Hey all, current bank fisherman here. I want to get a float tube or pontoon to get on the water. I have a general idea of what I want/need but could use some tips. I live in southern California, I want something to get on the water in the harbors and lakes. Where to even begin?

 

The tube itself: I basically know I want one one of the bigger ones, with oars, that sits high. Anyone know if the Savage Gear one is solid? Flexible budget here but not gonna go crazy. Maybe 300-500 range. Want to avoid the random/off brands. And I'll need to be able to put rod holders on it (or get one that comes with them).

 

Everything else: Don't even know where to start here -- fins, waders, pfd, etc. If any float tube enthusiasts want to just throw some tips at me I would greatly appreciate it! Diving fins, float tube fins, chest waders, boot waders, neoprene waders, I'm drowning in information here. I've got the fishing gear covered though!

 

Thanks guys 

Well if you want one with oars you are most likely looking at more than the 300-500 range for a solid one.  I have a regular float tube that I just where flippers to get around in, have had it for 5 years or so and love it for smaller ponds and lakes.  I bought it for a place here in Southern Ohio that has a ton of old coal lakes they stocked with bass.  It is perfect for them for sure, I have used it is back coves of my area lakes also and it does quite well.  I don't have any help for you on the ones with the oars, as I bought the one I did because the best ponds down there require hiking so I wanted something I could throw on my back like a pack and hike a mile or two.  I wear float tube fins, and neoprene waders in mine, the waders mainly because the ticks are terrible where I use my float, and they keep the ticks off me.  I wouldn't think if you want one with the oars you would need fins but I may be wrong.

Six bucks...

 

I was bound to the bank myself and wanted a decent, yet inexpensive option to fish the numerous small to medium-sized ponds near me. Also wanted easy portability and storage. And I really did not find a float tube appealing. So I opted for a Sea Eagle Packfish7. I got the Pro version with the optional plywood floor. Total was $399.99. 
 

It comes with an inflatable seat, which is comfortable but you sit lower in the boat. I bought an inexpensive 7” seat pedestal and a low-back seat, and with hardware I spent about $60.00. Well worth it IMO. I also spent about $20.00 on materials and hardware to make a two-rod holder behind the seat which gives me the ability to carry four rigs (there are two rod holders up front, and one on each side that are Velcro loops, but I find those to be of little use unless you like your rigs getting dunked). I also spent about $40.00 on a yak paddle, which is much easier to use than the supplied oars (the oars are fine using the inflatable seat but a real PITA when seated higher). All-in-all I spent less than $500.00 and I have a comfortable and stable fishing platform that allows me quick access on the water. I’ve fished over 8 hours straight with no issues whatsoever. It takes about 7-10 minutes to inflate with the supplied foot pump (I keep mine inflated and simply slide it in/out of the bed of my truck) and is easily carried. 
 

Ive seen one angler on a yak and one in a canoe all year. I normally have the pond to myself as far as being on the water is concerned. It allows me to fish a lot of spots that bank anglers can’t reach.