If you love to fish then you need a float tube to hit those remote and untouched fishing spots.
Many anglers won’t touch a body of water without a boat landing. A float tube is an amazing watercraft for all those purposes and more.
We review some of the best and most affordable float tubes to help you find the right one.
Here’s The Best Fishing Float Tubes Under $250, Backed By 17+ Hours Of Research
Classic Accessories Cumberland
Why is it better?
- Great value for the price range
- Adjustable backrest
- Ample storage space
- Cumberland assembled size: 56"L x 44"W x 19"H, weight, 14lbs.
- Hydrodynamic hull shape for improved tracking and steering
- Have a comfortable fishing experience, thanks to a high seat for drier...
5 Best Float Tubes For Fishing
With that in mind, let’s now take a closer look at our top picks.
Let’s dive into the specifics and review each float tube individually. You can use the list below to jump and review specific models, or you can read along and go through all the information.
- Classic Accessories Cumberland
- Outcast Fishcat 4-LCS Fishing Float Tube
- Caddis Premier Plus Fishing Float Tube
- Classic Accessories Togiak Float Tube
- Caddis SPORTS PRO 2000 Float Tube
Best Overall: Classic Accessories Cumberland
- Cumberland assembled size: 56"L x 44"W x 19"H, weight, 14lbs.
- Hydrodynamic hull shape for improved tracking and steering
- Have a comfortable fishing experience, thanks to a high seat for drier...
Our top choice for best float tubes under $250 has to be the Cumberland fishing float tube from Classic Accessories. Classic Accessories is a US-based company in Kent Washington and has been in operation since 1983. The Classic accessories brand is well-known in the fishing community.
The Cumberland float tube is an amazingly comfortable watercraft. The thick padded seat and supportive seat back make a day on the water enjoyable so you can concentrate on fishing.
PROS
- Great value for the price range
- Adjustable backrest
- Ample storage space
- Portable design
- Rod holder and drinks holder included
CONS
- The upper part is prone to punctures
The Cumberland features two large cargo pockets with easy-open double zippers mounted topside of each pontoon. Classic Accessories has designed each cargo pocket with its own drink holder as well.
Additional storage is available on the rear of the backrest in the large mesh stuff pocket, which features a drawcord closure and two interior zip pockets. Other beneficial details include the mesh stripping apron with fish ruler.
A rugged PVC bottom provides abrasion resistance and safeguards from puncture. The Cumberland also includes adjustable backpacking shoulder straps. Classic Accessories rates the Cumberland for up to 350 lbs.
The online reviews for the Classic Accessories Cumberland float tube are overwhelmingly positive, with 95% of the reviewers giving it 4 or 5 stars.
Phrases like “light and very portable to hike with”, “maneuvers with ease”, and “built like a tank” are common accolades and easily make this one of the best float tubes for the money.
The only downside in our eyes is the lack of padding on the backpacking shoulder straps. The straps are easy to use and won’t be troublesome for shorter walks.
But if you plan on hiking longer distances and shoulder padding is one of your must-have features, you might want to consider adding shoulder strap pads.
But despite that one very minor shortcoming, we feel the Cumberland float tube from Classic Accessories is a fantastic fishing float tube for an amazing price.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Material: Abrasion-resistant PVC
- Weight: 13 lbs
- Dimensions: 56 x 44 x 19 in
- Load Capacity: 350 lbs
EXTRA FEATURES
- Safety flag holder
- Great storage and organiation potential
- Heavy duty fabric with a rugged PVC bottom
- Meet ABYC Safety Standards
Outcast Fishcat 4-LCS Fishing Float Tube
- Outcast Fish Cat 4 LCS - Olive - Float Tube
Our second choice of best fly fishing float tubes under $250 is the Outcast Fishcat 4-LCS. Outcast produces a diverse line of watercraft.
And from personal float tubes to large fishing rafts, the Outcast name is synonymous with the highest quality of inflatable watercraft. The Fishcat 4 carries on that fine tradition, delivering solid build quality and a stable platform to cast from.
The Fishcat 4 comes with a thick foam seat with an adjustable foam backrest.
