[Putershark]

I have several

• Install a BMS lower unit plate to help get the boat on a plane as fast as possible in such skinny water.
• Install a Skeg Guard for those times you do "thump" the lower unit also saves a lot of time by not having to re-paint it all the time
• Try and keep as much weight on the boat as far forward as possible to help keep the stern up.
• Try and keep the boat as light as possible (less draft)
• Pending trip, keep the fuel tank as empty (weight) as possible.
• If you have a hull drains that are of the ball and cage type, install flapper vales instead. The ball and cage make too much noise on the flats popping in and out.
• Shut down any depth sounders or fish finders (I don't have either) long before hitting any flat. If you have ever heard one running out of the water buzzing, you will know what I mean. The whole side of a Snook is one huge passive Sonar Array and stealth is key. This is also why I have a water temp guage on my dash. By having that guage I can find pockes of either warmer or cooler water that will attrack fish.
• Power poles are way cool BUT if you cannot afford one these work well http://www.cajunanchor.com/resell.cfm
• You will want a prop that will launch the boat as quick as possible because the sooner you are on a plane the less water you draw. Just make sure you know the area before flying across it
• I carry a line on mine that I can tie around me and get out and wade and pull the boat behind me if I so wish. Just remember that if you are practicing for any Redfish tour type of work, you are not allow out of the boat.
• A push pole may come in handy. I have one that is in sections and in a carry bag in case I need one. Most times though, I just use the trolling motor or wind drift. Speaking of such most fish are not spooked by a "slow" moving trolling motor UTILL you change speeds on it.
• I posted a link to an excellent free tidal software some time back. Though I will fish on any tide, it is nice to know when I need to leave a place to be able to get out before the hull is high and dry
• If you have one, the leaning post is a excellent perch for scouting for fish.
• Use the search tool for finding past posts on these items and the Flats Fishing section has some other threads that may come in handy