| Flats and Bay Boats | | | | Popular manufacturers of flats are: |
| When considering purchasing a boat to use for fishing | | | | Action Craft Century Coastline Ranger AR |
| in shallow waters, because of their similarities, bay | | | | Glasstream Sea Hunter |
| boats and flats boats may come to mind. There are a | | | | Bays |
| few differences to consider when deciding which boat | | | | Bay boats are a cross between a center console and |
| is best for your specific needs. | | | | a flats boat. The higher gunwales make this boat more |
| Flats | | | | versatile, allowing for the ability to go off shore on the |
| These boats are also known as skiffs, and are built for | | | | calm seas. It is also built with a shallow draft, enabling |
| shallow coastal waters. Used primarily for flats fishing, | | | | you to fish in shallow waters. A bay boat also has the |
| they are great for catching tarpon, redfish, snook, and | | | | ability to be maneuvered by pole. The center console |
| bonefish. They have the ability to glide across calm | | | | allows for easy rod maneuverability around the deck. |
| water silently, and be maneuvered by a pole. They are | | | | Bay boats are equipped with livewells, rod holders, dry |
| usually suitable for water that is 12 inches deep. | | | | storage, and ice coolers. There is more dry storage |
| However, there are some flats with a shallow enough | | | | than on a flats boat, which is important for keeping |
| draft to be used in as little as 5 inches of water. These | | | | your items safe from water damage. There are also |
| boats can hold two to three people. They are built with | | | | options for attaching bimini canvas or T-tops. |
| enough casting deck space on the bow and stern for | | | | When it comes to fishing, a bay boat is ideal for |
| fishing. They are also equipped with rod holders, | | | | catching multiple types of fish. If you stay close to |
| livewells, and tackle storage. This does not leave much | | | | shore you can catch tarpon, sharks, bonefish, redfish |
| room for seating. | | | | and many more. When venturing off shore you will find |
| When purchasing a flats boat, there are a few qualities | | | | grouper, snappers, and even kingfish just to name a |
| that are important to look for. You want your flats | | | | few. |
| boat to be quiet, not warning all the fish of your arrival. | | | | This boat has an outboard engine and stern drive |
| It should also be easily maneuverable with poling. You | | | | propulsion, with 50 - 250 HP. They range from 16 - 22 |
| want to be as dry as possible when you are fishing on | | | | feet in length, and can usually accommodate three |
| your flats boat, so making sure that the boat is a | | | | people comfortably. The price range of bay boats is |
| smooth ride is crucial. The bigger the boat, the | | | | $11,000 - $35,000. |
| smoother the ride will be. However, a bigger boat will | | | | Popular manufacturers of bay boats are: |
| not be as shallow. It is very important to make certain | | | | Carolina Skiff Key West |
| that the boat is safe, because you will be standing | | | | Triumph Mako |
| most of the time, and throwing the balance off while | | | | Ranger Kencraft |
| fishing. | | | | Both flats and bay boats are ideal for shallow waters |
| This boat has an outboard engine propulsion, ranging | | | | and fair weather fishing. They are not well suited for |
| from 17 - 25 feet in length, and can accommodate up | | | | cruising, skiing, or traveling. They are reasonably priced, |
| to three people. | | | | and easily transported because they are lightweight. |