Float Tubes OK for the Upper Delaware?

[fadeaway263]

The Prof and I were comparing the lower price float tubes versus the high cost of a Pontoon. If you view the thread "Kind of Neat" posted by Rolf you will see some incredible scenes of a guy fishing for Tarpon in a Cameroon river using a float tube. Watching this kind of got us to wondering if you could use a float tube on the UB. Here is the Outcast model we are looking at.

http://www.outcastboats.com/outcast/products/default.aspx?id=3

 

[jdaddy]

You could. Going to involve a lot of walking. With a tube around you. There is the spook factor as well. Fish used to drift boats and toons even the occasional blow up mattress. But someone churning along in a float tube may throw them a bit. But again, it would be a lot of walking. I don't see an advantage over simply using your car to get to the many access points of the D.

Edit: That thing is $400. You can get plenty of toons for $400. There are boats other than Scadden (which I think Brandon got his skyomish used for somewhere around that amount).

 

[CatchingChrome]

I wouldn't recommend a float tube on the delaware. Reason being like Jdad said it will involve alot of walking. Float tubes are for of a still water option. I think you would be better served buying a pontoon IMHO. You can find alot of them used for a pretty good price. The bargin cave at Cabelas in Hamburg usually has a few always. If you ask you can even negotiate them down on them by usually another 20%.

 

[pete41]

Outcast Stillwater Series

 

[DaveS]

Fade,

I can't speak for the specific model that you mentioned, but I have a U-boat. (Float tube not the submarine) It was spacifically stated in the literature, it was for STILL WATER. You know how liability can be for product manufacturers... I think it could be done, but as was stated by others,its not the best.
Further more, casting while seated "in" the water, is substantially different than casting from a seat or even a casting platform. AND flippers are a PITA.

You might want to look long and hard at the toon. If you fool around with some products that eventually do not fit your needs/ leave you wanting, then in the long run you will have actually spent more $$$.
In the end, life is short and fishing is important. One should have the correct tackle to fish well. Thats my story and I'm sticking to it!

 

[sandfly]

float tubes should never be used on running water, trust me I know could break a leg or worse. I got a classic toon for 249.00 on sportsmans guide.com

 

[krayfish]

float tube in the D? Not a good idea. In fact, that would suck. It might work if you just wanted to cross a big pool but other than that, no no. I'll see if I can spy a year end close out 'toon' somewhere and email it to ya.

 

[Chaz]

To me a float tube would be useless on the Upper Delaware, based on how most guys fish the river. If you planned to fish only the pools they might work for that, but it's an aweful lot of work to get around those big pools even in a drift boat.
For me the thing to use is either a kayak or a canoe. they're fast and quiet, two things that are important when fish the Big D.