[JC_UF_ITK]

I currently own a Pathfinder 23HPS and am thinking about downsizing to a true poling skiff, most likely a Hells Bay pro or something similar. I like the PF and the option to run beaches, etc, but have an itch to learn to fly fish.

We live in SWFL and typically go to Islamorada 4-5 times a year. I think I’m getting a little bored with “normal” fishing on a bigger flats or bay boat so the idea of poling and fly fishing intrigues me.

The only semi-poling skiff I have owned was an EC Vantage VHP, but it took nearly 11” of water to float. I sold the boat after a year because I felt like I was sacrificing too much and the trade off wasn’t worth it.

I have owned several boats over the years and typically trade after two years or so. Am I crazy to swap from a larger bay boat to a poling skiff? I’m not afraid to try it, but do need to convince the boss (wife).

 

[firecat1981]

Yes, lol. Seriously if you are that fickle with your boats then I wouldn't trade down that far. I would keep the PF and look at a cheaper skiff to tryout. If you fall in love with it them make the jump to a high dollar polling skiff. I say that because guys are often disappointed in the lack of versatility you get with a skinny water machine. The lack of range, rough weather ability, and capacity to take more then one buddy out cruising are the turn offs.

 

[jonterr]

Yes, lol. Seriously if you are that fickle with your boats then I wouldn't trade down that far. I would keep the PF and look at a cheaper skiff to tryout. If you fall in love with it them make the jump to a high dollar polling skiff. I say that because guys are often disappointed in the lack of versatility you get with a skinny water machine. The lack of range, rough weather ability, and capacity to take more then one buddy out cruising are the turn offs.

I'd keep it

 

[devrep]

not sure a Pro would be the ticket if you didn't like the Vantage. I'd keep the PF and get a poling skiff that will get shallow. best of both worlds.

 

[JC_UF_ITK]

That was my original plan, but we are moving into a condo and will have to keep our boat in the attached marina. I really don’t want to pay marina fees for two boats. If I don’t go with a skiff, I’ll probably end up getting another Young Gulfshore (22’ version this time) or a SCB Recon to at least have the ability to run through shallow areas.

I did forget to mention that we had a 15’ Mitzi many years ago and enjoyed the boat. I never did pole it though so my first experience poling was the EC. The EC was a nice boat, but I downsized from a Lake & Bay Backwater based on claims that boat drafted a lot less (not true). Unfortunately, it didn’t draft any less than the L&B so I gave up a lot of boat for same draft.

 

[Capnredfish]

I like everything about using, maintaining and storing my 18ft skiff. I only wish I had larger when I want to fish offshore or the inlets. Flats fishing is great, but not what it was with water quality down in so many areas. Tough call. If I had a bay boat I’d probably keep it. Get out in a skiff with a guide and see how you like it.

 

[MatthewAbbott]

I wouldn’t buy a boat because you think you want to learn to fly fish.

 

[Half Shell]

You need 2 boats or to use the PF as a mothership. In the area you're fishing, no way would I downsize as my only boat. Get a SUP and a rack to carry it on the PF and you still only pay for one spot at the marina. If you don't like fly fishing you're not out a lot of money.

 

[jimsmicro]

Get a fly rod and try it off the bay boat with a trolling motor first.

 

[richg99]

Sounds like the consensus is to keep what you have, at least until you verify that you like flyfishing out of a small craft.

Another option is to buy a stand-up kayak and fish out of it. As suggested, you could use your present boat as a mother ship. Run to the outer edges of some flats; launch the yak off of the PF, and fly fish without the problem of paddling/pedaling all of the way back home when you are tired. NIce choices to have.

 

[CKEAT]

A vantage and a pro are not the same boat. A pro will draft way less than 11”.

 

[JC_UF_ITK]

Thanks everyone. To clarify, I wouldn’t be buying the boat to just fly fish. It would to completely change the way I have been fishing and try something new. I really enjoyed poling the EC and sight fishing, but felt it wasn’t shallow enough to truly experience shallow water fishing.

I used to kayak fish and have never used a SUP, but do know that I really don’t care to fish off of either. My wife and I always enjoyed taking the Mitzi for a long weekend camping/fishing trip so those memories still linger. It’s a little harder to do that with a bigger boat (at least for me) so that is something else that I’m considering.

 

[devrep]

A vantage and a pro are not the same boat. A pro will draft way less than 11”.

what is way less to you?

 

[CKEAT]

Not looking to get in a kissing match. They are not the same boat, period.

 

[CKEAT]

90-175HP rating, the Marquesa would be a bit better comparison.

 

[jonterr]

Not looking to get in a kissing match. They are not the same boat, period.

Kissing?

 

[jonterr]

Kissing?

U think u kiss better than him? Lol

 

[formerWAflyfisher]

It’s a newer kind of match. You just need to have an open mind...

 

[lemaymiami]

Since I'm a guide... here's a thought...

Instead of selling then buying something smaller (no matter how much fun that might be...) consider booking a variety of guides in your area that work out of shallow skiffs while still keeping that Pathy for family outings or for days when a bigger boat will have us small skiff operators green with envy....

Each guide will operate a bit differently - all will do their best to put you on fish, and you'll not only learn how but pretty quickly get a real feeling about the skiff you want to replace that Pathy with... Best of all - at the end of each trip you drive off into the sunset and leave all the hassles of owning a small skiff (smaller does not mean less trouble...) - and all the fun stuff of boat operations (the trailering, the repairs, the actual cost of whatever skiff it is and the daily cleanup are in your rearview mirror...). Not a bad deal at all when you do the dollars and sense of it.

Like many guides I've had customers that started out as beginners with me and when they'd built up a bit of knowledge and skill bought their own skiffs.. More than a few, after a year or two finally sold off their rig and came back to fish with me. The truth is that most boats in private hands do a lot more sitting around than actual time on the water... something to think about since any craft used in the salt - then allowed to sit for months at a time will cause you trouble - just from not being used enough....

Good luck on whatever you decide since time on the water is precious for all of us commercial, recreational, or whatever...

Aren't boats fun?

 

[Finn Maccumhail]

Even with a t-top that Pathfinder should be a good platform to fly fish when running the beaches or jetties. Even on some of the deeper flats in Florida where you can use the trolling motor and poling isn't required.

I'm a big fan of that 2300HPS as a great all around rig. It won't work as a technical poling skiff but it's far more versatile than a skiff.