Shallow Water Fishing Boats

Ever been to the Florida Bay? If you want the best of shallow water fishing, you can't afford to miss this natural fisherman's paradise. Most of Florida Bay is considered part of the Everglades National Park. As such, it combines fresh water from the Everglades with the salty brine from the Gulf of Mexico, working together to provide some of the best fishing around!

First of all, to do it right, a guide is a must. A Florida flats fishing guide is invaluable to find shallow water fish. This guide, or Sultan of Snapper, will take clients out to hard to access areas, usually in a specially designed skiff, which can be anywhere from 15 to 20 feet long. Shallow water boats such as these may seem outsize, but due to their shallow draft, they navigate elegantly in "skinny waters."

A great guide will not only be able to tell clients what to fish for, based on area, season, and weather, he can actually assess their strengths and weaknesses. Based on these variables, he can best advise for the shallow water fishing trip of their dreams.

And you definitely want that vessel to be able to "run skinny"! After all, if a shallow water boat can't give you extreme shallow water performance while still being able to handle sudden rough or choppy waters, it's not what you need. Shallow water boats worthy of the name should be able to take off from as little as ten inches of water!

Wherever the guide and clients end up dropping their shallow water anchors, they are sure to have a chance at an astounding variety of species. They may reel in tarpon or trout, redfish or snapper, possibly even a shark. This is where the guidance of one who knows shallow water fish is invaluable. He'll know everything from tides to how wind and water temperature affect the behavior of the prey.

The skiff will have a platform that enables the guide to scan the horizon, thus ensuring the visibility needed to navigate for optimum shallow water fishing. The boat's motor may not even be used, as loud sounds can frighten away shallow water fish. All the better, then, that the guide is able to use the pole to steer among the banks, and move silently.

But what about the whole point of shallow water fishing? The fish! The beauty of shallow water fishing is that you can float in literally inches of water, and position yourself above creatures that would be inaccessible from deeper-draft style craft. Not to mention the stability that a good, 15 foot boat can give you. No worrying about keeping your balance, you can focus on the sport itself.

The appeal of shallow water fishing is best found in places like Florida Bay. With mangroves aplenty, there is always something primal and unspoiled to enjoy, whether it be the challenge of landing a largemouth bass, or spotting a wading ibis just a few feet away.