Air Pump and Booties or Wader Boots for Float Tubes?

[atavuss]

I am just about done gearing up for a new float tube, I would like to know what everyone recommends for a pump to air up your float tube?
Also, do you wear booties or wader boots? I will be using float tube Force Fins and a Super Fat Cat.

[Charlie S]

Wearing booties or boots is not as important as leaving enough room for adequate insulation. Because of that I lean more to booties because I can have them much larger leaving room for extra socks. And, I don't have to have an extra pair of expensive boots just for tubing. Having had poor circulation for several years I have become very concerned about the health of my feet. Sitting for several hours in a kick boat with your feet in really cold water can cause problems if you don't make allowances to keep them warm. Not preaching but hope this gives you something to think about that you might not have noticed. I want your float fishing to be a happy event not an uncomfortable one.

[Scott V]

I wear wading booties with rubber soles over my waders that have neoprene booties, so if you go that way you will need to get a size bigger. They are lighter and you will more than likely be hiking a little on occasions, especially at Davis. For a pump go to Wal-Mart and get a double action pump. They are about 20 bucks and work great. I believe mine is made by Coleman. I use it a lot and it lasts forever.

[rtb215]

I second the larger booties as stated above, and highly recommend the K-pump. I own the K-200, and I do not have to bend over to use, and the K-100s (about a foot long, and fits into the pockets of the Super Fat Cat). It takes about 40 to 50 strokes on each side to inflate the boat with out effort. I would say that the pressure exerted is around a pound or so per stroke. If this product had been around when I started tubing, I probably spent twice as much on other pumps as I did on this one as they do not last long.

[Cmcculloch]

One additional point in favor of booties over wading boots is less weight and stress on your legs when kicking a long distance.

[FRSam]

One additional point in favor of booties over wading boots is less weight and stress on your legs when kicking a long distance.

Good point regarding booties. And if I were you when you go to get the booties bring what you plan to wear with them to get the best possible fit. It's not much fun being out there with your feet in pain or cramping up and having to paddle in some distance to get out.

Pete

[Rockman]

I agree w/ the above statement, I love my new hard sole booties, they fit over my neopreme waders. A very noticeable difference in my fishing endurance between tubing w/ my corker boots or my booties. I don't have any fatigue after a full day at Davis w/ the booties, and as mentioned earlier, if you want to get out and walk the shoreline for some sight fishing, they work well for that too. My only mistake was not having the exact heavy sox with me when trying them on.
I'll be up at Davis walking the shoreline tomorrow in " Bootie's".
Rockman

[fishnbeatsworkin]

Any recommendations on wading booties?

[Reno Flytyer]

Yes...get 'em with Velcro, they're much easier to close when you've added those extra socks to keep your feet warm...quicker and easier than having zippers. I've had Glacier Gloves, Hogeman and now a pair from Bass Pro Shop...the newest ones from Bass Pro Shop has a much sturdier sole, but even so, the others have been very adequate...expect to pay around $35-$45.
RFT

[atavuss]

I like the idea of the hard sole booties to protect your feet. What brand are you using Rockman?