I can remember a time in Charleston when there were less than five boats in the area with poling platforms on the back of them. Granted I was very young at the time, but I can remember fishing the back bays and flats with my dad and brother. We would get questions at the boat ramp, “What’s that thing over your motor?” Many people used to think it was a cover for the motor until we explained its intended purpose. Nowadays there is a plethora of companies that make flats boats, with several different styles from which to choose.
So what makes one better than the other, and how do you decide which one to pick out of all the choices? Let me start by breaking the boats down into technical poling skiffs and flats boats. Keep in mind both of these boats are flats boats, but they each have their own characteristics that define one versus the other. When choosing between a flats boat and a technical poling skiff, I would recommend that you try and pinpoint what style of fishing best suits you. How many people or family members are typically with you when fishing? Do you spend more time on the pole or the trolling motor? What bodies of water do you cross most often?
A technical poling skiff would be geared toward more serious anglers who are chasing fish in inches of water and need that shallow draft. The technical poling skiff will offer a much more efficient effort on the pole versus a flats boat. The technical skiffs are easier to pole and get shallower due to a less aggressive bow entry, narrower beam and lighter weight construction material. These boats would be ideal for super-skinny water fishing but will also fish and cross bigger bodies of water when needed.
A flats boat, on the other hand, doesn’t get as shallow and would be harder to pole because it is a heavier hull, has a wider beam, has a deeper bow entry, and simply has more surface area to push through the water. Because this boat is harder to push and doesn’t get as shallow, it will make for a more comfortable ride across big water more often than not, usually provide more stability, and sometimes allow more passengers on board.
A great example of a flats boat is a 16- to 18-foot Hewes Redfisher, whereas a Maverick 17 or 18HPX would be considered a technical poling skiff. There are many companies that make flats boats designed for super-skinny water as well as bigger water flats boats, but I referred to the Maverick and Hewes because I am most familiar with those. I have fished several different kinds of flats boats, but I personally chose the Maverick 18HPX because it truly fit my needs the best out of all of them. I spend a lot of time on the platform pushing two or three anglers around now with comfort and ease and still feel comfortable crossing bigger bodies of water when needed. I am able to get in skinnier water, and I can tell that this boat is lighter than any other 18-foot flats boat I’ve poled. It was also an easy decision for me to join the Maverick family, since my dad had been fishing these boats for years. Both of these boats are flats boats and will do the same job; however, the key is deciding which one will be better suited to your style of fishing.
Call the guys at Barrier Island Marine for more information on Hewes, Maverick, Pathfinder and Cobia boats. Don’t hesitate to give me a shout if you want to book a trip or just ride in the new Maverick 18HPX!
Capt. Mike Able Jr.
(843) 475-7696
Able-Minded Charters
www.ablemindedcharters.com
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