Chris Munchow of Stacy, Minn., left, checks a valve as Gunnar Miesen of Golden Valley, Minn., pumps while float-tube fishing. For safety and comfort, float tubes must be kept fully inflated at all times. In this case, Munchow knocked open a valve while grabbing a cooler behind him and began to lose air in a portion of his tube.
(Pioneer Press Dave Orrick)
Outdoors editor Dave Orrick measures a hefty largemouth bass caught while float-tube fishing. Fishing from a float tube, or belly boat, offers precise boat control and an unprecedented level of intimacy with the water.
(Pioneer Press Dave Orrick)
Gunnar Miesen of Golden Valley, Minn., admires a largemouth bass held up by outdoors editor Dave Orrick while float-tube fishing on a lake in western Wisconsiin.
Chris Munchow of Stacy, Minn., works a jig while float-tube fishing on a lake in western Wisconsin, Tuesday, May 14, 2013. Especially in calm water, fishing from a float-tube, or belly boat, can be as relaxing as sitting on a lounge chair in a bathtub.
(Pioneer Press Dave Orrick)
Loaded with gear, a pair of float tubes await anglers on the shore of a lake in western Wisconsin. Large float tubes like these can handle extra gear, such as a dry bag, pump, depth finder and cooler. At left are the flippers that float tubers strap to their feet to maneuver.
(Pioneer Press Dave Orrick)
See photo in original gallery.