![]() Tooners typically sit high and dry in elevated seats. Pontoons are decidedly the easiest to launch and beach. And, in most cases, you can launch in shallower water because your lower extremities do not extend so far down out of the bottom of your craft as with round tubes. That is because you need only sit down backwards to launch and rise forward to get back out. The main thing they have in common is that they are much easier to get in and out of the water than the round models. Most of today’s tubers are buying the open-ended craft known variously as U-boats, Vboats, kick boats and pontubes…according to their shapes. They are probably the most difficult to get in and out of the water so we will definitely devote some instruction to properly launching and beaching them. There are still a few “round boats” being sold and many still in use by those who haven’t upgraded. I’m sure that many of our episodes would have won big bucks on the funny videos shows. There were lots of us “donut-dunkers” who put on a pretty good show for onlookers. At some point in the launching process the tuber had to get down inside the round opening and waddle into the water while wearing fins. That is why you should be careful in your choice of launch sites and why you should follow the proper steps for getting in and out of the water.īefore the mid 1980s, virtually all float tubes were “donuts”…round craft consisting of covered truck tire inner tubes. It is during these times that the floatation fishermen is most at risk for injury and/or loss of or damage to equipment. Successful launching and beaching is not just a matter of getting in the water and going fishing. But, there can be a lot of variables in those processes depending upon the type of craft you are in and the conditions of your launching and beaching site. There is an old saying: “The longest journey begins with the first step.” Every fishing trip in your tube or toon begins with getting in the water and ends with getting out of the water. But, when shopping for a new craft fancy design alone should not be the only basis upon which you make your final decision. Today’s floatation anglers tend to prefer open kick boats, pontubes or pontoons with oars and/or electric motors. It is increasingly rare to see a round tube on the waters anymore. Manufacturers responded to the growing awareness and more knowledgeable demands of tubers and tooners and came up with a bajillion new designs. Later options included covers to fit the larger 22” truck tubes and would float anglers up to 300 pounds.ĭuring the last 20 years of the 20th century great strides were made in the floatation fishing world. These would float up to about two hundred and fifty pounds depending on the manufacturer and the cut of the cover. The early models were simply fabric covers sewn together in a “donut” shape that held a 20” truck tire tube. We could choose either a round tube…or a round tube. In the “olden days” we didn’t have many choices. Then there are the potential limitations you might have for storing or transporting whatever craft you choose. Equipment and design options might also influence your final decision. Other factors in the review process are mostly related to your personal angling preferences along with your physical abilities. Belly boats and pontoons are less costly than boats but can still take a big chunk out of a tight budget. For many newbies the budget thing is the single biggest hurdle to becoming properly outfitted. And, a good policy is to always try before you buy…when you can. This chapter highlights the most important considerations to review during your evaluation process. Before making any final decision you should get as much input as possible from knowledgeable tubers and tooners. Advice from others can be valuable but the ultimate choice needs to be based upon YOUR own wants, needs and abilities. The type, make and model of the craft you choose will be a personal thing.
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