So-called back country fishing is a unique experience for all those who love shallow water fishing. It provides the sense of immediacy with nature that comes with all shallow water fishing but adds an additional sense of adventure.

First of all, to do it right, a guide is a must. A Florida flats fishing guide is invaluable to find shallow water fish. This guide, or Sultan of Snapper, will take clients out to hard to access areas, usually in a specially designed skiff, which can be anywhere from 15 to 20 feet long. Shallow water boats such as these may seem outsize, but due to their shallow draft, they navigate elegantly in “skinny waters.”

“Flats fishing,” as it is also called, requires special shallow water boat called a skiff. These boats are specially designed to be wide and stable, affording sportsmen the opportunity to fish in water as shallow as three feet. When you can actually SEE the fish you’re after, it really adds to the experience.

Even the shallow water anchors are unique; you will see hydraulic ‘power’ poles which can hold the boat steady in up to 8 feet of water, or simple manual poles which can also be used as a push pole, to maneuver skillfully around the banks, and in the shallower waters.

Shallow water anchors are definitely something else you have to consider. Why? Because you have to decide between manual or power anchorage. You go manual, then you’re looking at a three-quarter inch rod of solid fiberglass, which functions as an anchor AND as a push pole. Brackets built right into shallow water boats hold the push pole in place.

Florida Bay offers the experience of taking fishing boats through miles of interlocking ‘basins,’ most of which are barely three feet deep. While the fun of floating along and taking in sights such as hawks, herons and egrets is undeniable, at some point all you want is to sink that shallow water anchor and get down to business!

But what about the whole point of shallow water fishing? The fish! The beauty of shallow water fishing is that you can float in literally inches of water, and position yourself above creatures that would be inaccessible from deeper-draft style craft. Not to mention the stability that a good, 15 foot boat can give you. No worrying about keeping your balance, you can focus on the sport itself.

The appeal of shallow water fishing is best found in places like Florida Bay. With mangroves aplenty, there is always something primal and unspoiled to enjoy, whether it be the challenge of landing a largemouth bass, or spotting a wading ibis just a few feet away.