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