[Griggs]

Just moved from Colorado to the Melbourne area and I am learning all I can about the IRL and beach fishing. Grew up in SW Florida.


My question is what boat do you all recommend for a new boater (I have driven a few here and there but never owned). I am also a larger fella 280-290. I will mostly run the IRL may consider taking it a mile or two off shore but don’t have too. I have been looking at salt marsh 1656. Been looking at heron 16. I think stability will be what I want the most but don’t know because I have only ever fished from a dock on the IRL. My favorite species is snook but love reds, trout, anything really lol. Thanks

 

[Griggs]

Other things to consider. I’ll fish 75-80% of the time alone....maybe one other.

 

[flyclimber]

Welcome aboard! You would really have to pick your days to get off shore but just about any one of the boats you mentioned would work just fine. I would also throw just about any gheenoe in mix as well. Would you be trying to pole or be on a trolling motor?

 

[Griggs]

Probably trolling motor. I don’t even know if I will have a polling platform. How much can those things carry? Lol. If it’s me fishing alone most of the time....i would think trolling motor is the way to go

 

[flyclimber]

It just limits how shallow you can go without tearing up the sea-floor at least in the IRL. I pole my self on the bow frequently just because the times I can get on the water don't line up with my fishing buddies.

 

[Shadowcast]

Welcome. If you are fishing alone most of the time and a poling platform is not in the cards for you, do not overlook the Tavernier 17. They are made by the same crew that does the 1656, Heron 16, and the Ankona line of skiffs. The Tav 17 is a great solo skiff with a sunk in front deck. I fished from mine solo all the time and it was great. Depending on how simple you keep the layout, you can really have a nice open cockpit too. It drafts about 7" depending on your loar and takes a chop really well. Both the Heron 16 and the 1656 would also be great options for fishing solo in the IRL.

If you want pricing for any of the Ankona/Salt Marsh/Tavernier lines, shoot me a text (863-860-7250) and I'll get it over to you. Here is my build thread with the finished product.
https://www.microskiff.com/threads/tavernier-17-looks-like-im-on-deck.50764/

 

[Griggs]

Appreciate the info, I will look into that as well

Welcome. If you are fishing alone most of the time and a poling platform is not in the cards for you, do not overlook the Tavernier 17. They are made by the same crew that does the 1656, Heron 16, and the Ankona line of skiffs. The Tav 17 is a great solo skiff with a sunk in front deck. I fished from mine solo all the time and it was great. Depending on how simple you keep the layout, you can really have a nice open cockpit too. It drafts about 7" depending on your loar and takes a chop really well. Both the Heron 16 and the 1656 would also be great options for fishing solo in the IRL.

If you want pricing for any of the Ankona/Salt Marsh/Tavernier lines, shoot me a text (863-860-7250) and I'll get it over to you. Here is my build thread with the finished product.
https://www.microskiff.com/threads/tavernier-17-looks-like-im-on-deck.50764/

Appreciate that info

 

[Griggs]

Appreciate the info, I will look into that as well

Welcome. If you are fishing alone most of the time and a poling platform is not in the cards for you, do not overlook the Tavernier 17. They are made by the same crew that does the 1656, Heron 16, and the Ankona line of skiffs. The Tav 17 is a great solo skiff with a sunk in front deck. I fished from mine solo all the time and it was great. Depending on how simple you keep the layout, you can really have a nice open cockpit too. It drafts about 7" depending on your loar and takes a chop really well. Both the Heron 16 and the 1656 would also be great options for fishing solo in the IRL.

If you want pricing for any of the Ankona/Salt Marsh/Tavernier lines, shoot me a text (863-860-7250) and I'll get it over to you. Here is my build thread with the finished product.
https://www.microskiff.com/threads/tavernier-17-looks-like-im-on-deck.50764/

Appreciate that info

 

[Griggs]

Just curious what the advantage is of a sunken bow. Recessed like that. If I’m fishing up front wouldn’t I want a flat bow? Thanks

 

[yobata]

If your plan is to fish the IRL, the spring time can be pretty windy. Couple that with your size, and the interesting in taking it out thru sebastian inlet, I would look for a flats boat instead of a micro. Also, PM sent - I'm in Melbourne also...

 

[Griggs]

I am considering those too. I like the Hewes redfisher but they are expensive.

 

[Shadowcast]

Just curious what the advantage is of a sunken bow. Recessed like that. If I’m fishing up front wouldn’t I want a flat bow? Thanks

I mostly fly fish so the sunken bow acted as a big tow rail. It just gives you a little freeboard up front.

 

[LtShinysides]

Find a good used flats boat like an action craft, hewes or maverick and put a nice 24 volt trolling motor up front. I don't fish that area but did test drive a boat there and the intracoastal there is very wide so it kicks up easily. Troll craigslist everyday... good deals on flats boats pop up all the time.

 

[Griggs]

Good advice thanks

Find a good used flats boat like an action craft, hewes or maverick and put a nice 24 volt trolling motor up front. I don't fish that area but did test drive a boat there and the intracoastal there is very wide so it kicks up easily. Troll craigslist everyday... good deals on flats boats pop up all the time.

ood