Storage
Although they are generally included with the float-tube, it is important to think carefully about the organization on this type of boat. Indeed, the limited space forces to restrict the boxes of lures and the small equipment carried. If the float tube has bakkans, it's a good idea to dedicate a small one to the sounder's battery, so that it remains closed throughout the session. It is also ideal to put the car keys, the phone or any other "risky" object. The other two can be used to store boxes of decoys and small equipment (scissors, pliers, spools of wire, etc.). As these two compartments require regular access during a session, they should be located as far forward as possible in the float-tube in order to limit the movements to access them!
A word of advice: although in the heat of the moment you may quickly change lures and throw the previous one into one of the lockers to hurry up and cast again, take the time to close the boxes and bakkans before any action. This will avoid dropping material into the water during a strike or a landing for example!
The landing net
Even if the float-tube angler is half in the water and can catch the fish by hand when they arrive on the surface, a landing net is highly recommended. Whether it is to ensure the catch, to avoid hurting yourself with the braid or the teeth of the fish, or to avoid damaging the fish and to promote a release in optimal conditions! The landing net is also very useful to leave the fish for a few moments before taking a picture for example.
As for the models, the diameter should not be too large to limit the space required, however, you should not choose a handle too short. Depending on the length of the rods used, it is not always easy to approach a fish just in front of the float tube.
To avoid losing it, the best way is to attach the net to the boat and/or choose a floating model. These models, when they have a deep enough net, also serve as a sinker. This is a great advantage when fishing for perch, for example, as it avoids interrupting the activity by releasing an individual into the bank.
The cane holder
Except for some fast or very specific fishing, it is rare that float-tube fishermen take only one rod on board. Therefore, to ensure the accessibility and safety of his sets, it is essential to equip yourself with a rod holder. The models of special float-tube rod holders are all similar. With the possibility of clipping up to 4 rods, and have a small space with a net underneath, to put lures for example. In this type of support, the rods are posed scion towards the back. It is therefore important to be very careful when moving or approaching the float tubes to avoid damaging them!
Sold between 35 and 60 euros, this accessory is almost indispensable, it is fixed in a very simple way with two straps, on one side or the other of the float.
Canes
Although the choice of the rods must be made according to the technique used and the fish sought, it is not necessary to neglect some important points to choose its rods dedicated to the fishing in float-tube. The tips must be short enough to avoid any inconvenience when casting, but especially when fighting!
For the length of the rod, the compromise is more complicated to find, especially for the fishing in casting-ramener. Generally speaking, the longer a rod is, the further it allows to cast, but the more it is troublesome to bring a fish to the net. The good compromise seems to be rods between 2 m and 2.20 m, because in float-tube it is possible to approach the spots so you never need a very long casting distance!
