I'll sell you a camo, U-Shaped float tube with paddle forward fins if you want. It's in good shape.
Lemme know. Maybe like $40 for the tube and fins.

The tube is exactly like this, but camo:
http://www.basspro.com/Caddis-Sports-Nevada-Gold-Float-Tube/product/10205419/-1557908

I can't find a link for the fins, but they let you paddle forward, instead of the backward swin fins.

 

float tubes are pretty useless in creeks there isnt enough water depth. Fun in a lake or pond though

 

Bubbagon can you send me a pm with scoop on the condition?

 

Before I got into the kayak thing, I used to do it occasionally. They work pretty well for getting around where you have some deep holes and placid water like behind the dams on the Scioto and Olentangy. You can also fish in some very shallow water in them. I think people used to see me and think I was in deep water while I was really sitting in a couple of feet and just scooting myself along the bottom with my heels. You run the risk of puncture in shallow water, but it never happened to me. You don't need to do anything different, but a pfd would be prudent.

You have to plan on walking upstream and floating down. I tried going up against the Olentangy above Worthinton High once and gave up after a couple hundred yards. And that was back when I biked a few thousand miles a year.

 

Great information you guys! I really appreciate it. This is the one I think I've decided on. Cabela's has them in stock or at the distribution center right down the road from the one in WV.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Clas...Accessories8482-Kennebec-Float-Tube/711813.uts?WTz_l=Header;Search-All+Products

 

Do you need to register a float tube? I've heard if it floats you need to register it.

 

Yup. Unless, I BELIEVE the distinction is, unless it has only one bladder.

 

I believe single bladders are not allowed and yes you do have to register them.

 

This is new to me , and I dont mean to sound rude, but for almost $200 why not get a kayak? I feel for central ohio something like that would not be to effective, taking out a lot of the smaller flows, like darby , alum, any thing without a damn on it. Also whats the range on something like that say for the larger lakes?

 

USMC, that's actually a valid question. My father once taught me about doing due diligence prior to making a large purchase so I ran over to Gander Mountain on Hilliard Rome tonight and took a quick look. Any 'yak that I was interested in was twice the cost of the float tubes. Don't get me wrong, maybe next year I'll get one but right now it just is out of my budget to buy two fishing kayak's.

I also have a bad back and no cartilage in my knees due to a military accident. The float tube allows me to get quite a bit of exercise while fishing. If you can tell me where to get a cheaper kayak I'd be interested in listening!

 

As I read it, it says you can not register a single bladder floatation tube, but it does not say you can not use it. Most float tubes have one main bladder with a smaller bladder behind your neck that has nothing to do with the floation. It functions as back support and as a back-up pfd in case of main bladder failure; take it out and fill it with packing peanuts. It would still serve its function, and you'd be legal--technically, from the registration standpoint. It might be that it would be a federal violation to alter whatever makes it a USCG approved craft.


Ohio Boat Operator's Guide: A Summary of Laws and Rules



Recent Law Updates (2011)
Float Tubes and Paddleboards Are Vessels.

The US Coast Guard has determined that float tubes (aka "belly boats") are vessels and are required to have a Hull Identification Number (HIN). Thus float tubes must be registered under Ohio law. EXCEPTION: Float tubes with one air cell are not considered to be vessels, so they cannot be registered in Ohio.

 

the coast gaurd is talking about the big flaot tubes with ores on them. thats a double cell tube.

 

A single bladder, u shaped tube does NOT have to be registered. Only tubes with twin bladders. There is no restrictions on float tubes in navigable Ohio waters. Private ponds may have their own rules. Had to check myself before using my own. Great for ponds with limited shoreline access.


Ain't technology great? Now I can be distracted by fishing everywhere I go!

 

I have been using a float tube for years. I would recommend getting one from the Creek Company, they are great, have never had to replace mine. My tip would be to invest in a nice pair of flippers because it will make paddling easier. I use a pair of scuba flippers.

 

the coast gaurd is talking about the big flaot tubes with ores on them. thats a double cell tube.

What you are referring to is a pontoon or a kick boat. The quotation on ODNR specifcally refers to "belly boats," aka float tubes. And they do make those with more than one floatation bladder.

 

OhioAngler,

Any tips on where to use them well? Or good spots to wade with them? I'm looking more for entry points not specific holes.