If you’re going to be poling in shallow flats, then you’ll need a quiet hull, so it will just have to be flat. You just have to compromise, which brings us to the question we posed in the first point – where do you intend to fish 90 percent of the time? Now, the issue is – if you’re looking to cruise through shallow flats, a deep-V hull just won’t cut it. Ideally, vessels that have a deep-V hull or deadrise absorb the bumps of choppy water better than those with more rounded/flatter drafts. The smoothness of a boat’s ride is directly related to the shape of the hull. Keep in mind that a boat with this draft length would suffice to get you to areas with shallow waters, as well as provide the stability you need to traverse any deeper spots on your way to the fishing site.

Do you plan to go fly fishing or bait fishing? Will you throw in plugs and jigs? If you plan to catch bonefish and redfish, for instance, you’re going to need a flats boat with a 6-7 inch draft.

The next thing you need to consider is the type of fish you want to catch. The closer you want to get to the fish, the quieter your flats boat will need to be. These have hulls designed to minimize the sound waves generated when water crashes or “bangs” against the boat surface. If that’s the case, then you’ll need to get a quiet skiff. If you intend to fish in shallow water flats, it means that the fish will likely be hanging out close to the surface. Will you use your skiff in jetties, creeks, or shallow water flats? The answer to this question will determine how close to the fish you’ll need to get, and how quiet your approach needs to be.

The first thing you need to think about is where you intend to fish 90 percent of the time. We’ve put together the top 5 factors you need to consider to help you narrow down your choices. If you’re shopping for a new flats boat, there’s a good chance that you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the different options available. How to Choose the Best Flats Boats – Buyer’s Guide

Flats fishing