The inshore flats are too shallow to fish using the boat's big engine. Your boat may be able to float in eight to ten inches of water, but moving it down a mangrove shore line and quietly presenting your bait to the residents without spooking, can be challenging.
There are several different ways you can quietly and effectively fish on the flats and in the shallow waters.
First, target a shallow water flat you intend to fish. At this point you can use the wind to push you across the area, fishing while you are drifting. Hopefully the wind is blowing in the right direction to get you across the flat. Or, If you have a small very light shallow water skiff and a poling platform, you can push your boat across the area using a push pole. Of course, If you are fishing alone, this would be very difficult.
The best way I have found to fish in all shallow water areas, is using an electric trolling motor. This is a piece of equipment that should be on every boat that fishes in shallow water.
My 21' Maverick flats skiff, has a Minn Kota SF 80, 24 volt (two batteries) with a 62" shaft. The MK 80, has 80 lbs of thrust and can move the boat in strong winds and currents. It can also slowly glide along a mangrove shore line or across a shallow flat very quietly to not spook the targeted fish.
A trolling motor becomes very user friendly when I am fishing alone or out scouting new areas. Standing on the boats bow, I can cast at fish and guide the boat at the same time.
When arriving at your shallow water destination, trim up the big engine and put out the electric trolling motor. You will have greater control of the boat and be able to quietly sneak up on all of your favorite fish.
Capt Gary Burch
AllcatchCharters.com