PROS
- The teardrop shape makes it great at steering and tracking
- The tube is constructed from high-quality, durable materials
- Seating is firm and gets you nicely above the water
- It has ample storage for big fishing equipment and other items
- D-rings for external gear attachment
CONS
- Fairly expensive option
Outcast has provided the option to swap out the foam seat for an inflatable seat if desired. Preference varies, but we prefer the foam seat over the inflatable version due to the higher ride it provides.
But an inflatable seat is less bulky and can be deflated for the sake of easier hiking. That should be a consideration if you are looking for the best fly fishing float tube for easy hiking to remote locations.
The Fishcat 4 features rugged, puncture resistant pontoons manufactured by the top-notch air chamber producer, Aire.
Aire has a reputation for excellence in the world of inflatable watercraft. The Fishcat 4 features two roomy cargo pockets with centered zippers mounted on top of each pontoon.
The online reviews for the Fishcat 4 are very positive, with 89% of the reviewers giving it 4 or 5 stars.
Reviewers laud the comfort and quality of the Fishcat 4 with comments like “ floats very high”, “fastest float tube I’ve ever used”, and “one of the top tubes for a reason.” There is no denying that Outcast is one of the best float tube designers in the world.
The few drawbacks of the Fishcat 4 are that it is missing drink holders, a seat back mesh pouch, and backpack straps are not included with this float tube.
However, Outcast offers these shoulder straps available from Amazon.com and D rings are located under the seat to provide backpack strap attachment points.
The LCS-4 includes an excellent mesh stripping apron with fish ruler. Outcast also rates the Fishcat 4 with a 250 lb load capacity, which is a fair amount lighter than some of its competitor float tubes.
But the quality construction and competitive price make the Fishcat 4 worthy of consideration if you are in the market for a float tube.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Material: 500 PVC
- Weight: 15 lbs
- Dimensions: 20 x 19 x 14 in
- Load Capacity: 250 lbs
EXTRA FEATURES
- Particularly rugged build
- Vinyl air cells
- Big cargo pockets
- 420 PC/500 PVC
Caddis Premier Plus Fishing Float Tube
- Heavy duty rip stop material on top
- Adjustable 4" foam seat and 2" foam backrest
- Two large main equipment pockets and two auxiliary pockets
The Caddis Premier Plus float tube is our third selection in this review on best fishing float tubes under $250. Caddis Sports has been in the float tube game for a very long time.
Their float tube designs have had an unmistakable influence throughout the field of watercraft manufacturers. Caddis float tubes have earned a strong reputation for many years of service.
The upper portion of the float tube is made from heavy duty rip-stop material for durability.
PROS
- It has a high loading capacity of 325lbs
- It has an adjustable seat and backrest
- It is durably constructed
- Padded stabilizer bar
- Large side pockets
CONS
- Some might not like the yellow aesthetic
The belly of the boat as well as the front of each pontoon has a rugged construction made from tarpaulin to resist puncture and abrasion.
The seat bottom is a thick dense foam and the adjustable backrest keeps your back supported well.
Two large main equipment pockets provide significant storage capacity. The quick filling Boston valves are located within the main storage pockets as well, which slightly reduces the available storage space.
Two dry fly patches have been placed on the front face of the storage pockets. The stripping apron features a built-in recessed drink holder and a stabilizing bar.
Caddis does not include shoulder straps with the Premier Plus, but you might consider trying the Outcast Backpack Straps. D-Rings are available for convenient transport. Caddis lists the maximum weight capacity at 325 lbs.
The Premier Plus shows a very good reputation online with 88% of the reviewers giving it 4 or 5 stars.
Reviewers regularly comment on the price and quality of the Premier Plus. Contributors frequently make comments like “what a deal” and “built excellent.” That level of confidence is really what you’re looking for in a float tube.
There are a few trivial shortcomings of the Premier Plus. One misstep is that the Boston valves occupy precious space within the main storage compartments. The other oversight is the lack of a large storage pocket on the rear of the backrest.
The minor storage blunder can be remedied easily with the addition of a dry bag to place in the mesh storage area.
Despite a few possible improvements, the Caddis Premier Plus is overall a great float tube to keep in mind when you are looking for a capable float tube that is priced really well.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Material: Heavy-duty rip stop
- Weight: 16.4 lbs
- Dimensions: 23 x 24 x 11 in
- Load Capacity: 325 lbs
EXTRA FEATURES
- D-rings for external gear attachment
- Tough, abrasion and puncture resistant tarpaulin bottom
Classic Accessories Togiak Float Tube
- Assembled size: 55.25"L x 47"W x 19"H, weight, 15 lbs.
