Float-tubing is a fun and exciting method of fly fishing that has now become established and accepted by over forty fisheries within the British Isles.

Float tubes were first used in the USA, and they allow anglers an affordable way of accessing areas of lakes and reservoirs that previously could not be fished without a boat. The original tubes started out as a converted tractor inner tube but have since grown into hi- tech flotation devices which suspend an angler comfortably in the water allowing an extremely safe position to fish from. The tube is propelled by fins worn on the anglers feet, and it takes minimal effort to travel around a water in normal conditions.

The first fishery to allow tubing in Britain was Thornton reservoir in Leicestershire and has always been very popular with tubers, and has since become the home of The British Float Tube Association where we hold our AGM towards the end of every year.

One of the first pioneers of Float Tubing in this country was Steve Parton of (Sparton Fishing Tackle) who developed the first British manufactured tubes which are used by many of the BFTA members. Steve still fishes from tubes and is an excellent source of information for anyone interested in either taking up float tubing for the first time or anglers wishing to improve their skills.

The BFTA promotes and actively encourages this form of fly fishing and has a membership of like-minded anglers who meet on a regular basis throughout the year to fish friendly competitions and arrange trips to fisheries where members can meet for a relaxed friendly days fishing (details of which can be found on our forum).