Tackle, including fly rods, reels, lines and leaders, are not covered in this course.  There is a separate course for each of these topics.

Float tube


This type of float tube makes an effective tool.

The float tube is a "float boat" for the single fly fisher.  Essentially, you just sit in a round or U-shaped tube full of air that floats.   It is a very effective and practical piece of equipment that will add pleasure and fish to your lake or pond fishing experiences.

Also called "belly boats", these one-man crafts enable you to fish in places that otherwise are essentially unfishable.  Normally used in warm or cool water lakes and ponds where regular boats are either impractical or physically impossible to use, these highly portable tools of stealth are almost "criminal".

Float tubes are effective because: (1) they are quiet (2) they allow you to reach otherwise unreachable spots (3) they provide a very low profile to the water, hence the fish can't see you (4) they are fun to fish from.

In addition to the boat itself, chest waders and swim fins ("flippers") (for propelling yourself in the water) are required accessories.  Generally, a lightweight rod of over 9' is best to promote easier casting in such a low profile and where long casts are not necessary.

Several styles are available, from a simple "inner tube" with a nylon cover and built-in seat, to specially designed devices with comfort enhancing backrest, storage compartments, and functional shape. 

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What do I need? . . .Wader type
To give you an idea as to quantity, cost, etc., for this item, outlined below are very broad guidelines.  The School of FlyFishing has partnership alliances with tackle, clothing and equipment manufacturers, dealers or retailers that enable us to make many products available directly to students.
Quantity: 1
Material: inflatable tube covered with nylon
Size: one size fits all
Color: suggest earth tone
Cost: $100-$300
Substitutes: old tire innertube
Source: store; Catalogs: Bass Pro Shop, Cabela's , LL Bean, Orvis; fly fishing retailers
Mfr.: n/a

Float tube accessories:

  1. fins: to fit over your waders boots to provide the "'motor" to your boat; ($20-$125)
  2. anchor: weight to hold tube in set position
  3. air pump: some means to inflate the tube
  4. depth finder: strapped or taped to the tube
  5. electric motor: with a specialized extra tube with platform, a small electric trolling motor can be used to add further mobility

The next step up from the float tube is a "pontoon" or "kick" boat.  Costing perhaps twice as much as float tubes, these mini boats, with their two-inflatable pontoon cells and aluminum frames, are designed for the most serious of small water anglers.