How to Lake Fish With a Float Tube

A float tube, or inner tube, provides the angler with an ideal means of getting out to where the fish are located. This ability to move toward the fish is particularly valuable in fly fishing, where casting distances are generally shorter than the casting distances achieved in other forms of fishing. One other advantage of the float tube is that this method of propulsion (feet kicking underwater) permits a stealthy approach that does not scare away the fish. Follow these steps to lake fish with a float tube.

Things You'll Need

  • Pump
  • Fly fishing equipment
  • Swim fins
  • Waders
  • Life jacket
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Instructions

  1. Preparing to Fish

    • 1

      Use the pump to inflate your float tube at a location near the edge of the lake. Tie the inflated float tube to something solid to ensure that it does not blow away while you are preparing the rest of your fishing gear.

    • 2

      Set up your fly rod and reel and tie a fly to the end of your line. If you see fish rising on the lake, you probably want to start with a dry fly. Otherwise a wet fly, nymph or streamer pattern may be more successful. Once your fishing outfit is set up, you will want to put the rest of your fishing gear into the various pockets and compartments located on the float tube.

    • 3

      Put on your waders, your life jacket and your swim fins.

    • 4

      Step into the float tube and make sure the seat strap is securely fastened. While holding your fishing rod, slowly walk backward into the lake until the water reaches a point just below your waist.

    • 5

      Slowly sit down in the float tube and allow the tube to bear your full weight in the water. While staying near the shore, use your fins to move around a bit in the water to make sure that the tube is safe and in proper working order. Once you are satisfied the tube is functional, you can move away from the immediate shoreline.

    Fishing

    • 6

      Use your feet and the lean of your body to navigate the float tube to a likely fishing location.

    • 7

      Strip some line from your reel and use a few false casts to get enough line on the water to make a proper fishing cast.

    • 8

      If you are fishing with a subsurface fly pattern, cast your fly toward a likely location and wait a few moments for the fly to sink to the proper depth. Begin a slow retrieve if you are fishing deeper water and a moderate/faster retrieve if you are fishing in water that is relatively shallow. Maintain some tension in the line and watch the tip of the line carefully to help you discern when a fish strikes your fly.

    • 9

      If you are fishing a dry fly, you have likely seen fish rising in the area. Fish in lakes are generally in motion, so it does not make much sense to cast to where a fish rose previously unless such a location is near a structure or current that would tie a fish to that particular location. Otherwise, try to watch the fish cruising through the water and cast your fly toward the spot where the fish appears to be headed. Let the fly sit on the water motionless and wait for the fish to strike. If no strike occurs, you can bring the fly toward you with a slow retrieve or you can simply cast the fly to another location. Always pay close attention to the fly while it is on the water in order to be prepared if a fish takes the fly.