New Member

Hi everyone, I just joined today and looking to learn from everyone on this site. I just turned 70 and have been fishing since I was a little kid with my dad. I have never been in a float tube but it looks very cool and I would like to get into it. I have done research and am looking at either a Cumberland or Fish Cat 5 (currently weigh 225) and these 2 look like the tubes that will keep me sitting high enough. I look forward to getting on the water soon. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

John

Welcome John to the forum your are in the right place. I have always enjoyed the Cumberland Float Tube that is what I would suggest to you. But the is my 2 cents lets see what others have to say as well.

Welcome to the forum Thirsty Duck.

I am 200 pounds and have the Cumberland, it floats me great. I think it is a best buy for the money. Mine is going on 6 or 7 years old right now. I do agree the Fish Cat 5 looks like a great tube.

Good luck on which ever you choose.

Welcome to the forum Thirsty Duck,

You and I we are about the same age John.
Back in the middle of February I weighed 210 pounds, down from 225 lbs, I was informed that I was pre-diabetic.
My present weight is 177 pounds, I have been float tube fishing 4.5 yrs now and I luv it!

It allows you the total freedom to explore just about any accessible body of water at your own leisure and to get exercise as well as a bonus!

I started off using an Outcast Fish Cat Deluxe 4 FT and I really liked everything about it except for it’s lap tray with it’s flimsy lil’ plastic vert legs, which nearly buckled under the weight of my maiden voyage 25” Halibut.

Since then, I have purchased and used the Cumberland FT(s) W/ a DIY lap tray ... it actually fits all of my needs much better and I have landed Halibut up to 37” on it so far, w/ plenty of room to measure that future 42”er ...... lol

but it lacks in the department of being constructed out of the better vinyl (heavier) materials like so many of the other nice quality-built float tubes out there these days, vinyl is heavier than the Cumberland's nylon/cloth used to construct their baffle walls.
Also, the vinyl float tubes can be more awkward and heavier to carry ... BUT they are built like tanks. They have their own problems like leaks, etc.
I just prefer to keep it light and simple ... or to just buy a small skiff.

I can’t say that I have had the same tube for five or six years because I am rough on them and the fish are rough on my tubes as well. Salt Water fish can  puncture our tubes with their fins here and I have patched my tubes many times. lol

I will usually catch 4-6 nice legal Halibut per year and then sell my used float tubes with good fishing Mojo attached and then turn around and buy another new Cumberland. lol
That’s how much I enjoy my Cumberland float tubes!

Where do you plan to have your maiden voyage?
May I suggest that you try to hook up with somebody locally; that is already float tube fishing, so that you may feel safer as you build your confidence in your new ride!

Tight lines John,

SP Dan