I operate a custom-rigged Hell’s Bay Boatworks Professional Flats boat. The Professional is perfect for the Florida Keys. We sometimes have to deal with some big waves when fishing Tarpon on the oceanside, but still need to get into the skinny water when chasing Bonefish on the flats. She is almost 18′ long with a 70″ beam, making her very stable and comfortable for one or two anglers. The large casting deck upfront is the perfect place to cast a fly to our wary gamefish.
There is a built in cooler in the console where I always have ice and water on board for my anglers. There is also an easily accessible dry storage compartment in the bow for storing clothing and cameras. This boat has everything we need to ensure we have a safe and enjoyable day on the water.
I run a Mercury 90 horsepower motor, allowing us to get to the spots quickly. If you have never been in a flats boat, it is an experience in itself. Zipping through the mangrove channels, seeing Turtles, Dolphins and, on calm days, the curvature of the earth is breathtaking.
