re: Casting platform height

I haven't read any posts above mine, but I've had various platforms over the years at various different heights so I can offer some insight.

You shouldn't spook fish with a higher platform so long as it's within reason. The tournament fishing scene seems to be in a constant contest to build higher platforms though, so maybe some of those 10' platforms will spook fish . I currently have two - an 18" and a 30". I use the 18" when I've got someone to pole, and I use the 30" if I'm fishing by myself. I also had a 36" on my duck boat for a long time.

If you're primarily fishing with a baitcaster, 30" and above is great, because it allows you to pitch underhanded and keep your lure right above the water, which eases your presentation. Fly fishing is the opposite. I've always found it much more difficult to soften the presentation of a lead eye fly from a higher casting point than a lower casting point. So, if you're primarily concerned with fly fishing, I would go with a shorter platform for presentation's sake.

I won't pretend to know the geometry, but I can definitely see further from my taller platform. The difference is most noticeable on slick calm days with dirty water or clouds. On sunny days with clean water, I can see as far as I can cast (sometimes farther) from my smaller platform.