Float tubes offer an alternative method to floating duck blinds and bank hunting on small rivers and oxbows. If you have ever seen ducks landing in spots that are just too far for traditional setups, then a float tube may be right for you.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best float tubes for duck hunting that can be effective on small rivers. Camo float tubes can blend in to just about any terrain and the small footprint is easy to hide, even when large amounts of brush don’t exist.
- 3 Best Float Tubes for Duck Hunting
- 1) GoPlus Inflatable Camo Float Tube
- 2) Marshland Classic Float Tube
- 3) Colorado Pontoon Hunting Boat
- Why the Goplus is the best float tube for duck hunting
- What is a float tube?
- What are the benefits of duck hunting with a float tube?
- How much weight can a float tube support?
- Tips for hunting ducks using float tubes
- Bottom Line
Float Tube Comparison Table
3 Best Float Tubes for Duck Hunting
These are the three float tubes you should consider for hunting small rivers with slow currents. Float tubes can be brushed up with natural vegetation, so picking a tube that is camouflaged isn’t always needed.
1) GoPlus Inflatable Camo Float Tube
Why pay thousands of dollars for the most popular float tubes when the Goplus will do it equally as well? This camo float tube is perfect for small, shallow water oxbows and can blend in with trees and stumps. It can hold up to 350lbs including shotgun and hunting gear. The outer material is puncture resistant for thick brush hunting situations. This is the TOP pick.
- 🐟【High Load Capacity & Great...
- 🎣【Premium & Durable Materials】...
- 🐟【Enjoy Pleasant Fishing Time】...
- 🎣【Easy Inflation & Portable...
- 🐟【Multifunctional Accessories】...
2) Marshland Classic Float Tube
Another option that performs well on slow moving small waters is the Marshland float tube by Classic Accessories. It features an elevated padded seat compared to the the Goplus. If sitting higher in the water is a priority, then this is the better option. The weight rating maxes out at 350lbs, which is standard for most float tubes its size.
- Cumberland assembled size: 56"L x 44"W x...
- Hydrodynamic hull shape for improved...
- Have a comfortable fishing experience,...
- A comfortable, thickly padded seat with...
- Two cargo pockets with easy-open double...
3) Colorado Pontoon Hunting Boat
If you don’t feel comfortable duck hunting out of a floating tube, another option is the Colorado inflatable pontoon boat. This heavy-duty platform can carry up to 400lbs and is perfect for small river hunting. Brush or camo material can be placed around it to blend in. The dual oar design allows you to get leverage for faster moving currents and to cover slower moving water faster.
- Assembled size 108"L x 56"W x 26"H (to...
- Heavy-duty pontoon boat with...
- High storage capacity includes 10 mesh...
- Anchor system with fillable mesh bag;...
- Rod holder can be mounted in three...
Why the Goplus is the best float tube for duck hunting
- The Geoplus meets or exceeds the weight limits of other top float tubes
- Durable outer fabric is tear resistant for hunting in thick brush
- An air pump in included and inflates in under 5 minutes
- Paired with swim fins, the Geoplus can move swiftly, even against current
- Ideal for shallow water applications
- Camo design can help blend in when brush or grass is not present
- The large rear net in the back can carrying hunting gear or decoys
What is a float tube?
Float tubes are inflated devices made of PVC and polyester fabric that provide a stable platform above water to fish and hunt. They are especially effective for being quick to set up, easy to maneuver, and capable of going just about anywhere.
Duck hunting float tubes are constructed with camo materials to blend well into surroundings and feature many pockets for storage of shotgun shells and duck calls. Float tubes can be maneuvered into position by using swim fins attached to each foot.
What are the benefits of duck hunting with a float tube?
Float tubes are a great solution to being able to reach difficult positions that aren’t accessible by boat or walking. Ducks like to land in areas that are the hardest to get to, and instead of just accepting that fact, float tubes are an option to get back there and be where they want to be.
Duck hunting float tubes are also a budget way to hunt small rivers, whereas a boat would cost thousands. Float tubes have a smaller footprint that is easier to hide and only a few limbs or pieces of brush is sufficient.
Lastly, floating tubes allow you to retrieve downed birds when hunting without a dog or a boat. Not every downed bird will be in shallow water or near the bank, so having an option to go out and retrieve birds is a welcomed advantage.
How much weight can a float tube support?
Popular float tubes have weight limits that range from 250lbs to over 400lbs. Weight is displaced by the inflated tubes that surround the edges of the float tube. It’s important that these tubes are inflated to maximum levels before heading out so that it maintains its shape and performance during the hunt.
Inflatable pontoon boats offer another option for scenarios where total weight exceeds 400lbs. River pontoon boats still maintain the low profile as float tubes, but at the reduced costs compared to non-inflatable boats. Some models of inflatable pontoon boats can exceed 600lb weight limits.
Tips for hunting ducks using float tubes
- Use a floating Jet Sled to pull gear behind your float tube to reduce weight
- Get a good pair of long swim fins to increase your movement through the water
- Avoid thorny vegetation as it will puncture most float tubes
- Know the water current limitations. Float tubes are best for slow moving waters
- Float tubes seats that sit higher in water can give you better shooting lanes
- Camo netting is an easy way to construct a blind for a float tube
- Limit your gear to only the essentials to reduce weight
Bottom Line
Float tubes offer a great platform for duck hunting in shallow waters, small rivers, and oxbows. They can be set up in minutes and their small size makes them maneuverable in tight quarters.
The GoPlus Inflatable Camo Float Tube is one of the best float tubes for duck hunting and can hold up to 350lbs. The Colorado duck hunting pontoon boat is a larger option if you need more weight capacity (400lbs+) while still maintaining a portable design.
Towing a jet sled behind your float tube filled with gear is one of the best methods to reduce weight on the float tube itself. Float tubes are also a viable option to retrieve downed birds when a dog or boat is not available.
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Last update on 2025-10-18 / Affiliate links / Product Images from Amazon Product Advertising API