A belly boat, float tube, or kick boat, is a valuable tool for solo fishing on still waters like its other names. The first-ever design was a doughnut-like inflatable tube with a hole beneath the center. But, its modern modification has now become an open U or U-shape. It allows you to paddle using your feet more quickly.
Many anglers consider buying this one because of some reasonable factors. They are cheap, lightweight, and very portable. For an angler with a low budget who needs a “floating platform,” float tubes can still work well in remote lakes or smaller bodies of water.
Advantages of Float Tube For Fishing
Cheap
Afloat tube is relatively less expensive compared to other vessels. It can be a good option if you are still a beginner at fishing or boating. You are just starting, so you need a cheap one as a starter vessel on the water to get closer to the fish.
Accessible
With this float tube, you can access areas that you could not have access to. It allows you to navigate easily since you use your feet to maneuver it. You can easily navigate shallow waters and also smaller areas like a pond. Because of this, you can access less crowded areas. You can go to less congested areas where there are even more fish.
Portable
The best advantage of this vessel is its portability. Since it is inflatable, it is easily transported in your car or your backpack. You can inflate it. You can even take an additional vessel with other boats.
Another feature of its portability is that it doesn’t require any extra gear like oars. As long as you are in calm waters and have your PFD and fins, you can bring your fishing gear and fish anywhere.
Noise-Free
Since the float tube requires only your feet to paddle, less noise could frighten the fish, like what would happen if you were in a boat. Also, the tube floats on the top, which creates lesser disturbances in the water while your legs paddle underneath. More secondary disturbance means more fish still surround you that you can catch more easily.
Hands-Free
Moving using a float tube is by paddling the feet using fins or paddle pushers. This makes it easier for your hands to concentrate on fishing. Aside from that, you can fully utilize your hands with other things like using a fish finder or holding a beer can.
Float tube or Belly Boat Buyer’s Guide
Ease of Use
Do you want an inflatable seat or easier paddling? Inflatable tubes are user-friendly, but this can still vary according to your opinion. You may wish for a float tube with integrated seats and backrests that are easy to assemble. Others may find this unnecessary. Others prefer that these seats let them float properly above water or paddle underneath.
You may need one that can give easy access to sit, float, and paddle.
Durability
How frequently are you going to use your float tube? Once a week or a month? Where are you inflating it? In rocky areas or smooth parking areas? Consider getting a higher build quality according to where you are putting and how frequently you use it. It may cost more at the start but may last longer in the long run.
Weight
Think about where you are likely to use your float tube. You may be going to a high mountain lake, and bringing it should cost you light float tubes. If you want to inflate it 30 yards before you reach the lake, you may want it to be not too heavy while carrying it along. Although weight is not much of a problem for float tubes, you may still want to consider whether it will cause you any hassle or not.
Weight Capacity
Your weight also determines the size or weight capacity of your float tube. This is important. If you are a larger person, you need a larger float tube that can keep you afloat. For example, if you weigh more than 200 lbs., you can ask about the float tube’s weight capacity. You must also consider your gear and equipment. Float tubes with higher cargo capacities also give you a higher ride, keeping more of your body dry and out of the water.
Comfort
Float tubes have specific features that can affect how much you are going to enjoy using them. Consider how long your fishing trips are and how much gear storage you want.
Cost
It pays to know when you have a float tube or other gear. Don’t waste time and money if you want to save money on low-quality equipment. You may find spending money for repair or replacements. So it is better to be wise and make sure that you are paying for long-lasting and high-quality float tubes or gears.
Best Fishing Float Tubes and Belly Boats
1. Classic Accessories Cumberland Inflatable Fishing Float Tube
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- Length: 56 inches
- Width: 44 inches
- Weight:14 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
This Cumberland float boat can be easily inflated and deflated. Its rugged PVC bottom is strong and tear-resistant. The hydrodynamic hull shape of the unit is even easy to steer and track. It has two drink holders and two-rod holders. Its seat is padded thickly with an adjustable high backrest. This gives you the comfort that you want to experience on a floating boat.
This float tube is also portable with adjustable backpacking shoulder straps. It has two cargo pockets with easy-open double zippers on the armrests. The back of the seat also has a mesh pocket. There is just a lot of storage. The mesh stripping apron with a fish ruler makes catching fish easier.
2. Outcast Fish Cat 5 Max
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- Length: 64 inches
- Width: 47 inches
- Weight: 15.5 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
The Fish Cat 5 Max is a good choice if you have a big and tall building. It is made out of vinyl AIREcell material and 420 x 1000 PVC fabric denier. Its seam construction is also sewn. It can give you the quality and durability that you want.
Two air bladders in the main tube are filled through Boston valves. The Fish Cat 5 Max comes with a foam seat and backrest for an enjoyable day out on the water. They give you a little bit of elevation above the water for better visibility and more accurate casting.
Since it is larger than the Fish Cat 4, which will be discussed shortly, the seating area is larger. This means that the larger the area, the better buoyancy and stability. It also has a conveniently located mesh stripping apron. There are D-loops on either side, which are ideal for attaching extra bags or gear.
3. Classic Accessories Marshland Fishing Float Tube
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- Length: 56 inches
- Width: 44 inches
- Weight: 18 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
The Marshland float tube is a versatile one. It can be used for fishing and as a hunting inflatable water vessel. What’s more, is that it can be transformed into a backpack. Like other models, it is also designed as a hydrodynamic shape for good tracking. It is made out of heavy-duty materials complemented with RealTree™ Max 5 camo print.
