Posts

How to Store Your Bay Boat Safely

Image
Owning a bay boat opens a world of freedom—those early morning fishing runs, lazy weekend cruises through calm estuaries, or just drifting at anchor under the afternoon sun. But after the trips and the washdowns, there’s one part of boat ownership that separates the carefree from the careful: how you store your bay boat. Proper storage keeps your boat clean, protects your engine, preserves its value, and saves you from costly repairs later on. Why Storing Your Bay Boat Properly Matters Bay boats are built for versatility. They’re designed to handle shallow waters, choppy bays, and light offshore runs. Because they’re constantly exposed to salt, humidity, and UV radiation, these boats need more than a casual rinse when you’re done using them. Salt crystals corrode metal fittings, moisture encourages mildew, and unfiltered sunlight fades gelcoat and upholstery. Over time, these small signs of neglect can snowball into big repair bills. Whether you live near the coast or keep your b...

Top Bay Boat Storage Solutions

Image
Owning a bay boat is one of life’s greatest pleasures for those of us who love being on the water. Whether you’re cruising calm coastal bays, casting for redfish and snook, or heading out with friends to enjoy the weekend, a bay boat gives you that perfect balance of shallow-water versatility and offshore confidence. But there’s one thing every boat owner has to think about sooner or later: where and how to store the boat properly. Bay boats are not just weekend toys; they are investments. The right storage method can make a huge difference in how long your boat stays in great condition, how much you spend on maintenance, and how quickly you can get back on the water. In this post, I’ll go through the most practical bay boat storage solutions I’ve used and seen over the years, what works best in different situations, and how to protect your investment whether you live by the coast or inland. Why Proper Bay Boat Storage Matters Before diving into storage options, it’s worth unde...

Fall and Winter Bay Boat Fishing Techniques

Image
When the leaves start to turn and the air feels crisp, many anglers think the best fishing days are over. Yet for those who own a bay boat , fall and winter open up an entirely new world of opportunity. Cooler temperatures change the habits of both fish and fishermen. With the right knowledge, gear, and attitude, these seasons can deliver some of the most memorable days you’ll ever have on the water. Understanding Seasonal Transitions Fishing from a bay boat in the fall and winter is not the same as fishing in spring or summer. The water temperature drops, baitfish move, and predators follow them. Many popular inshore species —like redfish , speckled trout , and flounder —shift to deeper holes, channels, and muddy flats that hold warmth longer. Knowing these seasonal transitions is what separates a good outing from a great one. During fall, the bays come alive as fish feed aggressively to fatten up before winter. I remember one October morning drifting over a grass flat near Ap...

Summer Fishing Strategies for Bay Boaters

Image
When summer arrives, bay boaters know that the season brings both opportunity and challenge. Warm waters attract fish species into shallows, tidal flats, and estuaries, and this makes bay boats an ideal platform for anglers. These versatile boats are designed for stability in shallow water and enough capability to handle moderate chop, which is exactly what summer fishing often demands. Over the years, I have learned that summer fishing in a bay boat is a game of preparation, adaptation, and patience. In this post, I will share strategies that have helped me make the most out of long summer days on the water. Understanding Summer Fish Behavior Every successful summer fishing trip begins with an understanding of how fish behave when temperatures rise. In bays and coastal estuaries, fish respond directly to changes in water temperature, salinity, and oxygen levels. Many species like speckled trout, red drum, flounder, and snook move into shallower areas early in the morning and lat...