I wouldn't use a float tube here in the rivers of Missouri, either. Maybe in the lakes would be OK. But the cottonmouths in the rivers just seem to be alot more aggresive. I have had enough encounters with them in a canoe, while floating, than I care to deal with. I had about 6 or so try to get IN the canoe(while beating them off with a paddle!)on just one float trip! If the smallie bite wasn't so good, I might just leave the rivers to the snakes, lol.