Float tube fin help and questions?

[RANDAL801]

I recently got into float tubing and found it is pretty tiring to kick non stop for a couple hours and not going anywhere fast. It seems like I stay in one spot for 5 minutes. I know it will take time to get use to the techniques of float tubing, also I know that I won’t be getting the tube up to plane[cool]. I would like to be able to move faster when needed with out pulling a muscle and or getting a charley horse and almost not making it back to shore like my first outing. I currently have the caddis style fins shown in pic one. They do the job i guess. I was wondering what fins everybody recommends and why. I have been looking at some youtube videos and see people using this style of fins pic two. It seems they are cruising at a pretty good speed with little effort. Are they worth the investment or keep what I have.

Thanks and hope this makes sense.
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[fiveweight]

Randal,
I have used various flippers, and found the longer the better. Although they are very akward to walk in. I just saw some fold up fins from Northwest outfitters, that look very interesting. They are yellow, and black, and swivel upwards at the end of your boot for walking. I ran into a fellow BFT member in island park last month, and I think she may have had the fins I'm referencing. I actually was thinking about reaching out to her to see if that is what she had, and if she liked them.
Perhap's if she doesn't reply to this post I will reach out to her. ( Flygodess.)
It will be interesting to see everyone's opinion on this.
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[flygoddess]

I think everyone has a pair of those somewhere...LOL
Those are fine for back packing. No they do not propel you well, but they can work in a pinch or on a motorized tube or toon for steering only.
You want a find with more blade.
I personally use Force Fins which are spoon shaped and can really dig down when needed, BUT, they have got crazy expensive.
Browning use to make an excellent pair, not sure if they still do. Classic Accessory has Thrusters. There are Turtles. And regular scuba fins.
One thing with the longer scuba style, they the fin do the work. Don't try scooping, but rather like swimming. They are less work on your leg.
BUT make sure you have a shoe or boot that will fit IN the fin.
You just need more fin surface.
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[flygoddess]

Hi there. They are Omega Fins offered by North Fork Outdoors, but I am not sure if they are still in business. Definitely worth checking out.
I simply hit the release on top the fin with my heal of opposite foot. Takes a little practice. Then just pull the fin through the water to catch and straighten blade then lock back in place.
They are easier to walk forward in, but even they take practice.
I will add, it is also possible to walk forward in Force Fins.
This is a nice feature.
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[RANDAL801]

[font "Times New Roman"]Thanks fiveweight, I have to seen those fold up fins. My only concern with those is breaking them when kicking forward. If they can withstand the beating I will consider them an option. I do like how they fold up for walking though.[/font]
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[RANDAL801]

Thank you Flygoddess, you have helped me out in other posts and I really do appreciate you taking the time to explain the differences in fins. When I do get new ones thanks for the advice on the boot size I will be taking that in when I do decide on which ones to buy.
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[orvis1]

Just buy a scadden escape... Fins to go slow oars to go fast and still able to fit in the trunk of a car. One of the best fishing purchases I have made. I just use the packable backpacking fins myself. Force fins are nice but just pricey and for me didn't notice a ton of difference for the money.
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[fiveweight]

Thanks Flygodess, as always great advise.
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[Therapist]

Go to TD's section on Tubes and Toons. You can also PM him and he'll send you a copy of his essay on Tube gear. We used to use Frog Fins, but there are some out there that are a whole lot better. Check with TD.

[RANDAL801]

Thanks, I did check over on that section but for some reason it says under construction. Might be my computer.
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[TubeDude]

[#0000FF]Fins are potentially very important for tubing and tooning. They not only propel you from one place to another but help you maintain position while fishing too. And, if you have a motor, they assist in hands free steering.

Here is an excerpt from my chapter on Propulsion. Also attaching a picture of the Omega Scadden Flip Fin.

[inline "OMEGA SCADDEN FLIP FINS.jpg"]
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[Flyfishinglover]

Whenever I get a better paying job I'm buying one of those. Always see them at cabelas and always tempted to buy one but don't have the $200 to toss out the window yet.
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[flygoddess]

I lucked out on both my FF and the Omega's. Force Fins I bought many years ago for $90. That was after trying the Browning style and the Turtles. Great thing about the Force Fins I have is they are totally adjustable no matter what shoe. Neoprene upper and heel so they never caused wear on the boots of choice.
The Omega's I bought my husband were yellow from NFO, but later I got a chance to buy one get one pair free from Omega, so, brother and I both got ours for $80.

Don't need to break the bank however. There are many choices of great fins. You just can't walk forward in them.
But keep those Caddis. As I said, if you ever add a motor, they work quite well.
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[MBM1969]

I have a pair of the old Browning fins I bought 20 years ago and they still work great. I've had to replace the rubber straps a few times but other than that they are still going strong. The closest thing I have seen to them is the Creek Company float tube fins. You will notice a vast improvement over your caddis fins. I still have a pair of those that came with my first tube twenty years ago. I used them a couple times and like you did not like the lack of speed and control they provide. I went to the Browning fins and have had no problems.

Mark
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[MasterDaad]

Before spending the $$$ on better fins that will succeed in tiring you out more slowly and prevent a few cramps, seriously consider motorizing the tube for going from place to place.

$200 will get you a motor, battery, and registration.

Best money I ever spent on fishing gear was motorizing my tube.
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[albinotrout]

Randall I use some similar to the second pic, they are the brownig branded ones as mentioned by someone else. They are really good at moving you. I highly recommend them. Those that you are showing are the creek company ones I believe classic accessories has them too.
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[flygoddess]

[quote RANDAL801][font "Times New Roman"]Thanks fiveweight, I have to seen those fold up fins. My only concern with those is breaking them when kicking forward. If they can withstand the beating I will consider them an option. I do like how they fold up for walking though.[/font][/quote]

I have had mine for three or four years. I fish a lot (probably more than most). I broke the side clip on one, but it was because I threw them and they hit a rock just right. No other issues.
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[RANDAL801]

Thank you TubeDude for the write up. Good information just what I needed.
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[RANDAL801]

[font "Times New Roman"]Thanks MasterDaad, I guess I should have explained which tube I have. Well I have the round inner tube style. I love every second in it. Also not wanting a motor at this point but maybe in the future when I upgrade I will consider a motor.[/font]
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[SkunkedAgain]

I second Masterdaad's comments, I about didn't make it back the fall before last fall when my legs cramped up on me so bad I could hardly move. My motor has been a lifesaver. Totally love motorized floating. But I know it comes with time and investment. Good way to move if you're an avid fisherman. Later J
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