The float tube, also known as a belly boat, is a unique and versatile tool for anglers. It has evolved significantly over the years, becoming a popular choice for fishing in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. Here’s a look at the history of the float tube in the United States.
Early Beginnings:
The concept of using a floatation device to fish
can be traced back to indigenous methods, but
the modern float tube as we know it began to take
shape in the mid-20th century. The first float tubes were makeshift contraptions made from inner tubes of vehicle tires. These early
versions were simple and unrefined, often
consisting of a seat attached to the tube to keep
the angler afloat and upright.
1940s-1950s:
The Pioneering Years: In the 1940s and 1950s, innovative anglers in the U.S. began experimenting with these homemade floatation devices. They would repurpose inner tubes from cars and trucks, fashioning them into rudimentary fishing platforms. This period marked the beginning of float tube fishing as a recreational activity.
1960s-1970s:
Commercialization and Popularity: The 1960s and 1970s
saw the commercialization of float tubes. Companies
began to manufacture and sell more refined and
specialized float tubes designed specifically for fishing.
These early commercial models still used rubber inner
tubes but were equipped with better seats and storage
options. The growing interest in recreational fishing and
the need for affordable, portable fishing platforms fueled
their popularity.
The History of
Float Tube in the U.S.