Skiff Fly Fishing Etiquette 101

So...you’re ready to take a big leap forward in fly fishing by jumping on a skiff.

Whether you’re joining a friend or fishing with a guide, the skiff is a unique watercraft that typically runs 18 feet in length or less. These streamlined vessels have evolved to reach saltwater flats, shallow backwaters, and inshore coastal waters while maintaining exceptional stealth and control.

Every skiff is fitted with a casting deck (bow) for the angler and poling platform (stern) where the captain can exact control over movement and position.

With this system in place, anglers can effectively target bonefish, tarpon, jack crevalle, redfish, and other inshore species with an advantage over other watercraft styles and hull designs.

Learning the proper etiquette and techniques associated with these boats goes a long way toward success. Grasping the nuances of skiff culture is the difference between butt-wrapped rods, broken leaders, and triple-digit tarpon gliding alongside the gunnels.

Pre-Trip Gear Checklist

Always consult with your captain in advance to determine gear and food needs. Most trips will supply lunch, water, guide-preferred flies, and other necessary items. It never hurts to have your own arsenal of flies, snacks, and anything else critical to a day on the water. Don’t overload the boat, but bring the gear you need for a successful outing.

Recommended gear for fly fishing skiff anglers:

• Lightweight shoes with non-marking soles that won’t scuff casting decks
• Appropriate rods, reels, lines, and flies (always bring a spare rod or two)
• Backpack with rain gear, water, sunscreen, fishing hat, leaders, accessories, flies, etc.
• Personal medications
• Spare snacks!

Perfecting Your Launch & Takeoff 

As a passenger, you might be eager to help the captain by grabbing ropes and loading gear. Take a step back, and always defer to the captain for instructions. They have a systematic approach to launching, and it’s best to seek direction before jumping into action.

Unload & Listen

When you arrive, help by unloading gear. Ask where to drop everything (likely alongside the skiff) or hand off gear to your captain. Listen for direction, stay out of the way, and take your time. You might have some idle time while rods are stowed beneath gunnels and everything gets situated. Take this moment to enjoy the scene and double-check your gear. If rods aren’t strung and ready, this is a good time to strip off some line so the captain can rig flies.

Get Seated & Hold On! 

When instructed, go ahead and step into the skiff. Lean on your captain’s shoulder for stability if necessary. Take your designated seat and get comfortable for the launch. Weight distribution is important for balance on lightweight skiffs so do your best to stay centered. Look around to ensure no loose items are present and hold onto your hat for takeoff!

On-The-Water Best Practices 

Fishing from wide-deck V-hulls, drift boats, and rafts, and even wading all have different etiquette. Skiffs are no exception, and guides are very particular about the details regarding line management, body position, and presentation.

Line & Body Management 

Line management is the common thread between all styles of fly fishing. In the surf, you must loop free line to keep it above the water. On a drift boat, casting braces and line decks provide stability and a management platform. On a skiff deck, you have plenty of space to stand and line is stripped into the well.

Make an effort to set your feet in an athletic and stable stance. Ideally, you will keep your feet planted while stripping line. Many anglers fish barefoot on the deck to remove line catchment risks. Proper deck shoes are great as well.

As you get situated on the deck, remain balanced and shift weight according to your guide’s needs. Poling is tricky and weight management is critical for control.

Go ahead and strip out 40-50 feet of line while waiting for an opportunity. When the time comes, you will be ready to make the cast.

Casting, Delivery & Presentation 

As you stand on the bow, scan the water and always be looking for fish. The guide will take an elevated position while poling and is more likely to spot targets ahead of you. Pay attention to the directions given and know your 12 o’clock on the bow point (straight ahead off the nose of the skiff).

The excitement boils over quickly when a group of fish are spotted cruising across the flats and the guide starts rattling off instructions. Take a deep breath and focus on finding the targets!

Roll out your line to avoid unnecessary false casts that can spook fish. Make one or two false casts to shoot line and deliver the fly. If you never spot the fish, deliver based on your captain’s direction. It’s better to cast blind than not at all.

Lastly, follow precise instructions for the retrieve.

Your guide is watching the fish behavior closely, and they might call for more speed, less speed, or a complete pause. Single strips, rapid strips, and all means of presentations are directed from the poling platform.

React accordingly and be ready to manage slack line when you come tight to a fish.

Landing & Photographing Fish

You did it! There’s no better feeling than watching a hard-earned fish come alongside the skiff. The last piece of the equation is all about teamwork.

Let your guide handle the fish while you grab a camera and manage the rod. Remain balanced, watch your movements, and avoid tipping anyone overboard!

Grab a few photos, ideally keeping the fish in the water with a quick release. If you do take a hero shot, make it quick. Don’t overhandle and get that beautiful fish back in the water immediately.

Time To Head Home 

A long day of scanning the flats leaves most anglers tired and content. The return trip is a perfect opportunity to wind down and soak up the last snapshots of a beautiful ecosystem.

Tipping Guides 

Tips are the norm in this industry and guides depend on them to make a living. It’s a performance-based game but keep in mind that performance doesn’t always correlate to fish landed. In fact, guides often work harder on more difficult days as they are driven to succeed.

Ask these simple questions to determine the appropriate tip:

• Did your guide arrive on time and provide all the necessary equipment?
• Did your guide deliver a positive experience while working hard to find and land fish?
• Did you learn and improve as an angler?
• Are you happy with the experience?

If you had a great time, improved your skills, and had shots at fish, then a reasonable tip has been earned.

Clean Up & Celebrate! 

Most great flats destinations also have restaurants and bars adjacent to marinas and docks. Anglers, guides, and locals gather at these watering holes to swap stories at the end of each day.

If you feel so inclined, help unload the boat and treat your guide to dinner and a few drinks as you celebrate a great day on the water!