I was on microskiff forever and just found this new site. I would like to get back to a simple 16-17 ft bare bones poling skiff. I have been out of the skiff world for the last 5 years so was wondering if you all could share some different manufacturers. I’m sure there have been some new ones that have come to the market.
As for criteria just looking for something that is built well, has minimal hull slap and can be fished easily alone. Not looking to break the bank, minimalist approach here.
A little more info on where and how you like to fish would be helpful. If I was looking new and wanted a bare bones boat I’d take a look at a simple skiff.
Welcome to the site.
I just recently found myself in the same boat (haha) and wanted something other than my flats boat and Gheenoe. I found a very lightly used basic Ankona Caicos and snapped it up. It was just the hull and trailer. 16.5 feet and I hung a 30 tiller on it. I’m really happy so far. It’s stupid shallow, light, and a great solo boat. I communicated with a sales rep as well as the owners of Ankona when I was deciding on the motor and had some rigging questions. Even though I did not buy the boat new, they all were quick to answer me and provided a lot of helpful insight.
I am still learning the boat, but I’d be happy to answer any questions or shoot you some info on the skiff.
I know you’ll get some good insight here on SkiffHQ, and again, welcome.
Located in East Orlando. I want to get back to fishing the IRL / lagoon mostly poling solo. Also will be adding a trolling motor to bass fish on my lake and shad fish on the st johns.
In the past I have had a 17.8, Waterman, Glades skiff, shadowcast 16, hpx 15, mitzi 16. I liked all of them for the most part, each had their pros and cons. My favorite of the bunch was the glades skiff, it was very easy to manage solo and could get just about anywhere I wanted to go.
What your describing is a simple skiff. Lots of info around. It’s an updated whipray from Morejohn. They’re fantastic skiffs and you can find several multi-year owners on instagram etc to chat with. I just got mine a couple weeks ago!
Welcome over @el9surf - I remember you from the ex-site. Glad you made it over.
Simple Skiffs is a good choice and has a lot of posts on here. Another one to check out is GladesCraft Skiffs:
Another vote for Simple Skiff
@el9surf Welcome aboard, Glad to have you!!
Linesider boats (@linesiderboats on instagram) is making Chris’s “glades 18” boat. They are a newer company so I don’t have much info just thought I’d mention it since you were a fan of your previous glades skiff. I’m certain the hull will perform given it’s a Morejohn boat.
There is also an HB for sale here https://www.boattrader.com/boat/2008-hell-s-bay-glades-skiff-10011713/.
Welcome aboard. Glad you found us and made the transition. I recently fished with Capt. Bruce Hitchcock in Choko for a TIDE article on backcountry snook. Bruce has the demo model of the Glades Craft and it was an impressive option. Nothing fancy but very durable, skinny and capable.
There are several other good choices now, as others have mentioned.
Have fun with your research and let us know what you end up with. We love photos!
Maybe I missed it on the GladesCraft links - have you got a spec sheet on the skiff, @coconutgroves ?
Thanks!
And, Welcome aboard @el9surf ! Welcome to the new Home Place for all things skiffy n fishy!
I do not have the specs - it got some traction in another thread we have on here:
There is a link in there for Brian’s podcast on Millhouse where he talks extensively about designing and building the skiff.
Another option is the Deadrise Palometa - there is a thread on it here:
It is a higher end skiff than the Simple or GladesCraft, but the design is unique and very well thought out. The designer @Thomas is on here as well and is responsive in answering questions. I got a chance to meet him in person and see the skiff - I was blown away by it.
Thanks @coconutgroves . I’ll check those out. Just seeing the GladesCraft for the first time here, and it has great lines!
I agree with the consensus on simple skiff and glades craft. Both are built well from what I have seen. I met the guys from simple at last years marsh fest and they were cool. I’ve seen 2 of these up close and if I were in the market for a bare bones skiff, this would be first on my list. Garage fit is a plus too.
I’ve not seen the glades craft up close but everything they post shows quality work done the right way.
if you are able to to make it to marsh fest this year there will probably be a handful of skiffs to look at and ask questions about. January 24th from noon to 7pm at north guana outpost in ponte vedra.
Does anyone have contact info for Brian at glades craft?
Also has anyone fished any of Harry Spear’s skiffs? The simplicity of Harry’s boats appeal to me for my next boat. If I’m being honest I have always stressed about keeping my past HB’s in perfect shape. I think for the next one I want something that isn’t as finished.
Glades craft skiff
Brian Esposito 954 592 0844
Harry Spear Skiffs. TJ
I’m going to hazard a guess that if you’ve owned all the boats you stated above, less than 10% of the people in this group will have more ownership across various brands than you. It seems you’ve asked a question that few can answer better than yourself.
Not really. He’s wanting to know what’s out there now since it’s been a while for example glades craft was not when he was “in” the game. Simple skiffs hasn’t been around very long either.