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MIKE LOCKLEAR'S GUIDE SKIFFS

My new rig is a spacious boat with seating for 4 people.   The cockpit is contains built-in fishing chairs on the centerline of the boat allowing ample room to fish from either side.

The advantage of this skiff is the width and flat bottom.  I can go where others dare not with my Porta bracket that raises to the highest position attainable.  

Forward is a custom deck I help design with Coarsey Fiberglass Unlimited.  Basically it is more user friendly than the factory one.  Plenty of room for fish in one locker, battery locker midships and the port locker provides plenty of dry storage for the clients.  The biggest advantage is the step down to the cockpit for old folks that can't jump around like they use to.

Installed on the port side bow is a 24-Volt 82-pound thrust Motorguide.  It is a wireless version and I can control it from any where in the boat. 

Aft is more dry storage and a raised deck to support a 12 foot tuna tower.  The height advantage pays back dividends in locating the schools of reds and trout.  Also for inshore grouper fishing no rock will be missed from the high tower.

18' HELL'S BAY WHIPRAY MARQUESA

The Marquesa is powered with a 60 H.P. 2007 Mercury Outboard, and during tarpon season (May and June), twin 82 pound thrust Motorguide Great White Trolling motors are added for pursuing giant tarpon on the extensive Homosassa flats. I use a featherweight 21-foot Stiffy graphite push pole to sneak up on the fish when in casting range. A Lowrance LMS-240 Global Positioning System keeps me on track so as to waste no time getting to our destinations.

The 34-inch oval live-well holds 30 gallons of sea water and is plumbed with two quiet Rule pumps. This provides versatility for live bait anglers and keeps redfish alive in order to cull up or down, depending on the situation. I have learned that the live well can also serve as a fish box and holds ice all day long.

This boat accommodates one or two anglers.

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