Toobs or Toons
To Toob?, or Toon?, that is the question..A comparison? Sort of….
Float Tubes and Fishing Pontoons are extremely popular today as a unique and effective fishing platform. Self propelled, stealthy, and with a close proximity to your environment that is unmatched, make Float Fishing so very rewarding and fun. I don’t believe there is a more basic and enjoyable way to pursue fishing. Over the years, the Float Tube has evolved, improving and adding features of safety, comfort, and fishability. As a result of Float Fisherman’s interest in an ever more effective platform, a smaller version of the whitewater cataraft, or the Fishing Pontoon Boat became the
logical progression. These two now, are the most popular of the inflatable Float Fishing
platforms.
NOTE: The newest and VERY popular frameless permutation of the Pontoon, is a special addition to the Float Fisherman’s options and may be the perfect hybrid. An article for another edition perhaps?…
As a member of the FTFF I have read and discussed (argued?) the attributes of both,
(Toobs and Toons) particularly in regards to discussions advising those in the market to purchase an inflatable, and trying to decide between the two. I have over the years, owned and fished, a variety of both.
When I decided to offer Jeff my thoughts on a comparison of Toobs and Toons, I went hard at researching and developing a fair comparison of the two, and after three or four frustrating drafts, (this being #5)
I suddenly realized that comparing the two is almost impossible ( and definitely an exhausting volume of reading! ), because they are inherently different watercraft. So instead, here is my simplest description of
my likes and dislikes of both…. Now, before we get to the meat of this article, let me state that my perspective on Toobing
and Tooning, is primarily, and most importantly, about the FISHING. Although the overall experience of Float Fishing goes well beyond simply the fishing, I tend to focus closely on the fishing.
That being said,…..
The Float Tube:
The Float Tube is the simplest bridge between the shore and offshore. The most basic of watercraft. So basic in fact, the United States Coast Guard and most state motor/aquatic vehicle agencies still do not know how to designate it. But, in its simplicity, lies its charm, and ever growing popularity.
LIKES:
1)Toobs are cheap. Even the most sophisticated, feature laden toobs, are well within the financial reach of most of the fishing populous.
2) Toobs are easy to assemble and operate. Blow it up, throw it in the water, climb in, kick and go fish! Justlike that!
3) Toobs are easy to transport and store. Most Float Tubes, even fully inflated, can be transported in the typical passenger car, carried easily by hand, and (when deflated) take up no more room than a large suitcase in a closet.
4) Toobs are built tough and last a long time. Barring a catastrophic failure or dumb abuse, and with very little maintenance, a good quality Toob can last you a lifetime.
5) Toobs are a great and satisfying fishing platform. Toobs put you closer than almost any other platform, to your quarry. They enable you to fish in tight spaces, but still have the ability to fish almost anywhere else a normal boat can go, (weather and water conditions permitting).
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