Unfortunately a boat is out of reach for me.  But as I just begin this adventure into bass fishing I can see that I need to get myself off the shore.  I have been thinking of a float tube to give me a little more range.  I have had some that have told me that I need to get waders also with the float tube to protect my legs from possible cold water and parasites within the water.  Is this true or are they blowing smoke?  Thanks for your help!

How cold is the water? you can ask about the parasites from your local game and fisheries dept.

mayassa, thanks for the response.  I live in western Washington.  right now the water is comfortable ... 68 - 70ish ... but in the spring and fall it chills a bit more.  I will check in with my local wildlife and game for the parasite answer.  Thanks again.

Water parasites is one, them leeches ain 't pretty.

Now, protecting yourself from hipothermia is more likely.

70 is pretty cold after you sit in it for a while a lot of guys in Norther Cal use thick waders or sweats and breathable waders

I thought it would be a bit chilly if I was in it all day ... so I think I will look at sometype of waders.  Thanks for all of the great insight given!

Get some stocking foot neoprene waders for the colder water and some breathable waders for the warmer water. I've been using the breathable waders so far this year (since May when I bought my 1st float tube/pontube) with the water in the 80 degree range. When it cools below 70 degrees in the winter months, I'll buy some neoprene waders!

yeah, just for the sake of keeping warm you should wear waders. I personally go with lightweight breathables plus sweatpants if it's cold.