Float Tube Choices?

hookup66 · Mar-21-2008, 07:35 PM

I'm Considering an Outcast Super Fat Cat Float tube. It looks like it will fit my needs well. Any feedback on this model or others is appreciated. Thanks, Jeff.

lpfflyer · Mar-21-2008, 08:37 PM

I fished an earlier version for about 6 years before I bought my boat and Loved it! The best feature is the higher ride, no more water down the back of your waders. Also a small square milk/juice crate wedges behind the backrest to which you can zip tie PVC for rod holders.
Phil.

Lend-a-Fish · Mar-21-2008, 09:28 PM

I heard good things about the fat cat. I considered the fat cat and the trout unlimited. Last year i bought the trout unlimited, and then i never used it because i bought a boat shortly thereafter. If you decide on the trout unlimited, id sell you mine cheap in the box. From my research and the opinions of many other i talked to the these were the two best options available.

nalani · Mar-22-2008, 12:14 AM

i have the super fat cat and have used it a couple of times. ive been tubing about 12 years and have always had a bucks bullet tube. it is quite different than your traditional u-tube. you sit high and the only part of your body that is in the water is you legs. it seems like there is less drag and that you can move through the water a little easier and i think that is because the bottom is coated and is slick. but i also think the wind will push you around a little more too. i am still getting used to the tube and have to get all the straps dialed in. the only downside is that the tube is pretty damn big. make sure you get the backpack straps and the pump.

gatothecat · Mar-22-2008, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lend-a-Fish

I heard good things about the fat cat. I considered the fat cat and the trout unlimited. Last year i bought the trout unlimited, and then i never used it because i bought a boat shortly thereafter. If you decide on the trout unlimited, id sell you mine cheap in the box. From my research and the opinions of many other i talked to the these were the two best options available.

How much do you want to sell it for? Ive got an old caddis and Ive been looking to upgrade. Let me know if your interested in selling it still.

F15hK1ll3r · Mar-22-2008, 08:08 AM

OCD 420..you be ridin high only your calves will be in water

Lend-a-Fish · Mar-22-2008, 09:33 AM

Never used in box $120, thats 20$ less than retail, no tax, you pick up in Vegas, or i can meet an associate of yours in Vegas.

To the original poster, i just checked out that Super Fat Cat, Cabelas has several models that are newer, i hadnt seen them. The Super Fat Cat appears to be a superior product to this trout unlimited, hence the huge price difference to. If fishing ass cold water, you will want to be in one of the higher models. i bought this one with the intention on wanting to be in the water, using it at Mead, where its hot as fire.

IFSteve · Mar-22-2008, 12:11 PM

I think they are a great tube. However, I do have a thought you might consider. While it is certainly nice to be up out of the water more (this is a very nice plus) it also means that you are going to be very suceptible to being blown around in the wind. Not only are you sitting up higher which gives you more profile to catch the wind it's a double whammy becuase it also is harder to hold yourself in place when fishing becuase you have less leg down in the water (like a skeg on a sailboat). If I am going to sit that high then I want to be able to row because its going to be tough to just use flippers if there is much wind at least compared to a "normal" float tube. If you don't have an issue with wind then no big deal.

lpfflyer · Mar-22-2008, 12:45 PM

From my experience the wind is not that much of a factor. I usually fish Morena which blows most of the time. I have owned a traditional tube and they seem harder to make headway in a wind. The fishcat seems (to me anyway) much more manuverable. my .02.

corky yokoe · Mar-23-2008, 09:35 AM

Jeff,
"Prowler" from Outcast is the best, call me..my group has 7 of these, they sit high and dry.

Corky

Sculpin Eyes · Mar-24-2008, 09:11 AM

Just another happy O.D.C. 420 owner here

unskunkable · Mar-24-2008, 08:31 PM

I have a fish cat 4 and that thing is bitchen plus I got it at a cabelas and it was on closeout just the orange color for around $45

Posracing99 · Mar-27-2008, 07:31 AM

I have the Outcast Super Fat Cat, I love it. I used to have the Trout Unlimited Big Horn and I loved that also but when it got windy it pushed you around a little bit cause it was so big. Fished the Sierras for about 6 years in it, mostly Crowley that's why wind was an issue for me.

flygoddess · Mar-27-2008, 10:01 AM

I have had MANY TUBES and toons. One feature I always stress on a tube or toon is URETHANE BLADDERS. They are not effected by temp and Altitude and deterioration. They cost more, but they are stronger and LIGHTER!
It can be compared to one of those sandwich bags with the fold over flaps (PVC) OR the thick freezer bags (Urethane)
PVC stretches, Urethane doesn't. That is why the pay load on Urathane is so much higher.
As far as wind resistance...in a "V" shaped tube you do not notice it any more than a "U". The V seams to make it more stabile and track better. (No floating side to side in the wind)
I started off with an old Caddis Donut (car tube) then got one of the first SFC with the mesh in the back and a Styro seat. Then the Escalade which was a basic SFC with a front and inflateable seat so folded up to nothing.
Then the H3, the cadillac of float tubes, it just don't get any better....no wait, it did. The Navigator II. A nine foot "V" tube with motor mount accessory and OARS. Still folds up to nothing.

I do get a little surprised when I read people wanting to save all the scratch for a FLOATATION devise, instead of their lures, line, reel, rods, even waders. COME ON, this is a SAFETY DEVISE!