has anyone used one of these?  i don't want to fish off the bank, but i can't afford a boat right now ( even a jon boat or canoe is out right now). should i try the float tube or put that money towards something else?  

steve

Get one, their sweet.  Get the Trout Unlimited "Big Horn"

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=44942&hvarDept=175&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=5&hvarSubCode=2&hvarTarget=browse

I have tried 3 this spring and I went back to that one (which I had before).  I got a smaller one, sent it back, I got a "Pontoon" type one that I wasnt thrilled with even though it was expensive (sent that back).

Get big flippers and neoprene chest waders.

I have one and love it. I was a little worried about snakes but never was bothered. Some guys here in Oklahoma said to watch the beavers. Good luck.

I have a couple of the pontoon style and I love them!  They keep your butt out of the water!  They also put you higher than the regular style tubes for better hook sets and visability.

I use them in the summer all the time and you don't have to wear waders.  Also if you have a destination that is a bit far you can take you feet out of the water and use the oar feature.  

They have some out now that are not that expensive.  

just my .02

I'll bet you could find an old used jon boat for the price you would pay for a tube (pontoon or otherwise) plus the flippers, etc.  You could probably pick one up for $100.  Seems I 've seen posts on this forumfrom folks who have found them.  Just a thought.

I had a tube and just upgraded to an outcast pontoon style.  The outcast tubes are a little pricey, but they are awesome!

Yeah, you could find an old jon or canoe for a hundred or so.I bought a canoe for $100.Bought several old jons over the years for little or nothing.Just ask around people that get into fishing.I have a co-worker right now that wants me to haul a jonboat out of her yard.She gave it to me just because it has a little leak.That can fixed with no problems.