Shallow Water Boat Setup for Stealth and Performance

Optimized for shallow water inshore fishing, Wired2fish saltwater contributor Jose Chavez provides a detailed look at his boat setup. He discusses the key equipment he relies on for chasing elusive and warry fish in the skinny water of Florida’s inshore coastal fisheries. Each piece of equipment has a specific function, from optimizing boat control, shallow water running, and lightweight and power-rich batteries to increase run time while reducing draft. While covered in salt, the same principles apply to shallow freshwater environments.

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STEALTH: THE KEY TO SHALLOW WATER FISHING

Chavez emphasizes that stealth is crucial in shallow water fishing. He introduces the Power-Pole MOVE trolling motor, which has near-silent operation thanks to its brushless and over-engineered construction. This reduction in noise and vibration is critical, as shallow water fish are highly sensitive to their surroundings. A quiet and powerful trolling motor enhances your ability to search fast without spooking fish.

DUAL SHALLOW WATER ACHORS: ENHANCING BOAT CONTROL

The addition of dual Power-Poles is another essential boat control tool that improves catch rates. Dual shallow water anchors allow anglers to halt the boat quickly, regardless of wind or current conditions. Chavez drops then when approaching fish-holding areas. He then thoroughly fan-casts good spots without bringing the boat too close to the fish. Additionally, their stability minimizes boat rocking, further enhancing stealth.

PADDED BOAT DECKING

Chavez highlights his boat’s Ocean Grip non-skid decking. This feature reduces noise onboard, ensuring movements are more stealthy and less likely to disturb fish. The damping quality of this decking helps minimize sound transmission into the water and reduces fatigue while standing for hours.

HYDRAULIC JACK PLATE PERFORMANCE

The video also discusses the highly effective use of a jack plate in shallow water boats. If you spend time in shallow water, you know the importance of clearing your prop over the top of hazards. While trimming out your engine helps, it only gets you so far. A jack plate allows you to vertically raise your outboard while maintaining optimal engine trim (angle) to produce the best prop bite (traction) and bow lift combination. Chavez explains its advantages in navigating shallow flats, improving the boat’s overall performance, and providing flexibility in propeller choices.

LITHIUM-IRON BATTERIES: THE POWERHOUSE OF SHALLOW WATER BOATS

Lastly, Chavez discusses the importance of lithium batteries for their long lifespan and quick charging capabilities. He details his setup, including a 24v 60 amp-hour battery at the front and two 60 amp-hour 12volt batteries at the back, underscoring the significant weight savings over traditional battery types. Weight savings correspond to reduced draft, meaning you can run your boat more efficiently through shallow water and at greater speeds.