Nov 14, 2009
Go Back Country for Shallow Water Fishing
You’ve heard about it, and now you’ve decided you want to get into shallow water fishing. You want to be the guy that reels in shallow water fish like snook, red fish, tarpon and snapper. But you know that without the right boat, that’s not going to happen.
Well, luckily for you, there’s a whole new generation of flats skiffs out there, just waiting for an angler like you. Guys who want to sight cast in the clear, shallow waters off the Florida Gulf Coast demand shallow water boats that deliver.
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.
Even the shallow water anchors are unique; you will see hydraulic ‘power’ poles which can hold the boat steady in up to 8 feet of water, or simple manual poles which can also be used as a push pole, to maneuver skillfully around the banks, and in the shallower waters.
With a boat and a guide, you can explore Florida Bay, and go after such prizes as the afore-mentioned tarpon, trout, snapper and redfish. These fish can be bigger than expected. For example, tarpon can get up to 40 or 50 pounds.
Florida Bay offers the experience of taking fishing boats through miles of interlocking ‘basins,’ most of which are barely three feet deep. While the fun of floating along and taking in sights such as hawks, herons and egrets is undeniable, at some point all you want is to sink that shallow water anchor and get down to business!
If you brought a guide along who knows shallow water fish, he can explain how such factors as tide, water temperature and wind speed can affect your chances at landing a big one.
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.
