New Member

[Sapp]

Hello all! First day on the forum. I'm a brand new trout hunter and beginner fly fisherman. I've been trying flies for a few months now and realize how addictive this sport is. Unfortunately I live near Kansas City and It's not a very short drive to a trout stream. I'm looking into getting a float tube for my honey hole crappie ponds and local bass lakes. Does anyone recommend a brand of float tube and weigh in on advantages or disadvantages.

On another note. My wife and I stayed at Lillies Landing over the weekend. What an amazing place. The resort is beautiful. The staff was excellent and very helpful. We used Steve Dickey from Anglers Advantage as our guide. Not only did we catch a lot of fish and learned how to fly fish. He taught us about trout and how they react and why they eat and when. I have hunted all over the US and fished all over Missouri and this was by far the best experience I have had. I look forward to my next stay with the Lillies and trip on Taneycomo with Captain Steve!

[techo]

Welcome to the family!

[exiledguide]

Welcome to the forum. Lot of good advice here.I bought an open front White River Lost Lake at BPS last year and used it on the Finley river above the dam at the park in Ozark Mo. I'm 69 years old and 5'9" and wegh about 225 lbs and it worked for me. There is very little current there and I didn't take it out in any windy weather. You will get wet but I didn't have any back problems after using it and I caught quiet a fish each time I went. The only drawback is you can"t move very fast so I wouldn't go out in any threat of bad weather. I payed less than a $100 for it and whatever brand you get the open fron is much easier to get in and out of ir.

[Trout Commander]

BPS has one on sale for $69 and change as part of the spring fishing event. Not sure, but I think it might even be the Lost Lake model that exiled has. If it's not, it would still be hard to beat for the money.

Oh and welcome. Where ya from?

p.s. Best move EVER by taking your wife on that guided trip. Now she will understand why you never want to spend a weekend with her (unless she goes with you) .

[Sapp]

We are from Lake Lotawana Missouri. It's a little SE of Kansas City. I just the Bass Pro in Independence and they do have the open front white river lost last float tubes on sale. If I can convince the wife that we need a couple of them I will be floatin n' fishing soon. Thanks for the help!

[ness]

Hey Sapp, welcome to the forum.

I feel your pain -- with the long drives from KC to trout fish. It's just part of the deal, and I've gotten used to it. You can sure flyfish for bass and panfish too -- so don't overlook that.

I've got a float tube, and I love to use it on small lakes or ponds -- you could take it around the edges of Lotawana, but I wouldn't venture out too far (but, I'm a chicken). I haven't looked at them in years, but here's what I'd look for: definitely go for a u-shaped tube. They're more comfortable and safe than a round one. I wouldn't scrimp on this purchase either. Get a good-quality one with a sturdy bladder and valve. Some of them have dual bladders now -- that would be something I'd want with my next purchase (so if one deflates you're not in such bad shape). I've never been interested in the pontoons: they're a more trouble to assemble and inflate, more involved to transport and cost more. If I had a truck and more room in the garage, I'd be more inclined to consider one.

[Sapp]

Hey Sapp, welcome to the forum.

I feel your pain -- with the long drives from KC to trout fish. It's just part of the deal, and I've gotten used to it. You can sure flyfish for bass and panfish too -- so don't overlook that.

I've got a float tube, and I love to use it on small lakes or ponds -- you could take it around the edges of Lotawana, but I wouldn't venture out too far (but, I'm a chicken). I haven't looked at them in years, but here's what I'd look for: definitely go for a u-shaped tube. They're more comfortable and safe than a round one. I wouldn't scrimp on this purchase either. Get a good-quality one with a sturdy bladder and valve. Some of them have dual bladders now -- that would be something I'd want with my next purchase (so if one deflates you're not in such bad shape). I've never been interested in the pontoons: they're a more trouble to assemble and inflate, more involved to transport and cost more. If I had a truck and more room in the garage, I'd be more inclined to consider one.

Thanks for the advise ness.