Float tube question

I have a float tube, and just recently discovered how pretty much perfect it is
compared to just wade or bank fishing. For those with FT's, are yall running any kind of fish finder? If so what, kind and how do you rig it? I've done some research on handheld devices, but wondering if it's worth having a dedicated fixed device. Thanks
Happy angling.

no ff here just me the fly rod and the tube

I don’t currently fish from a tube but have thousands of hours fishing from one over the past few decades

Back in the day we used to cut a section of plastic from a bucket and then cut slots in each end to run a strap through. Now all of that effort is done for you and for under 20 bucks!!

https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Max-...N_PJ2k1ttq_TguftwQ3vyrhAtrUaAi63EALw_wcB

For power, buy a deer feeder battery at Academy and get one with the wall plug charger with it. They are very inexpensive. Put it in one of the pockets of the tube. Just run the power cords from the small fish finder to the battery. You may need to crimp some slotted connectors on but it’s all very simple

Thanks man. Appreciate it. What kind of FF did you use? Any advice on specifics?

That's what I've been doing. And it's part of the challenge, as you know. Just thinking of options. Appreciate the reply.

The transducer mount maybe the hardest part, my homemade one has an adjustable transducer angle Plus pivots If it hits something or if it needs to be raised out of water for parking on land.

But, I Haven't used my old self-contained one (where you insert batteries as needed )- a micronar FF setup (probably not made anymore) for at least a decade. Most of my FT excursions are now at shallowish creeks or Rivers, which are sheltered from wind , waves , the dangers of far away shorelines in emergencies, and also a blazing sun is blocked- by Shady trees. A depth finder is not needed or could be damaged easily at rivers and creeks. Transducer setup Kind of looks like the last picture on this link:

https://www.fishfindermounts.com/product-page/strap-on-transducer-mount-kit

If the rivers run dry and I'm forced to do lakes or deeper water, I use my motor power to troll crankbaits at promising areas and find the fish that way- then just hover around and work those areas. Works great for me, but might not be for everyone!

Hey Gtxflyangler I have caught a whole lot of fish from this thing!What type Tube do you have? Porta`s post mentioned www.fishfindermounts.com i`ll second that emotion! They will have something for just about every type tube. plus it`ll be self contained

Hey bonz, thanks for the reply. I have the caddis nevada tube. I have found a great new way to fish. It's a completely different environment. Thanks again!

Gtxflyangler If you are uncertain about what FF you want for your FT www.floattubefanatics.com has a photo Gallery of how other tubers have configured their Fish Finders so you can get ideas maybe of what you`d like to do for your particular FT. When I first got mine I didn`t have a clue

Bonz, where did you get your Float Tube that's pictured? Kind of looks like a creek company ODC420 L, but they haven't made that green color for many years, AFAIK.. those are really nice adds that you made!

BINGO PORTA!! & Thanks.You certainly know your tubes You wouldn`t know it by it`s looks but this thing has been everywhere from some of the Grungiest kreeks to under the nastiest culverts you can imagine. AFAIK??

As Far As I Know.

Ps. Creek company raised prices and went to the current two-tone light green and red ODC 420 L model, about 3 years ago. It seems slightly smaller and the bladders don't seem as rugged, to the touch. So I don't know if they will last past 15 years, like my oldest ODC 420L which has been used at least 70 times per year and is still going. The color has faded somewhat and it shows a lot more wear than the one you have. I've had to patch the bottom bladder seams internally a dozen times or so, and also reinforced the cover at the sewed seam stress points with aqua seal- just as a precaution. I've got several of the green ones tricked out for extreme safety, comfort, and fast propulsion with a drill motor. Before the green ones there were gray or blue ones that were super heavy duty bottom-coated with Whitewater raft-like material, weighed almost twice as much!

I saw a youtube video & there was a Guy giving a review on the Gray & the Green model like I have in the photo. He stated that they gray one was a lot more rugged and heavier. That`s the one I really wanted but by the time I made up my mind to get one they had gone the way of the DODO & I couldn`t find one so I settled for the lesser of the two.

I use a Hawkeye FishTrax 1-C on mine. Small and light weight it does what I need it to do. Here is their webpage:
https://hawkeyeelectronics.com/collections/float-tube-fishing

Flags,
Thanks! Appreciate the link. You setup has the mount with it, yes? Seems like a bit better price. I'll have to look at it more closely. Thanks again!

Yep. I bought the one with the mount. I can fish all summer and only change batteries once.

Sweet. That pretty much seals it for me! Appreciate ya buddy!! 🤙🤙

You are welcome. It isn't a fancy rig but it shows fish, depth, bottom contour and surface temp and that is all I need. I like it because it is small and light and I often pack my tube a couple miles into backcountry lakes in CO so small and light are serious concerns for me.

Flags, thanks for the link!

About how much does the FF with mount complete setup weigh with batteries? I do some hiking and portaging with my FT, so I try to keep the weight to a minimum.

Have you used the horizontal shooting transducer? If it works well that way, it might be useful for some of the first time Waters that I visit.

I think the lithium AAA batteries are lighter and last longer, with the drawback of being considerably higher cost.. Although less expensive AAA alkalines will probably work, they eventually leak even when left unused. I've had a few appliances ruined when they corroded the contacts, when I forgot to remove them alkalines. Don't know if the lithiums corrode also, but all the rechargeables I have used haven't leaked so far over periods of at least 10 years. I've had good luck with the AAA Eneloop brand, which hold their charge longer, and seem to have a higher capacity compared to other brands.

I fished a float tube for years before going to a boat .Never had a sonar device at all and caught many many bass from it just flipping trees. The best thing about it was that it made you fish a spot well and with flippers you can hold in a pretty big wind .

Porta did you know that FishFounderMounts.com has a float Tube mounting kit with a 12v rechargeable battery inside that doesn`t weigh much? You just attach a small FF of your choice w/ transducer ,strap it on when you get to your back woods destination ,and away you go!. Their Cust svc is EXCELLENT in setting you up for a day on the water if you tell them what you have and are trying to do. 1-(855) 784-3474 Just passing it on to you & anyone else interested btw: the battery does`nt leak. had mine for years

Thanks bonz, I'll check it out!

No problem at all. www.FishFinderMounts.com

👍👍 I'm gonna check them out too. Appreciate you man!!

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