With the ability to stop the boat when we needed to, the bayboat became a weapon. I now had the ability to run MUCH farther in a day because of a 75-100 gallon fuel tank, but the major advantage was that I could now carry 50 gallons of livewell storage rather than 10 in my skiff. The bayboat could go pretty shallow, but it could also comfortably run out to the nearshore reefs and wrecks. Immediately, I was doing things I did not dream were possible in the skiff.

Our partnership with Yellowfin began in 2008. The first time I rode in a Yellowfin 24 Bay, I knew that fishing as I knew it just changed completely. This boat was on an entirely different level than anything I had ever been in before. The stepped hull and Mercury 350 Verado hp engine made the boat fast, really fast. It was also fuel efficient which increased my range even further. It could handle MUCH rougher water than the skiff or other bayboats I had been in while still floating in water that rivaled the draft of most skiffs. Offshore targets were suddenly possible on alot of days.

The biggest difference was that I could now carry 150 gallons of livewell storage! With this amount of bait, I could do anything that the offshore boats were doing on the days I could get there.

It was now possible to catch tuna in the morning and bonefish in the afternoon. The number of slams (Bonefish, Permit and Tarpon in one day) skyrocketed, and my mind went crazy with the possibilities in front of me.

Through this experience, I learned just how versatile the Bayboat can be. The versatility really comes from the ability to control a larger boat in shallow water through the new trolling motor technology like the MotorGuide xi5 motor and twin Power-Poles. Now, the MotorGuide xi5 motor has a anchor mode that can hold the boat in heavy current above a bridge or over a wreck in 250 feet of water.

The bayboat style is simply more versatile than most boats because it can go in shallow water, but also venture offshore. The real key to the versatility though is the control in shallow water, add to it the ability to use the motor in deep water to anchor or navigate and there is no other boat as versatile as the bayboat and specifically the Yellowfin 24 bay with twin Power-Poles and a MotorGuide xi5 motor.

Here is how I rigged up my last boat (click for post)

I hope that answers your question. Remember this; Every Boat Is A Compromise! There is no one boat that will do everything so you are always in some sort of compromise. Figure out what you want to do and find the boat that can most efficiently do it while still operating on the fringe. For me, there is no other choice than the Yellowfin 24 Bay. Whichever style you decide is right for you, remember to always stay safe and keep the limits of your vessel in mind. If you are using a bayboat, you may be able to go offshore in it on nice days...but never forget that it is a bayboat, not an offshore boat. The further offshore you go, the faster things can change. Make your decisions early and head for the dock if you think you could be in danger.