Age?

[petty4life]

At what age would it be good to get a kid in a tube? My son is 9 and im not sure if i want him in a tube yet. would putting him in a donut be the best?
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[lavaman]

I was going to ask the same question, only for a pontoon? My oldest boy is 11, and he's shown some interest in dad's toy : )
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[Bean80]

My buddy has a 10 year old daughter and she toobs with us all the time. Has a togiak I believe.
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[tubeN2]

The best age is the one that you are most comfortable with. It took my son some time to even think about getting into a tube but once he did, it was hard to get him off the water.

I would start off with a donut until he can get used to what the legs have to do with the fishing part of it. Show him how much fun that Daddy is having and invite him to join.[cool]
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[zonker]

Years ago I started my youngest boy out when he was 10. I made sure he had a good PFD and he took right to it. A donut is fine. That's what we used back then because that's all we had. If price is no issue, the pointy craft are good. I started my grandson in a donut at age 8. Later, I put him in an ODC 420 and found it was much easier for him to kick and move around. In fact, he was so light he could kick circles around me. Also, he barely got wet.

Try your boy in some shallow water on a day or at a time when fishing isn't a priority. (Dad's are usually more patient that way and kids don't feel so stressed.) If he uses waders and the water is cold, make sure they don't leak before taking him out. Hand-me-down waders are notorious trip spoilers. If he has a good experience a couple of times, he'll be more likely to take to it. Time spent patiently coaxing a boy along will pay rich dividends later as he becomes your fishing partner. A couple of bad times can sour him on fishing for life.

z~
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Some good input and comments so far. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]A "donut" would be a good starter craft, simply from the standpoint of having a crotch strap for safety reasons. However, a young tuber will sit so low in one that fishing is difficult. I would recommend going to Sportsmans and getting a cheap Griggs U boat type tube...and then rigging a seat belt type arrangement to keep the kid in the craft. Also, use a boat cushion or some other means of raising the seat to make for better fishing. As long as the legs reach the water good enough for fin kicking, they will be okay.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As has been suggested, get your son accustomed to the tube and comfortable using it while in shallow water...and without fishing gear. Let them become efficient in kicking and turning. Once they get confident and are having fun, then you can feel better about taking them into fish country.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]It is better to let them power themselves if possible. They like the freedom it allows. Gives them a lot of self confidence. However, you should take a length of rope along in case young legs get tired and need help getting back in...especially in a breeze.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I don't think that age alone is a factor. Body size, strength, swimming ability and desire to go afloat are more important. If you have a tough kid, who is ready to go for it, give them a chance. But, do not force a frail youngster to take on more than they can handle. And, as already suggested, be sure they are wearing a PFD at all times.[/#0000ff]
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[swedishfish]

I just took my 10 year old son out last Saturday night to Strawberry. I am the proud new owner of an ODC 420. So I used that and he used my old "Original U-Boat".

As TubeDude suggested, a boat cushion in the bottom of his tube would have been perfect to get him out of the water a little bit more.

I just tied him to me and pulled him around. I think when he suggests it, I will get him fins and let him venture out on his own. But the rope will still be essential if the wind kicks up.

My 8 year old daughter is already asking when she gets to go, so she is next. I was a collegiate swimmer, and all my kids seems to be as comfortable in water as I was; so I think that may make a big difference between a kid who wants to go and on who is a little apprehensive.
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[swedishfish]

Forgot to mention he was wearing a PDF the entire time.
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[petty4life]

Thanks for all the advice, I think im going to get a season of tubing under my belt before i get my son out.. I think ill by him a $60 u-shaped tube next spring for his b-day and see how he likes it then[]
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[poky-mon]

I,m 44 and TN2 made me bank fish so you be the judge on the age. If you think they are ready take them. leave your stuff on shore and go with them and see how responsible they are and play it by ear.
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[tubeN2]

Since you weren't able to outfish me, (both skunked) then I am going to force you to fish with me again. There is a catch though. You will be one year older so you will be OK to bring your Skeeter and we can tube it. Fresh or Salt???[cool]
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[flygoddess]

Or, if you are passing through Utah to get there, your BIG BRO still has a H3 that folds up to nothing. Plus I could have you demo a few home grown flies[]
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[poky-mon]

But the fish will be older and wiser also grasshopper.

and if I pass through utah I will pick up your navigators since you said I could borrow them. And I will thank you now and you say your welcome .[cool]
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[flygoddess]

For you Bro. anything.[]
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[tubeN2]

I am always in the Demo mode. An H3 would just add to the experience.[cool]
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