In the Shallow: Boating the Backcountry and Fishing the Flats
If ocean swells aren’t your thing (or even if they are and you just want a little variety), maybe it’s time to check out the backcountry and flats. Anglers who like a challenge head to the flats to catch tarpon, spotted trout, red drum and mangrove snapper. Today, we’re going to go over some tips on boating the backcountry and fishing the flats.
Backcountry and the Flats
Ever wonder what “backcountry” and “flats” actually means? Us too. We did a little fishing (pun intended) and here's what we came up with.
Backcountry refers to the inland waters of the Florida Keys and Key West, specifically the waters between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean (especially around the Upper Keys near Islamorada). This area has 0 – 30 feet of water with lots of mangroves, cuts and channels running between the shallow flats sections. Additionally, Florida Bay has miles of water, mangroves and flats. Everglades National Park has miles and miles of shallow water and approximately 100 small islands throughout. And, yes, there are other states where you can go flats fishing from boat lifts for rent, but we’re especially fond of Florida.
The flats are located within the waters of the backcountry. Flats refers to shallow water (or “skinny water” as the pros call it) that may be dry land at low tide. In other words, the opposite of the deep end. The overall water depth is around 0 – 4 feet deep (with some areas significantly less), and the bottom is smooth and either covered in sand, seagrass, small coral, gravel or sponges. The seagrass serves as shelter and a food source for fish, oyster beds and other marine life.
Whether fly-fishing or spin fishing (or even drift fishing), the flats offer great fishing for bonefish, barracuda, tarpon and permit. Some anglers consider the flats more challenging due to the fact that the fish are more exposed and, therefore, more skittish. It’s helpful to have a “physical fish finder” (i.e. a second pair of eyes) to spot the fish and point out where they are.
Best Boats for Fishing the Flats
There are a couple types of boats that are good for flats fishing (you can even use a kayak or canoe). A boat that’s lightweight and floats in a small amount of water (12 inches or less) is going to be your best bet. The biggest thing to remember about fishing the flats is that silence is golden. Fish in the flats can be skittish. Serious anglers know that sneaking up on them increases chances of catching them. A quiet motor (or even no motor) is going to increase your luck.
While the names are often used interchangeably, flats boats and bay boats do have some differences. Let’s take a look.
Flats boats
Photo: Spyder Boats (Facebook)
Flats boats, as the name suggests, have a flatness to them. The bottoms are flat to allow entry into really shallow water. The decks are also flush to provide maximum surface for stability and moving around while fishing. Around 16 - 22 feet in length, flats boats have a lower draft than a bay boat. They’re intended for poling through the water but trolling motors are often used. Larger flats boats can hold up to five passengers, while smaller ones can hold up to two or three. Flats boat manufacturers include Spyder Boats, East Cape Skiffs and Hewes.
Poling Skiff
Photo: Islamorada Boatworks (Facebook)
Poling Skiffs, also with very flat bottoms, are a sub-category of the flats boat. Designed especially for poling (using a pole to push the boat through the water), they’re smaller, lighter and narrower to be able to make their way into three to 11 inches of water. They’re typically 15 – 21 feet in length and very minimalistic in design. While poling poles are used to navigate your way through the water, trolling motors can also be used. Poling skiff manufacturers include Islamorada Boatworks, Beavertail Skiffs and Hell’s Bay Boatworks. If you’re looking for a boat to add to a private boat dock for rent, give them a visit.
Bay Boat
Photo: Mako Boats (Facebook)
Bay boats can’t go quite as shallow as a flats boat. They have a deeper V-hull, which can be a benefit if you like to venture out into rougher ocean water. They also can’t be used with poles. Carolina Skiff, Dolphin Boats and Mako Boats are all manufacturers to check out for bay boats.
Quick Tips for Boating the Flats
- Watch your prop if you’re using one
- Don’t run aground
- Have a second pair of eyes for spotting fish
- Silence is key: Choose a quiet motor
- Be adaptable: Conditions change quickly
- Check out the charts: Tides, wind and light change
Hopefully you’ve picked up a few pointers for navigating the shallows, whether fishing or just cruising through on the way back to a boat slip for rent. Let us know how many you catch!
