T-Tops and Bimini tops are fantastic, but they can sometimes interfere with the ultimate goal—fishing (or more specifically, casting) 🤨. I’ve even explored Bimini top designs that slide and stow away neatly inside the hull on the deck, rather than being mounted on the gunnels.
Alright, that made things a bit easier, but it was still a hassle to step over, let alone grab and pull another rod. So, I only had it on the boat when friends came along for joy rides. Eventually, I just sold it and began looking into other shade options for your Skiff & Boat.
A few years ago, I came across this cool idea that pretty much anyone can use to get some shade during lunch, take a quick drink break, or escape the rain. Even better, it folds up, fits in a small space, and if you set it up right, it can be almost completely out of the way when stowed. That's the old Mantis looking product, now called the Shade-Fin Mini by Taco Marine which now comes in both Black and White.
What really caught my eye was how this BT Skiff owner set up his shade on the backrest behind the seat, which was also connected to the Polling Platform. You can't go faster than a few knots with it out, but it's awesome to have some quick shade without taking up much space when you don't need it. Plus, you still get true 360-degree casting ability (is that even the right term?). The way he installed it was a brilliant piece of engineering and thinking outside the box though. Here's a pic of how it's mounted behind the backrest and looks when deployed.
The great thing about that setup is that the backrest on the Skiff (like most) folds up and out of the way, so you can still use your rear casting deck or get to the rear hatches. 😎
We've got another option that's way cheaper (though I think it might not last as long), but it's super easy to set up and use with other stuff: the Sport-Brella Versa-Brella. Plus, if you're into kayaking, it's lightweight, so it would be great for that too.
Getting back to your typical Flats Skiff, I've got some ideas I've picked up over the years that you might find useful for some temporary shade. A lot of them seem to be removable too although finding a spot to store them on board could be tricky.
Then, for the Center Console or larger cooler applications, the typical larger outdoor table umbrella, these can usually get slid down into a console rod holder and (some) can also be stowed in one of the under-gunnel rod racks, which is ideal!
These are my top picks so far for what I need (especially when I'm not on the move or just chilling), and we found one you might like! Click here to check it out in a bunch of colors, perfect for matching your hull color if you're a bit OCD like some of us! 😎
There's more to come on this topic, but here's the gist: you can still have your fishing boat with all that open deck space you love. Plus, you can bring your sweetheart along and have some targeted shade at the same time! I think some might be around the price of a Bimini and definitely cheaper than most T-Tops for many setups. Don't get me wrong, those other options are awesome for offshore use. But on smaller boats and skiffs, where you're making over 500 casts a day or running around the gunnels while a Tarpon tries to pull you off the skiff... well, as we say here in the South, "That Dog just don't Hunt" 😉
In the meantime,
We invite you to take in a few other Flats Nation Podcast Episodes to help "Scratch that Fishing Itch" when working or traveling and you cannot hitch up the Skiff and go, on these links:
Our main podcast page works great for your mobile device since it will stream right on your phone/tablet. It can be found by clicking Here
Also, The "Flats Nation" Merch and Swag collection, if you like our content, has some new works, from T-shirts to our newer Technical wear (aka wearable shade) can be found Here:
And do not forget about our lineup of Flats Nation stickers which turned out just awesome! 😎
You can see all eight Flats Fish Species we now have (more on the way) and order some of those cool combos and show (them) just how good you are or looking to target by clicking Here 😁
Tight Lines, and God Bless!
Dave and the Team