- With a hydrodynamic hull shape, this 300 lb. capacity float tube is...
- High back stadium seat with adjustable backrest offers extra support...
Our fourth pick for best float tubes under $250 is the Togiak from Classic Accessories. Classic Accessories built another top float tube with a fantastic price tag in the Togiak. Our Togiak float tube review revealed the design to be back-packable, float high, and is extremely stable.
Classic Accessories designed the hydrodynamic hull of the Togiak float tube to be a solid and comfortable fishing platform. The design is super buoyant while also being remarkably steady because the tube strikes the balance between width and length without being too large.
PROS
- Backpack straps for easy transport
- Awesome gear storage and organization
- D-Rings for external gear attachment
- Rod carry system
- Hydrodynamic hull design
CONS
- No color options
The tough nylon covering sports a sleek looking black and brown color scheme, but also provides for a great deal of storage.
Comfortable armrests provide fantastic storage options with additional pockets for extra reels and gear, as well as small mesh pockets and flat zip pockets.
The seat of the Togiak is a thick foam insert that gives the angler a good platform to cast from. The seat back is comfortable for a variety of anglers because the stadium style design includes adjustment straps that provide for a wide range of settings.
Some report these straps can slip, though we haven’t seen that. The Togiak is also rated to carry up to a 300 lb capacity.
Online reviewers of the Classic Accessories Togiak frequently leave comments like “The Togiak is roomy,” “VERY impressed by how tough it seems,” and “easy to backpack.” The Togiak shows an overall good reputation with 76% of the reviewers giving it 4 or 5 stars.
A few reviewers also made mention that the Togiak comes standard with backpack straps, which is obviously a nice perk.
As we noticed with some of the other tubes, the Togiak is lacking drink holders. But with all the ample pocket storage it is no challenge to imagine an arrangement that would accommodate a drink or two.
The Togiak from Classic Accessories is a comfortable and roomy option to look at if you are looking for a float tube with a reasonable price.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Material: Hydrodynamic hull shape fabric
- Weight: 12.75 lbs
- Dimensions: 54.2 x 47 x 19 in
- Load Capacity: 300 lbs
EXTRA FEATURES
- Hydrodynamic hull design
- 300 pound weight capacity
- One year limited warranty
- Large armrests
Caddis SPORTS PRO 2000 Float Tube
- Crafted from the highest quality material
- Perfect for outdoor and even indoor use
- Made in China
The Caddis Pro 2000 is our fifth place finisher for best fishing float tubes under $250. The Pro 2000 is another offering from Caddis. Unique designs and innovative ideas have kept Caddis float tubes in high demand year after year.
The outer shell of the Caddis Pro 2000 float tube is made of rugged nylon. All critical seams are double-stitched to bolster the strength of the shell. The pontoons feature a unique low-profile design that Caddis touts as increasing stability.
PROS
- The tube’s outer material is strong and rigid
- Provides handsome storage capacity
- It is a long-lasting, reliable float
- It is inexpensive thus makes it affordable for almost everyone
- You can also fit it in your car even if it is fully inflated
CONS
- The backrest support is however weak
The seat is a 2 inch dense foam insert that helps the angler to sit close to the surface of the water. The Caddis Pro 2000 also features a 2 inch thick foam backrest that includes convenient adjustment straps.
We thought it was worth noting that the backrest is somewhat short in stature compared to our other examples.
Two main equipment pockets are located over the pontoons on both sides of the seat. The main pockets provide substantial storage space. Large double-pull zippers make it easy to open the pockets with one hand.
Two boston valves are located within the pockets which makes inflating the pontoons very quick. Two fly patches are located on the front face of the storage pockets.
These patches are great for keeping your favorite fly patterns accessible, or for drying out flies before storage.
A large stripping apron features a stabilizing bar and a fish measuring ruler for when you land a big one. Caddis also includes backpack straps with this model.
If you like to hike a fair distance we recommend adding this shoulder strap pad for the sake of comfort.
D-rings are located under the seat and easily attach to most backpack straps. Caddis lists the maximum weight capacity at 250 lbs.
