It’s relatively baffling for any beginner fisherman to predict the safety of float tubes.
It can be more surprising for them to accept the angler position in the water as in float tubes the anglers have to be in the water rather than above the water. So let’s find out about it.
Are float tubes safe to use? Well, yes, float tubes are safe to use if you are careful about it. You have to know and consider some facts to ensure your safety on float tubes.
Common Float Tube Safety Rules
Now here I am going to reveal some common safety rules that every beginner should consider. So make sure you’re following all these things effectively. Let’s start…
Check The Weight Capacity:
You need to consider the weight capacity of your float tube to ensure your safety. The weight capacity of your float tube is important because it will carry you and it has to be strong enough to bear your weight.
But is your weight should be your only concern? Well, no. Though you’re your float tube is only for you, you need to think about the fishing accessories.
The weight capacity of a float tube relies on the design and the materials that are used to make the float tube.
If you are of average weight, you can choose any design, but if you are a bit healthy, I will recommend you to choose pontoon tubes as they can carry more weights than the standard inner tubes or U tubes.
Resilience Of The Float Tube:
You need to think about the resilience of the float tube to be safe on the water. You should purchase float tubes that are made of strong and sturdy materials.
If the materials are not abrasion-free and are not resistant to rips and shreds, then you are not likely to be safe on the water.
To avoid any kind of tears while brushing up against abrasive surfaces, you should choose rip-stop fabrics as it is one of the toughest fabrics to secure your float tubes.
Fishing Spot (Must Consider):
For float tubes, your safety largely depends on where you are going to fish. River, ocean or any large water body is dangerous for float tubes. Especially moving waters are not suitable for fishing in float tubes.
Large lakes can also be dangerous for riding a float tube. Usually, in large lakes, people go on with kayaks or boats, and so the moving water caused by the hi-tech engine can hamper your safety.
Float tubes are used in ponds or small lakes. And even if you are on any large water body, try to be on the shoreline to be safe. The more you are far away from the shoreline, the more you are away from your safety.
Wind (Safety Depends On):
Wind can also cause danger in your fishing experience. It can either help you or can drag you into danger. Before fishing, you need to know about the weather forecast to be safe.
Remember that float tubes are paddled by you, not by any engine. So it would be better if you understand the wind and can use it in your favor.
Usually blowing winds can be helpful but the wind that is blowing out can cause danger. Especially when you are in offshore, it can be different than what you expected.
Practice (Learn Controlling):
Paddling a floating tube requires practice. It can be dangerous for any novice user to go on fishing without any practice. Riding and controlling a floating tube is an easy task, but you need to be used to it.
You need to keep in mind that it is not like kayak or any other boats that are technically featured perfectly. You need to keep practicing to be a seasoned rider.
Moreover, it’s safe to have a company when you are a newbie or when you are not familiar with the fishing area.
Accessories (Causes Safety Threat ):
Your accessories can also be a threat to your safety if you are not cautious about them. Your fishing hooks and knives should be stored in a box rather than keeping them in any loose pockets. They can be dangerous as you have very little room for you and can leak the tube.
Extra Measures:
To ensure the highest safety you should wear life jackets while riding. You never know what kind of danger you are going to face and as in float tubes, you have to keep direct contact with water you should wear a life jacket.
Conclusion:
Safety should be our priority. No matter where you go or what you do, you may face dangers. But if you are cautious and know the pros and cons of everything you use, you can ensure your safety.
Float tubes are great to sharpen your senses and can intensify your fishing experience if you consider all these measures carefully. Once you are aware of your safety, you will fall in love with your fishing experience in float tubes.