What is Flat Fishing?
Flats fishing is hunting as you seek out your quarry in a unique situation. The fish are only on the flats to feed and no other reason. The fish are well aware of their vulnerability to Sharks. They are always aware of their position in respect to the safety of deeper water. The fish are extremely spooky and the angler has a one on one situation with the fish. It is done on a sight basis. The cast is not made until the fish is spotted. The cast must be accurate and there is not much room for error. The cast should be made before the fish sees the angler. The water can be a few inches up to 5 or 6 feet deep. This type of fishing is extremely specialized. An angler must have good casting skills, timing, and finesse. This shallow water sight fishing is extremely addictive.
Equipment Used in Flats Fishing. The guide will have a small shallow draft skiff with an elevated platform above the motor on the stern. The boat is propelled using a push pole. Some guides have front casting platforms. These allow the angler a little bit more height to enhance visibility. Spinning rods or fly tackle will be used. The bait of choice is live shrimp or live crabs.
Techniques Used (Please Describe techniques in DETAIL: Sight Casting, Poling, ETC.)-There are a few ways to fish the flats. You can cast from a boat or wade. Wading is fun because you are in their element and you can get closer to the fish than in a boat. The other technique used is to pole the boat across the flat. The stalk must be done very quietly and stealth like. These fish are extremely spooky. Poling is the only way to get around the flats the outboard motor will spook everything. This type of fishing takes dedication and patience.
Sight fishing is unexplainable until you have actually done it. It can be intense and exhilarating at the same time. You are actually hunting for your target as your guide poles you across the pristine waters. The flats are loaded with all types of sea creatures. Once the fish are spotted the guide will position the boat so the angler can make the presentation. This fishing is all visual. The first presentation must be perfect and second chances do not come often. It is all opportunity fishing. The flats are unique and the experience will never be forgotten.
