choice to carry around to a remote lake or pond.
Pros:
– High back rest provides comfort and back support
– Durable PVC bottom
– Stripping apron is hight adjustable
Cons:
– Rather low max weight capacity of 250lbs
– No integrated ruler
Settings to Use a Fishing Float Tube in
Pond Fishing: A fishing float is perfect for fishing in small ponds or lakes such as high aline lakes where access for bigger boats is difficult or impossible. You can carry a float tube on your back for a few miles and then have fantastic opportunities to fish. The small size of the pond makes it easy to navigate the waters with the tube, and the tube’s mobility allows the angler to easily access hard-to-reach fishing spots. The low profile of the float tube also allows for stealthy fishing, which is essential when fishing in smaller bodies of water.
River Fishing: Fishing in big rivers can be challenging, but a belly boat can make it much easier. The tube provides a stable platform for to fish from and allows you to navigate the river’s currents more easily. Additionally, the tube’s mobility enables you to explore different areas of the river without having to wade through the water.
Coastal Fishing: Fishing in coastal areas can be challenging due to the currents and waves. A fishing float tube can be a great option for fly anglers looking to fish in these areas, such as coastal cutthroat or sea trout. The tube’s stability and maneuverability allow the angler to navigate the waves and currents more easily, and the tube’s low profile allows for stealthy fishing.
Overall, a fishing float can be a great option for anglers looking to fish in a variety of fishing situations, including ponds, big rivers, and coastal areas. However, it’s important to note that using a fishing float tube requires some skill and practice, so it’s essential to take the necessary safety precautions and always wear a life vest when using a fishing tube.
Storing Fishing Float Tubes
One last word on taking care of your float tube: always make sure your tube is dry before storing it. Also, don’t leave your belly boat in the trunk of your care for longer periods, especially not during summer. Just like waders, these fabrics are not made to be exposed to high temperatures over longer periods of time. Don’t store it fully inflated for longer periods of time.
Why You Should Consider Using a Fishing Float Tube
Belly boat fishing can really open up new waters for you. It is easier than you might think and adds great flexibility to your fishing. However, before going on your first fishing float tubes trip to a remote pond or lake, make sure you are able to carry all the gear.
The float tubes in our review all weigh in between 14 lbs – 20 lbs. That might not seem to much at first glance but remember that you need to carry fins, rods, reels, etc. as well. This can quickly add up to 25 lbs – 30 lbs. Usually it’s a good idea to limit your fishing gear to the essentials.
Give yourself some time to get used to fishing from a belly boat in the beginning. Like anything that’s new, you will need some time to get used to the movement of the float. Casting from closer to the water’s surface needs some getting used to as well in the beginning. In the end it might even help you to perform clean casts.
Managing your line might take some time as well. Just like when fishing from a boat or skiff, make sure your line is free before letting it shoot. Don’t be frustrated – your line will get caught every once in while which is totally normal.
Our Expertise
Why you should trust us: Leonard Schoenberger and his team have tried and tested hundreds of rods, reels and other fly fishing gear over the years. We always express our honest opinions about a product to help you make a solid purchase decision. We never get paid for reviews and are proud of keeping our editorial independence. Our focus is on bringing you the latest in gear so you can have a great time at the water. Thanks for being a reader of The Wading List.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fishing float tube?
A fishing float tube is a lightweight, inflatable device that allows an angler to access fishing spots while floating on the water. It’s designed to be maneuvered using special fins worn on the angler’s feet, freeing up their hands for fishing.
What are the key features to look for in a fishing float tube?
When choosing a fishing float tube, consider its weight capacity, construction material, safety features, and storage options. Additional features like a backrest for comfort, rod holders, and D-rings for attaching gear might also be important to you.
How do I maneuver a fishing float tube?
A fishing float tube is typically maneuvered using special fins worn on your feet, allowing you to paddle around while keeping your hands free for fishing. Some anglers also use a small paddle for additional control.
Are fishing float tubes safe?
Yes, fishing float tubes are generally safe as long as they’re used properly. They’re very stable and difficult to tip over. However, it’s recommended to always wear a personal flotation device for additional safety, and avoid using them in rough water or bad weather conditions.
What are some top brands for fishing float tubes?
Some of the top brands for fishing float tubes include Classic Accessories, Caddis Sports, and Outcast. These brands are well-respected in the industry for their quality, durability, and innovative designs.
Can I use a fishing float tube in any type of water?
Fishing float tubes are best suited for calm, still waters like lakes and ponds. They’re not recommended for fast-flowing rivers, rough seas, or areas with heavy boat traffic.
How do I maintain and store my fishing float tube?
After each use, rinse your float tube with fresh water and let it dry thoroughly to prevent mildew. Check for any signs of wear or damage before and after use. When storing, deflate it partially and keep it in a dry, cool place out of direct sunlight.
Read more of our Gear Guides here:
Ultimate Guide: Best Wading Jackets
Buyer’s Guide Best Wading Boots
A Guide to the Best Fly Fishing Starter Kits
Guide to the Best Fly Reels for Saltwater
Guide to the Best Fly Rod under 200
Notice: We take part in so-called associate programs and earn a small commission at no extra cost for you if you end up purchasing a product after clicking one of the links in this article. We only recommend products that convince us and that we use ourselves.
