Drowning if they flip over if pretty high on the list.
You have to be in deep enough water for them to float and you sitting in it, not a shallow water option.
Oysters are not your friend.
Forgetting the anchor and thinking you won't have a problem getting back to shallow water or at least where you can touch bottom when the wind blows you half way across the bay.
Flippers are a pain
The surf just an accident waiting to happen.
I am sure they are great on a pond or other type settings, floating down a river...

 

rule# #1 - never set the hook when suspended
In the water ie over your depth . Always have your feet planted on the bottom. A simple 5 lb
Fish could upend you - law of physics .
# 2 floatubes are not a means of navigation. It’s stupid especially in the ocean .

# 3 - the float tube ( donut) is often called the poor man’s depth finder . You learn so many things about the water your in fishing in that guys in the boat are totally clueless about.
Pressure and temperature changes to of the list. Fish are unbelievably close by in shallow skinny water and or banks.

 

As a former kayaker, the notion of flipping over and drowning is understood. Flipping those units over will take some doing but I'm sure people will find a way. Either wear a PFD or tether yourself to the float tube and pull it back to you if you slither out somehow. The surf would be thrilling if you're into that stuff. I remember kayaking through breakers was always a risky endeavor.

If in water less than waist deep, I'd wade instead and stake stick/anchor it, or tow it behind me. I suspect that pulling it across the water doesn't produce much drag. I can think of several long shorelines and back bay areas where a new style float tube would work very well. I'm surprised that they're not more prevalent amongst landlocked waders.

 

As a former kayaker, the notion of flipping over and drowning is understood. Flipping those units over will take some doing but I'm sure people will find a way. Either wear a PFD or tether yourself to the float tube and pull it back to you if you slither out somehow. The surf would be thrilling if you're into that stuff. I remember kayaking through breakers was always a risky endeavor.

If in water less than waist deep, I'd wade instead and stake stick/anchor it, or tow it behind me. I suspect that pulling it across the water doesn't produce much drag. I can think of several long shorelines and back bay areas where a new style float tube would work very well. I'm surprised that they're not more prevalent amongst landlocked waders.

Snakes and motor boats. This from a float tube fanatic…

 

I don't man that just looks awkward. Random holes and cuts can't be felt. What if you decide to get out and you are over a 4ft deep cut? Lol, that slight panic on your face would look funny.
While it is unlikely, what if a ray parked himself under you and then you hop out of the tube? No way to warn him on the walk over.
Currents shouldn't be a problem as I guess people use tubes on rivers.

 

I hope my friend David is reading this. We used to float tube the canals in Jamaica Beach and Sea Isle back in the early 2000s a lot. We caught tons of fish but not every dock had a green light like they do now. We always fished at night too. Like anything, know your limits. We even had fins that were designed to use for those tubes that pushed you along pretty good but you had to be nimble enough to take them off when getting in and out. They they had the u shaped ones and the full circle ones ( I had full circle) it finally got wore out. For the money, nowadays I would have to steer you in direction of a kayak.

 

Good stuff. I figured there was someone out there that used them in the salt. I miss my kayaks and I regret selling my carbon paddle. All the risks mentioned so far aren’t much different than a kayak. I envisioned float tubes could be used as a tactical tool for certain situations.

 

In the early days, fishing float tubes were merely large inner tubes with two leg holes to hang and suspend in. Nowadays, the fishing float tubes are v-shaped for better movement and handling, they have nice seats with seatbacks, zippered storage, rod and cup holders, measuring ruler lap table, etc. Some come with paddle, fins, and air pump. You can spend as little or as much as you'd like. I have never fished from one but they seem very nice.

There a many walk-in places along the coast where these float tubes could expand the range and opportunities. I've always wondered why float tubes are not widely used by saltwater wade fisherman.

Why are modern float tubes not used more often by saltwater wade fishermen? Is hanging and dangling the legs and feet worrisome? Is the tidal current worrisome? What other worries or reasons contribute to the lack of use in saltwater?

When I was much younger, we would fish the Seabrook flats around the old piers at night, and generally always caught one or two large trout an outing. Never flipped it or had any issues, and all it was was an inner tube with a cover and a seat. Wore scuba flippers and have to move backwards. Also duck hunted out of them.

 

This was 30 years ago. Much more agile and coordinated then

 

Seems a kayak is more practical, you can cover more ground, sit higher and would me much more efficient under way.
Seems a tube would be exhausting

 

I used to fish a float tube on area ponds in Austin. They're great for ponds and yes, you need to wear a PFD when in one. With current, oyster beds, more toothy/spiny critters in salt water, I'm not sure they're as practical. It WOULD be fun to take one to the floaters on a boat and hook a decent tuna!

 

Finally, fishing in float tube is adapted for sea fishing ? thank you for yours answers guys

 

Maybe good jigging around pilings in a canal if you could stay away from barnacles.

 

Yes float tubes work in salt water. That being said "Be careful". I was in my 20's

 

If the water is deep enough i cant touch i stay in the boat lol