The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

Hello everyone! Haven't posted in a LONG time, but am getting excited about the coming season and hopefully hitting some high altitude, back-country lakes. I want to get a very affordable (@ $200) float tube from Cabela's to use up a gift certificate. I am considering a Creek Company U-boat 2000, a Creek Company Original U-boat, or the new Classic Accessories Cumberland float tube.

I will most likely be carrying this tube in to the lakes, and will use it infrequently; only when driving to locations then hiking, and most likely the Eastern Sierras and Trinity area.

I would love some feedback from any members who have experience with float tubes, things to look for, and additional pointers.

Thank you!

I don't know much about the Creek u-tubes but I have a TU Togiak and a Fish Cat 4 delux. The Togial is light and folds up nicely and is limited to the size of the foam seats. The fish cat is a tank compared to the Togiak. The only thing I do not like about the Togiak is the valve system. Never had any issues with leaking but the valves can go inside the shell and you have to fish them out and adjust them.

Good Luck,

Jet

Jet - thanks for the tips and response. I think for me the size of the Cat 4 might be too much at this point. - Greg

One of the things I did not consider when I bought mine, was the seat and backrest construction. I have the Fishcat 4 with a foam seat and backrest. Although it is comfortable and dry, the belly-boat does not compact well, and therefore sometimes gets left behind on multi day camping trips. However, it is built well.

If I had to do it over again, I would shell out more money to get the inflatable seat.

Great tip to consider! Thanks, Pound.

Just a quick follow-up and thank you to everyone for their advice. I went with the Cumberland and it was more than I expected when it arrived. I have only been able to assemble it and test it, but haven't fished from it yet. So far, it seems great, although, Pound, I see what you mean now about the foam vs. inflatable seat.

I also got a cordless, chargeable Coleman airpump which is lightweight and works amazingly fast!