Float Tubes
Float Tubes
What Are Float Tubes and How Do They Work?
Float tubes are compact, personal inflatable craft that let anglers fish effectively on stillwaters where bank access is limited or where covering water quietly makes the difference. Sitting low to the surface, you can fin yourself into position, hold an edge with minimal disturbance and work lures, flies or baits at your own pace. They're especially popular for predator and fly fishing, but they're equally useful when you want to explore features that are out of easy casting range from the bank.
A typical float tube uses inflatable chambers to provide buoyancy and stability, with a supportive seat that keeps you comfortably above the waterline. Storage pockets and lash points help keep essentials close to hand, while a stripping apron or work area can make fly line control much cleaner. Because you're effectively fishing from a seated platform, small details like seat height, back support and fin clearance have a big impact on comfort over a full session.
Why float tubes change the way you fish
From a float tube you can approach margins, weed lines and drop-offs from angles that bank anglers simply can't reach. That often means presenting more naturally, staying in the strike zone longer and spending less time repositioning along the shore.
How to Choose the Right Float Tubes for Your Needs
Start with the venues you fish and the way you like to cover water. If you fish small stillwaters and keep moving, a lighter, simpler float tube can be ideal. If you fish larger waters or spend longer periods afloat, extra stability, comfort and storage become far more important.
Stability and safety first
Float tubes are designed to be stable, but designs vary. Multi-chamber construction gives peace of mind, while a well-supported seat keeps you higher and reduces fatigue. Pay attention to how the tube balances when you reach for tools or land a fish - that real-world stability is what makes the difference.
Comfort over a full session
Seat position and back support matter more than most people expect. A comfortable setup keeps you fishing well, rather than constantly shifting position. If you fly fish, consider how the tube supports line management and whether the layout suits a stripping apron or work surface.
| Key Spec | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Safety chambers | Multi-chamber design and secure valves | Adds redundancy and confidence on the water |
| Seat & back support | Supportive seat height, stable backrest | More comfort and better posture on long sessions |
| Storage layout | Side pockets, D-rings, lash points | Keeps essentials balanced and within reach |
| Portability | Manageable weight and pack size | Easier transport to venues and quicker setup |
| Fin clearance | Good leg position and clearance | Improves manoeuvrability and reduces fatigue |
For comfort and safety, float tube anglers often combine their tube with appropriate Waders, supportive Wading Boots, and sometimes Underwater Cameras to learn more about depth, weed lines and fish behaviour beneath them.
Use case example: A beginner might use a float tube to quietly work margins and weed edges with simple lures, staying close to the bank while building confidence. A more experienced angler can use the tube to follow contour lines and cover multiple holding areas in a single session.
Top Float Tubes Brands and Models at Uttings
Uttings stocks a carefully chosen range built for genuine outdoor use. The focus is on dependable construction, sensible design and features that translate into better sessions - not complexity for its own sake.
If you're buying your first setup, choose reliability and ease of use so you can build confidence quickly. If you're upgrading, prioritise the improvements you'll notice every time: better materials, smoother operation and longer-lasting performance.
Float Tubes Tips and Expert Advice
Practise setup at home so you know how long inflation takes and how the seat and straps feel. At the venue, check valves and firmness before you launch, and keep your first trips close to the bank while you build confidence.
Balance your kit. Heavy items placed on one side can make you fight the tube all session. Keep tools you need quickly within reach, and keep the landing net accessible rather than buried behind you.
For more advanced use, fish methodically along features. Use the tube to hold a line on weed edges, drift slowly along shelves and keep lure retrieves controlled and repeatable.
Why Buy Float Tubes at Uttings
As a family-run Norwich business established in 1976, Uttings has spent decades helping anglers and outdoor enthusiasts choose kit that performs in real conditions. We stock premium brands and provide straightforward, knowledgeable support.
Backed by over 45,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot, Uttings is known for expert customer service, fast delivery, and a genuine passion for the great outdoors. If you need help choosing the right option, our team can guide you to a setup that fits your venue, method and budget.
Float Tubes FAQs
What should I look for when buying float tubes?
Focus on suitability for your fishing style, build quality and the features you will actually use.
Are premium options worth it?
If you use the item frequently, better materials and reliability usually provide better long-term value.
How do I choose the right size?
Match size to your venue, how you carry kit and the type of fishing you do most.
Do I need weather resistance?
If you fish year-round, weather resistance helps protect performance and reduces maintenance.
How do I maintain the product?
Clean after use, dry thoroughly and store properly to extend lifespan.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, if you prioritise ease of use and reliability over complex features.
Can one product cover multiple methods?
Sometimes, but specialist kit can make certain techniques easier and more effective.
What improves value the most?
Comfort, durability and consistent performance usually matter more than extra features.
How do I avoid buying the wrong option?
Start with your typical venues and session style, then choose features that solve specific problems.