How much draft is too much for flats fishing?
My 18' boat (Pioneer 180SF) factory spec draft is 11". Can I fish "some" flats with it and a trolling motor? Or is that considered too deep? I hear of dedicated flats boats with 4"-6" draft but I also see some big (22-24') ones with a lot more. I have never fished any flats (just got boat 7 month ago) but would like to know if I can go and try the Key's back country or if it is crazy to do it in this boat. Opinions appreciated. Thanks.
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"Well Gary, the easiest way to look tall is to stand in a room full of short people." - Curtis Bostick
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Well I guess they will need to be at least a foot deep. Please pardon my ignorance in this area but as I have said I am new to this. What is the average flats depth let's say for good drum and trout fishing in south FL? Keys, Flamingo and Pine Island? Will most of the good flats fishing is at less then 1.5'? Or 1'-2'?
Didn't think about that. Thanks. I see I need to learn more on this :fishing
Your boat and trolling motor are just fine for catching Reds and Trout. Just keep some back-up stuff like a push pole and wading boots if you get stuck in a flat
Just learn your areas and you'll figure out where your boat can go, etc. Like mentioned above, if you can't get to them shallow in a spot, find out where they go when they leave and catch them there!
Fish can't swim on dirt.
Your poling skiffs are the ones with 5-8" drafts, specifically for poling super shallow areas. At that point draft is not the only important trait, the boat needs to have a small footprint and a quiet hull.
You do indeed need a shallow boat if you are going to sight fish, anything over 11" draft and you are limiting youself to those flats.
Do not attempt to wade fish in flamingo. You wouldnt need boots, you would need snowshoes because the ground is so soft.
You can however catch plenty of trout and reds in some of the deeper waters to the western portion of flamingo.
I mean, pull out a ruler 12" of water is super skinny.
if you can draft REAL world 15" or less you are set and I am not talking about the brochure depth I am a refering to real depth.