Rod racks are easy to strap to float tubes using nylon webbing and side-release buckles. They'll also readily attach to the rear decks of kick boats. You can make your own out of PVC pipe or buy off-the-shelf editions from companies such as West Marine and Bass Pro Shops.

Depthfinders are also easily installed, particularly models like Humminbird's Fishin' Buddy.

Small, soft-sided lure binders can be added by the D-rings, and tackle bags fit nicely on a kick boat's rear deck.

Kayakers, too, have found innovative ways to bring along extra goodies, including strapping milk crates behind their seats for stashing tackle boxes and installing rod racks.

INFLATABLE ADVANTAGES
What's suitable water for a float tube? Perhaps a better question would be, "What isn't?"

Farm ponds are great choices and are especially kind to beginners. You'll usually have the water to yourself. The bass are typically plentiful and uneducated, and they're great places to get your chops down as far as casting and maneuvering your rig.

Many cities and counties maintain parks with lakes of up to 100 acres or more. Often they have only limited shore access and strict horsepower limits. Those who can venture onto their waters have huge advantages over bank-bound anglers and little competition from bass boaters.

Some rivers and large streams are prime kayak water, and they may even be OK for float tubes. They can be tremendously scenic, their bass (usually smallies) are acrobatic and aggressive, and once their steelhead and salmon runs conclude, they tend to be underfished.

One of the surprising things about float tubing is how successfully it can be plied from what are traditionally considered big-time tournament waters. Many of our premier lakes have ample shore access, and plenty of hotspots close to launch areas -- you won't have to put in hours of tedious finning or rowing.

For some anglers, float tubing has proved to be a gateway to bigger and better things.