The Caddis Pro 2000 fishing float tube shows a fairly good online reputation with 82% of the reviewers giving it 4 or 5 stars.
Reviewers frequently leave comments like “built very tough” and “Easy to inflate.” Some reviewers described the seat back as not being very supportive.
We also noticed a lack of drink holders. But it is worth noting that drinks could be placed in the other storage areas.
Overall the float tube is a tremendous value. The Caddis Premier Plus is a wise option to consider if you are looking to invest in a fishing float tube with very reasonable price.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Material: Nylon packcloth
- Weight: 11 lbs
- Dimensions: 53 x 46 x 15 in
- Load Capacity: 250 lbs
EXTRA FEATURES
- Backpack straps for easy transport
- Rod carry syste
Table of Contents
Fishing Float Tubes FAQ
ARE FLOAT TUBES SAFE?
Yes, float tubes are safe to use, but only on the proviso that you use them safely.
Float tubes re nor designed to be used in fast moving waters. Here are some important safety guidelines when using float tubes:
- Before using a float tube, check its weight capacity. It needs to not only carry your body weight but also the weight of all of your fishing gear. Pontoon style tubes will have the highest weight capacity.
- Check how resilient the float tube is. The construction material needs to be rugged enough to handle the conditions you will encounter on the water. Be sure to choose a rip-stop fabric.
- Fishing float tubes are not designed to be used in fast moving water. That means that you should not take them on rivers, oceans or other large bodies of water. Large lakes where the water is stirred up by the presence of other craft such as kayaks, and boats may also be a problem. They should only be used in ponds and small lakes.
- Do not extend the float tube too far from the shoreline.
- You should also not use a float tube in windy conditions.
DO YOU NEED WADERS FOR A FLOAT TUBE?
Yes, waders should form an integral part of your float tube fishing gear.
Warders will help to protect your from hypothermia, prevent scratches to your legs and keep those nasty water bugs at bay.
Your best option is to go for neoprene waders. These will give you the best durability and are available in different thicknesses.
Invest in a pair of stocking foot waders that are chest high.
FISHING KAYAKS VS FLOAT TUBES: A QUICK COMPARISON
When it comes to getting out into the middle of a relatively small, stable body of water, you’ve got a couple of options; the fishing kayak and the float tube.
Of the two, the float tube is the best to allow you to get into small bodies of water that are inaccessible by boat.
In these areas, it can be a little too much to bring in a kayak. Throwing down your inflatable tube is a lot less hassle. A float tube is also easier to transport.
On the other hand, a float tube is not as hardy as a kayak. If you are in a moving body of water, you will be better off with a kayak.
That is because you have a far greater ability to control a kayak than a float tube. A kayak is also more secure, providing you with a more stable platform from which to operate.
A kayak is better able to handle the encounters with underwater obstacles that they are likely to occur under the water than a float tube.
Float Tube Features To Consider
COMFORT
Float tube fishing can either be crazy comfortable, or very uncomfortable. Fishing in a float tube for an extended period of time has a way of bringing out the weak points.
Good back support is essential when you want to lean back and relax. A fairly rigid seat bottom, whether inflatable or foam, makes a huge difference as well.
We suggest avoiding the “sling-style” seats, which are just a fabric sling and tend to compress your hips.
RIDE DEPTH
Float tube fishing that provides a higher riding seat is nice when the water is really cold. But high seating provides other benefits as well.
The higher you ride, the faster you will be able to move around the water. This is another reason to avoid sling-style seats.
Sling seats force you to propel yourself through the water as well as the float tube. That can become tiring very quickly.
WEIGHT CAPACITY
How much weight you need the float tube to hold is going to depend on your weight plus the gear you want to carry.
Float tubes with a higher weight capacity will usually help you to ride a little higher as well.
Helpful fishing accessories like fish finders and fishing backpacks might not be easily accommodated with smaller models.
HIKE-IN FRIENDLY
If you might need to hike to a remote area, then you should look for a few features before you make a purchase.
Does the float tube come with D-rings to attach backpack straps? Does the float tube come with backpack straps?
You also won’t be able to wear a backpack with a float tube on your back, so available storage in the pockets of the float tube will be important.
Conclusion
Anglers who are just getting started in the sport of fly fishing need entry level gear.
Even the most experience fly anglers usually start with inexpensive fishing gear and upgrade as needed.
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