Outcast Sporting Gear Super Fat Cat - LCS: The Ultimate Float Tube for Still Water Anglers

Imagine yourself suspended in the cool, clear water of a tranquil lake, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. You’re not confined to the shore, nor are you encumbered by a bulky boat. You’re free to move silently, to explore hidden coves, to cast your line precisely where the fish are lurking. This is the unique appeal of float tube fishing – a personal, intimate connection with the water and the angling experience. It offers a level of freedom and stealth that’s hard to match with other methods. It allows access to water that may be impossible to fish other wise.

A Brief History of Floating Anglers: From Humble Beginnings to High-Tech Tubes

The earliest forms of float tubes were remarkably simple. Think inner tubes from truck tires, perhaps with a makeshift seat. These rudimentary craft, while effective, were far from comfortable or efficient. Over the decades, float tube design has evolved dramatically, driven by advances in materials science and a deeper understanding of hydrodynamics. Early round (“O-shaped”) tubes gave way to U-shaped and V-shaped designs, offering improved maneuverability and tracking. Materials transitioned from basic rubber to durable, puncture-resistant fabrics like PVC and urethane.

The Outcast Super Fat Cat - LCS: A Closer Look

The Outcast Sporting Gear Super Fat Cat - LCS represents a significant step forward in float tube technology. It’s not just a flotation device; it’s a purpose-built fishing platform designed for comfort, efficiency, and durability. Its key features – the U-shaped design, the LCS (Line Control System) apron, the Airecell technology, and the robust materials – all work together to enhance the angling experience.

The U-Shape Advantage: Hydrodynamics and Efficiency

The distinctive U-shape of the Super Fat Cat isn’t merely an aesthetic choice; it’s a fundamental aspect of its performance. To understand why, we need to delve into the realm of hydrodynamics – the study of how fluids (in this case, water) interact with moving objects.

When you paddle a traditional round float tube, the water has to flow around a large, curved surface. This creates significant drag, which is the force that resists your forward motion. The U-shape, on the other hand, presents a more streamlined profile to the water. The open front allows water to flow more easily along the sides of the tube, reducing the overall drag.

Think of it like comparing a barge to a speedboat. The barge, with its wide, flat hull, pushes a lot of water out of the way, requiring a lot of energy to move. The speedboat, with its sleek, V-shaped hull, slices through the water with minimal resistance. The U-shape of the Super Fat Cat is a similar principle, albeit on a smaller scale. This reduced drag translates directly into greater efficiency. You’ll expend less energy paddling, allowing you to cover more water and fish for longer periods without fatigue.

Staying Comfortable: Ergonomics and the LCS System

Long hours on the water can take a toll on your body, especially if you’re not properly supported. The Super Fat Cat addresses this with its inflatable seat, which offers several advantages over traditional foam seats. First, it provides superior cushioning and support, conforming to your body shape and distributing your weight evenly. Second, it elevates you slightly higher in the water, keeping you drier and warmer. And third, it’s easily adjustable to your preferred level of firmness.

The LCS (Line Control System) apron is another key feature that enhances comfort and convenience. Fly fishing, in particular, often involves managing a significant amount of line. The LCS apron provides a dedicated surface for stripping and organizing your line, preventing tangles and keeping it readily accessible. This seemingly small detail can make a big difference in your overall fishing experience, reducing frustration and allowing you to focus on the task at hand.

Built to Endure: The Science of Durability

A float tube is an investment, and you want it to last. The Super Fat Cat is constructed from high-quality materials chosen for their strength, durability, and resistance to the elements. The outer shell is made from a combination of 420 denier pack cloth (PC) and 1000 denier PVC.

Let’s break down what those numbers mean. “Denier” is a unit of measurement that describes the linear mass density of fibers. A higher denier number indicates a thicker, stronger, and more durable fabric. 420D pack cloth is a robust, abrasion-resistant material commonly used in backpacks and other outdoor gear. 1000D PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is an even tougher material, known for its waterproofness and resistance to punctures and tears. PVC is a synthetic plastic polymer that is widely used in a variety of applications, from pipes and flooring to clothing and, of course, inflatable watercraft.

The combination of these two materials provides a multi-layered defense against the hazards of fishing. The pack cloth offers excellent abrasion resistance, protecting against rocks, branches, and other sharp objects. The PVC provides a waterproof barrier and adds significant strength and puncture resistance.

Beneath the outer shell lies the heart of the float tube: the bladders. The Super Fat Cat utilizes bladders made from urethane, another remarkable polymer. Urethane is prized for its exceptional toughness, flexibility, and resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and UV radiation. It can withstand repeated inflation and deflation without losing its integrity, making it an ideal material for inflatable bladders.

Airecell Technology: Safety and Reliability

Outcast’s Airecell technology is a crucial safety feature that sets the Super Fat Cat apart from many other float tubes. Instead of relying on a single air chamber, the Super Fat Cat has three separate chambers. This redundancy is critical for ensuring your safety on the water.

Imagine you’re fishing in a remote area, and your float tube suffers a puncture. If you have only one air chamber, you could quickly find yourself in a precarious situation. With three separate chambers, however, even if one is completely deflated, the other two will still provide enough buoyancy to keep you afloat and allow you to safely return to shore.

This multi-chamber design is analogous to the compartmentalization of a ship’s hull. If one compartment is breached, the others remain sealed, preventing the entire ship from sinking. The Airecell technology provides a similar level of safety and peace of mind for float tube anglers.

Float Tube Fishing Techniques: A Primer

While a detailed guide to float tube fishing is beyond the scope of this article, a few basic tips can help you get started. Propulsion is typically achieved using fins worn on your feet. Short, choppy kicks are generally more efficient than long, sweeping strokes. Steering is accomplished by varying the power and direction of your kicks. Practice in shallow, calm water until you feel comfortable maneuvering the float tube.

Casting from a float tube is similar to casting from shore or a boat, but you’ll need to adjust your position to compensate for the lower vantage point. Consider using a slightly longer rod to help you keep your line clear of the water.

Safety on the Water: Essential Precautions

Float tube fishing is generally a safe activity, but it’s crucial to take precautions to minimize risks. Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD), regardless of your swimming ability or the conditions. The Super Fat Cat is classified as a Buoyancy Aid, which means it provides additional flotation, but it’s not a substitute for a properly fitted PFD.

Before heading out, check the weather forecast and be aware of any potential hazards, such as strong winds, currents, or approaching storms. Let someone know your fishing plans, including your location and expected return time.

Be mindful of your surroundings while on the water. Watch out for other boats, submerged obstacles, and wildlife. Avoid fishing alone, especially in remote areas. Carry a whistle or other signaling device in case of emergency. And finally, familiarize yourself with local fishing regulations and obtain any necessary licenses or permits.

Conclusion

The Outcast Sporting Gear Super Fat Cat - LCS represents a significant advancement in float tube design, combining comfort, efficiency, durability, and safety. Its U-shaped hull, ergonomic seating, LCS line management system, robust materials, and Airecell technology all contribute to a superior angling experience. It allows access, convenience, and stealth on the water.