There is no doubt that a flotation device will increase your success rate while fishing, and float tubes and pontoon boats have become the flotation devices of choice for many fishermen.
People use flotation devices because they want to get to the fish.
A flotation device provides flexibility and mobility. Those who fish lakes from shore are often restricted to fishing shallow water with lots of hidden snags and where fish can easily see them. Once the fish are spooked and move away to other parts of the lake, the probability of success for the bank fisherman is limited. This primer discusses float tubes, u-boats, pontoon boats, and miscellaneous gear. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each type of device.