Top 5 Skiff Essentials

General Discussion
21

I recently repowered my skiff so while I was at it I re -wired and simplified. I got rid of the power pole and hydraulic jack plate because I was really tired of always having hydraulic fluid in my hatch.I agree with Loogie’s list of things I wouldn’t want on a skiff, but here are the essentials that I do need.

Push Pole
Trim Tabs
Safety gear set (PDF’s, Extinguisher, Flares, Radio, Horn etc…)
Line Management - either a stripping bucket or a line mat. If I’m fishing solo I need the bucket because I set it up in front of the platform, strip line into it and stand the rod up in it to keep it at the ready for when I spot a fish.
A sense of humor…because some days it’s the only thing that keeps me from going nuts.

1 Like
22
  1. Reliable Motor - I only get so many days a year to fish, I can’t afford to lose any to motor issues.
  2. Push Pole - obvious reasons
  3. Trolling motor - I fish solo and a lot of creeks, hard to fish without it somedays when there’s wind or dirty water.
  4. Poling/Casting Platform - Have to fish from an elevated position to have the best chance of seeing the fish.
  5. Trim tabs - I don’t know how you could run a boat without them.
23

In no particular order
Trolling motor. I fish solo 95% of the time, so it gets used
Sonar/GPS. There are days I can’t find my butt with both hands. Sonar helps. And GPS helps me find my way back.
Hydration.
Rod holders. Both the storage kind and some for trolling fresh water.
Required safety gear. Mr Green Jeans can ruin a day pretty quickly if you slack on this.
Rod, reels, proper tackle. 'Nuf said

2 Likes
24

How about things I don’t want on my skiff:

Trolling motor
Power Pole
Jackplate
GPS is questionable

I’m somewhat casually looking upgrading and one thing I keep thinking is it’s going to cost a lot to remove and fill the holes from all the unnecessary stuff on used skiffs I see. Granted everyone fishes differently. Must haves would be:

Push Pole
Poling/casting platforms
Ample rod storage under gunnel
Trim Tabs
Cooler with ice packs so no soggy sandwiches

2 Likes
25

Minimums
Push pole
Casting and poling platforms
Rod storage for fly rods

I really like these
Trolling motor
Dry storage
GPS

26

For how I’m currently skiffing- I would not have a ride without tunnel, jp, custom prop, tabs, and gps with satellite mapping. As a fly only TPS- push pole, platforms, line management, and proper rod storage are all necessities as well. I’d break it down into more detail and say

-dry storage

-a simple 1 battery/electric setup- cleanly wired/rigged- That is easy to maintain and troubleshoot

-a setup that has options for seating passengers if needed- while running and on the pole- that is adaptable to allow for the best weight distribution

-surfaces and colors that are easy to clean and maintain

-it has too be good on the pole in stalk mode

27

Not in order:
-Good anchor w/ heavy chain. Ga currents don’t play.
-Stick it pole
-Rod holders on the platform. If fishing solo I’m running mud minnows on a float in the holder while tossing an artificial.
-Beach umbrella if the Mrs is with me, she likes her shade

And lastly: Multiple pinwheels. Bungee them to skiff if leaving on dock. Keeps those damn birds from using the boat as their personal toilet.

28

Spray sunscreen
Heavily loaded 45qt yeti
Out of town friend that wants to “try fly fishing”
Go pro with chest strap
Drone

5 Likes
29

NEEDS:

  • Push pole
  • Trim tabs
  • 12" MFD integrated to motor with FMT
  • Sorry guys, jumpseat cooler (happy family = more fish time)
  • Front casting platform (doubles as a shade for dog)

NEVER WANT:

  • Powerpole
  • Jackplate
  • Sea dek anywhere besides for reel pads or on platforms
  • Integrated Stereo
  • Cupholders in gunwales

DREAM LIST:

  • Lift in my backyard that faces the water
3 Likes
30

Welcome @BMahoney Glad to you have you.

31

All the essentials have been covered but I’ll add

  1. I like to keep a set of lineman’s pliers to cut a hook shank that’s past a barb

  2. Beer, to alleviate after #1

4 Likes
32

I have made 10 of these lists. Most are a little different, as my technique, skiff size, and general area has changed.

This is where I am now, on my EVO 17 in Sarasota, fishing mainly Charlotte Harbor.

  1. Push Pole- Got to be able to get around quietly.
  2. Push Pole Caddy
  3. Cooler of some type

That is pretty much it

For the Glades:

  1. Chart Plotter
  2. Trolling Motor and long lasting battery
  3. Big cooler
  4. Good rod storage

Nature Coast:

  1. Jack Plate
  2. Chart Plotter with FMT
  3. Push Pole with wood foot
  4. Cooler
  5. Trolling Motor (for the river mouths and outside)

Same boat. Different scenarios. But, collectively, it is about the same list as @Zika

3 Likes
33

Someone might have already mentioned this, but I don’t see it:

Small jump start battery pack.

Absolutely mandatory gear and saved my butt a few trips ago when I was 15 miles away and deep in a marsh with a dead battery.

6 Likes