The Boats We Use
The boats Fly Fish Rockport fly fishing guides run are an integral parts of what we do. Our technical poling skiffs allow us to gain access to the water we need to be in to find fish. They are light, quiet, nimble and able to float in less than 6 inches of water.
We have created this page so you can familiarize yourself with the boats we operate. We have a variety of boats, all to meet the different needs of the anglers, target species and conditions.
Not only are you getting the benefit of the years of experience that our Captains have behind them… but you also know that we put our clients in the best flats boats on the market today. Hells Bay Boatworks provides all of the technical poling skiffs that we use on a day in, day out basis. These are the best boats in the world, and we stand by that. All of the boats in our fleet are here to allow our anglers every advantage we can offer them. Whether that be sneaking through water only 3 inches deep, or chasing rolling tarpon offshore.
Hells Bay Professional Skiff
By far, the Hells Bay Pro is the workhorse of our fleet. All of our Fly Fish Rockport fly fishing guides operate out of this boat the majority of the time. The Pro offers us the most range and comfort, while fishing two guests. All the while, being able to find fish on all of our favorite Texas Coast flats.
Each Hells Bay Pro that we run has a casting platform for the angler on the bow. An optional leaning bar can be installed in seconds, to allow the angler the maximum amount of comfort and security while on the bow. This setup is remarkably stable and sure to make anyone feel confident while searching for redfish.
To ensure the best experience for our guests each day, Fly Fish Rockport maintains each boat in our fleet to the utmost specifications. All of our boats are newer than 2018. Boat trouble happens. Its just the nature of the beast. But we do everything we can to make sure your time on the water is spent catching fish, not suffering through boat problems.
Black Duck Cromis Micro Skiff
The Cromis is the newest, and most special, members of our fleet. Made right here in Rockport, Texas by Black Duck Skiffs, the Cromis is the first choice of our Fly Fish Rockport fishing guides when shallow water is a must. The Cromis is a micro skiff, designed to fish the Captain and a single angler. This enables us to fish water that other boats just can’t get to.
Powered by a jet outboard, the Cromis can travel at speed in less than two inches of water. We can get in and out of lakes, creeks and flats thought previously unreachable in other boats. Once there, we can pole in nearly three inches of water. We have yet to find a fish that we couldn’t get to with this skiff. While the Cromis is easily our favorite boat in the fleet, it isn’t for every day or all conditions. But this is a handy tool to get into the furthest reaches of any marsh and away from other boats.
Each Cromis is equipped with a cushioned cooler seat and plenty of storage for rods and spare gear. Because minimalism is paramount with this skiff, we do not fish with a casting platform on the bow. A very large, clean deck awaits the angler allowing for plenty of movement to fight fish and remains perfectly stable as well.
Hells Bay Eldora Skiff
The Hells Bay Eldora is another standard for all of our Fly Fish Rockport fly fishing guides. On days where the Pro isn’t needed, or we are making a shorter run to our favorite flats, you may find one of our Captains in their Eldora. At 16′ in length, this skiff is a little bit smaller and lighter than the Pro. But it is every bit as comfortable on the ride to the flats.
This boat is half full size skiff, half micro. It runs shallower than the full size pro, yet allows us to fish two anglers. So it is a great option for those days with lower water, without sacrificing the ability to get our guests to the fish. Cushioned cooler seating in the Eldora is designed for two. Also, there is plenty of dry storage for rods and extra gear.
Our Hells Bay Eldora skiffs are equipped with a casting platform on the bow to help our anglers spot redfish. But this is just as easily removed and offers a spacious front deck, should the platform not be the best option. This boat is very smooth, stable and comfortable to fish from.
