More about flats fishing boats
Through the years flats boats designs have had a constant compromises but they have all kept the basics; 15 - 20 ft long, polable in less than 12 inches of water, poling platform, seating for at least three, single console, live bait well or critter wells and push pole holders. From there the design differences fight each other with one sacrifice to another.
The perfect flats boat for anyone will be decided by them. I reccomend you ride in them all to see whats your desire for you type of fishing. There is no one perfect flats boat. Each angler has an opinion as to what is best from one to the next and the battle rages on in difference of opinions.
Teh flats boats I have used in my carreer were ranging in size from 16 to 20 ft. As a flats fishing guide I wanted to offer my clients the best of all worlds. Pole-a-bility, speed, dry ride, comfortable ride and of course the best for all fishing. My favorite flats fishing boats were 20 ft. long and offered all that. I stayed competitive in our local tournaments for permit, tarpon and bonefish with my anglers and that was my goal. Choseing a flats boat for you will be completly different. You may not want a 20 ft boat as they can be a handful to pole all day long.
Hireing a guide with a Flats fishing boat - what to look for
Talk to your flats fishing guide. Comunication could have saved us in some wars and it will also offer you a better day of fishing. Ask your guide about his boat. How long it is and how much room he has for you and your day on the water. If you have back issues ask him if he thinks you will have a hard time out there, this will also let you flats fishing guide know he needs to take it easy.
If you are a larger person you may want to shy away from really small flats fishing boats as a slight transfer in weight may have someone pitching over the side. Bringing your wife along to watch you fish? make sure there is a place for her to sit. Again its' all about comunication. |