On its side, you can find web loops to attach fake brushes as a camouflage accessories when hunting. The D-rings on both sides of the tube’s armrest pockets are used for attaching the brand-exclusive decoy bag. There is also a mesh stripping apron with a fish ruler for your great fishing adventures.
4. Caddis Sports Premier Plus Inflatable Fishing Float Tube
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- Length: 57.9 inches
- Width: 43.7 inches
- Weight: 15 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 325 pounds
Caddis Sports Premier Plus Inflatable Fishing Float Tube is made of heavy-duty ripstop material on its exterior. The bottom and front ends are made from heavy-duty tarpaulin. It has rod holder straps, a stripping apron supported by a stabilizer bar, and a fluorescent safety accent.
Its seat is an adjustable foam with a 2-inch foam backrest. You will feel the comfort of this inflatable Caddis float tube. Since this is a Premier Plus, it has improved custom-molded Boston valves. This enables easier inflation and deflation.
Apart from the two large main equipment compartments, two auxiliary pockets, two removable dry fly patches, and an extra cargo area behind the seat.
5. Orvis Outcast Fish Cat 4 Inflatable Fishing Float Tube
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- Length: 54 inches
- Width: 44 inches
- Weight: 15 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
The Orvis Outcast Fish Cat 4 float tube/belly boat uses both fabric denier and 500 PCV materials with sewn seams. Its seat is made out of foam with a combination of the high backrest. The air chambers are supported by vinyl air cell material. This feature ensures maximum durability and resistance to tear or abrasion.
The armrests provide two gear packs. The detachable stripping platform is also filled with other accessories, such as air pumps, boat bags, and fins. There is even a repair kit included in your purchase.
6. Outcast Super Fat Cat LCS Inflatable Fishing Float Tube
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- Length: 64 inches
- Width: 45 inches
- Weight: 17 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
The Outcast Super Fat Cat LCS Inflating Float Tube combines fabric denier, 500 PVC, and 420 PC materials. It has air chambers based on urethane that are accessible through the Summit II valves. Its seat is fully inflatable, including the backrest. The seams are welded. This welded seam ensures its resistance to any tear or abrasion. The apron is calibrated to be oversized so that it does not get in the way of your lower extremities.
Each armrest is securely affixed with two large pockets with two bottle holders. The inflated backrest has a pocket for additional storage.
7. Outcast Prowler Inflatable Fishing Float Tube
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- Length: 64 inches
- Width: 50 inches
- Weight: 21 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 325 pounds
The Outcast Sport Gear Prowler float tube combines fabric denier material, 600 PVC, and 500 PVC. This material is generally used for making fishing float tubes. The seams of this float tube are sewn strongly. Its stripping apron is height-adjustable.
There is much storage for this float tube. There is stowing for personal items and fishing gear. Both left and right armrests also have compartments. The back of the seat has a mesh net.
The inflatable seats are reinforced with a fully inflatable floor. It has three air chambers made out of urethane material. The valves are of Summit II quality. You can guarantee its high quality.
8. Bighorn Inflatable Fishing Float Tube
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- Length: 50 inches
- Width: 27 inches
- Weight: 11.7 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
The Bighorn Inflatable Fishing Float Tube has D-loops to attach extra gear and creel bags. There is also a convenient exterior mesh pocket. Another remarkable feature is its spacious inflatable seat area with a large inflatable backrest. This gives you a comfortable fishing trip when you want to do it for a few hours.
There is plenty of storage on this inflatable fishing float tube. Its zippered armrest compartments, rear storage compartment, and exterior mesh storage pocket are a few. This tube has a safety flag pocket and a horizontal rod holder. The quick-release stripping apron is also one of its best features.
9. Togiak Inflatable Fishing Float Tube With Backpack Straps
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- Length: 54.2 inches
- Width: 47 inches
- Weight: 12.5 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
The Togiak Inflatable Fishing float tube has a stadium-style seat with a high back. This backrest is adjustable with a little extra comfort. It comes from the benefit of the hydrodynamic hull, which makes better maneuverability and improved stability.
The armrest is also roomy. It has additional reel pockets, gear pockets, small mesh pockets, and flat zip pockets. The pockets are a total of 14 different storage. The armrest has zipped compartments and D-loops for attaching extra gear.
Other storage is the rear mesh storage platform and horizontal rod holder. Lash tabs and D-rings for attaching gear with creel bags are other great features. Lastly, it has a safety flag pocket and repair kit.
10. Teton Inflatable Fishing Float Tube
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- Length: 42.5 inches
- Width: 40 inches
- Weight: 8.5 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
The Teton Inflatable float tube is built with a hydrodynamic hull shape for better steering and tracking. The U-shaped float tube has a comfortable backrest and an integrated inflatable seat. The design brings comfort to your fishing experience. The material is also durable enough to be tear-resistant.
This float tube also offers a lot of storage compartments. Some of them are the zippered armrest, pouches, and the back of the seat. It includes the stripping apron with a fish ruler. The built-in D-loops are ideal for hooking on extra gear or bags. The strap can be attached for easier transport of the tube.
Conclusion
These ten best inflatable fishing float tubes are worthy of being considered the best in the float tube industry. They each have something unique to offer and have the capability to change the way you fish in non-rapid waters.
However, your decision is all that will matter in the end. What you need to do is lay down the realistic groundwork. This means forming your criteria. Simply put, choose a float tube that matches your immediate needs the closest.
