quote:
In short, yes, though your examples are a little hyperbolic. You seem convinced that the average LA fisherman's highest priority is to stalk reds in 6" of water and is willing to sacrifice a lot (an entire side of Venice in fact) for the ability to do that. That's why it's hard to take your "question" seriously

I'm of the opinion the correct answer is to own two boats but that's out of the question for most for obvious reasons.

The question that you seem to think is dumb is given the fact we have more shallow water than deep, why don't more people make the sacrifice for that shallow water ability.

I guess a better question would be, if you could only have one boat, would you rather have open water capability or shallow water capability. A little bit of both is certainly possible. That boat won't do anything well, but it will perform adequately in multiple areas. It won't get too shallow, but it will get shallow enough, and it will handle a little chop and likely not beat you to death if things get real nasty.

If I can only have one, I'm taking the poling skiff. I can fish it like a kayak and make huge runs on perfect days. But that's just like, my opinion, man.

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Posted by TheDrunkenTigah

Baton Rouge

Member since Aug 2011

17333 posts

Posted on 2/23/16 at 4:42 pm to Barf

quote:
The question that you seem to think is dumb is given the fact we have more shallow water than deep, why don't more people make the sacrifice for that shallow water ability.

Because in my experience, to access these vast shallow meccas, one must usually cross deep water. There may be millions of acres of shallow marsh in LA, but if I can't get there safely then it's useless to me. People don't tend to sacrifice on their main boat because jons and kayaks are cheap but you can't add length to a skiff when you find out there's nasty chop between you and the trout the one weekend your kid doesn't have travel ball.

I'm not saying poling skiffs are useless, I would absolutely love to have one, but:

quote:
if you could only have one boat, would you rather have open water capability or shallow water capability.

I'm picking the boat that gets me across the river in Venice, and I believe that's why poling skiffs aren't more popular here.

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Posted by pt448

Member since Nov 2013

502 posts

Posted on 2/24/16 at 3:35 pm to Barf

I'm with ya, Barf. Kayaks, like microskiffs, are best when simple and cheap.
Kayaks are shallow, stealthy, ultra portable, inexpensive, and easy to maintain. The more stuff added, the more you lose these benefits. Those that want a large, heavy kayak with a bunch of gear and electronics may be better served with a gheenoe, riverhawk, towee, ankona, etc.
The thing I think that most affects their prevalence here is availability. Most people are not going to drive the distances required to purchase a lot of these boats and then deal with the paperwork involved with buying a boat out of state. Unless you're a dedicated fly fisherman or sight caster, there are boats easily available locally that'll catch fish just as well.
But if this is what you want to do, there are better options than a Hobie.