[Backcountry 16]

I fly fish from my gladesman solo but I actually fish from the front and use a standup paddleboard paddle instead of the push pole. If you don't put weight upfront while you're on the stern you'll have major hull slap. I however don't have a poling platform but use a casting platform for poling from the stern. They're cool ass little skiffs I love mine.

 

[Kwan Dog]

Yeah I’ve always just fill a yeti 35 with water and put it on the bow to level out the boat and get rid of Hull slap. Do you lead with the stern while on the bow paddling?

 

[MatthewAbbott]

I don't have a Gladesman and would defer to @Backcountry 16 experience will hull slap, but I mainly fly fish solo (out of a BT Micro). I prefer to pole from the poling platform and not the bow. I don’t have any Hull slap issues unless in a pretty good chop solo.

• Better visibility (even over a casting platform on the bow)

• Better maneuverability / easier to control movement

• I don’t have to worry about hitting the side of my boat with the pole.

 

[Backcountry 16]

Yeah I’ve always just fill a yeti 35 with water and put it on the bow to level out the boat and get rid of Hull slap. Do you lead with the stern while on the bow paddling?

No I paddle the boat bow first but remember it's basically a canoe with a cap on it.

 

[Copahee Hound]

I fly fish from my gladesman solo but I actually fish from the front and use a standup paddleboard paddle instead of the push pole. If you don't put weight upfront while you're on the stern you'll have major hull slap. I however don't have a poling platform but use a casting platform for poling from the stern. They're cool ass little skiffs I love mine.

That’s how I do it. Never left home without a SUP paddle

 

[Kwan Dog]

Dang that’s not what I was wanting to hear but if it works then that’s what matters.

 

[Backcountry 16]

Dang that’s not what I was wanting to hear but if it works then that’s what matters.

Do you have a gladesman? I had a shadowcast before and it really didn't work to well the main reason the gladesman works is because of the narrowness of the skiff. It's easier than it sounds a small paddle is easier to deal with than a push pole whenever a fish is sighted and your trying to juggle that a d a fly rod and the skiff will float in almost nothing.

 

[Kwan Dog]

No but I’m thinking about getting one for solo fishing. But it might not be for me. Wanting something I can pole and fish from efficiently

 

[Backcountry 16]

No but I’m thinking about getting one for solo fishing. But it might not be for me. Wanting something I can pole and fish from efficiently

It's not that difficult really just takes a little getting use to and they are tippy but I'm 52 and only fallen out once not the boats fault I stepped off the front deck onto my throw cushion which flew out from under my feet and I went over the side. Thankfully it was only about a foot deep and a grass flat, they aren't for everyone but are a very capable skiff. I would reach out to someone around you maybe you could get a ride from someone if you are in Swfl I'd be happy to take you on one.

 

[Copahee Hound]

It is paddleboard tippy, but very stable when you walk the centerline. For reference, I’m 30 and pretty agile at 155 lbs. The simplicity of a gman is what’s most appealing when you’re fishing by yourself.

Back story: It was my dream skiff in the fact that I have a bigger boat, but could bring someone with me that I can’t do with a paddle board. The tidal creek in my neighborhood gives you 2 hours before and after high tide to get out on the water, but with the gman I get an extra hour on each side of the tide because it drafts so little.

You seriously won’t know if it’s right for you until you actually get on one, but if you accept it for what it truly is, you’re going to love it

 

[Kwan Dog]

Yeah not knowing if it’s right for me until I get one is probably the case.