My Dorado 23

For the type of backwater and near shore light tackle fishing that I specialize in, I need a boat that's fast, stable and can jump up and run in shallow water as well as cut through the chop of the rough seas . Something light enough to float close to the mangroves where Snook and Redfish hide and over the grass flats where we'll often see Trout scooting across the sea floor. We also need to be able to quickly and safely reach the areas off Clearwater Beach and our other Tampa Bay area beaches when the Tarpon are daisy chaining along the shore and the Grouper and Snapper are inhabiting the rockpiles within site of land, just offshore. There is nothing more exciting than hooking up with one of these great sportfish with a light tackle rig from the deck of a properly outfitted bay boat.

My boat is a 23 foot Dorado. Designed for the ultimate in light tackle fishing, this boat can quickly and easily get you across the shallow flats only inches deep, to where the fish thrive, yet handle moderately rough seas while keeping you safe and dry. 

Powered by a Suzuki 175 HP four stroke motor, there is plenty of power to get you to those Tampa Bay area beaches when we're chasing the big Tarpon that visit Clearwater Beach each year. The boat is also equipped with a Porta Bracket jack plate used to raise and lower the motor, along with Bennett trim tabs, allowing the hull to plane off in very shallow water. Great light tackle fishing is all about getting into the skinny water, along the mangroves where the fish live. A Motor Guide 82 lb. thrust trolling motor allows us to sneak up on unsuspecting Redfish on the flats or maneuver along the rock jetties in search of that big Snook or Cobia. Comfortably seating the Captain and four anglers, there is plenty of deck space for light tackle fishing. Equipped with 10 rod holders for carrying several different rods, I am always prepared for any species fish that we encounter. Forty-five gallon live/release well holds hundreds of frisky baits as well as several game fish caught throughout the day. The vessel also offers lots of dry storage space for valuables, such as cameras and cell phones.

If you don't mind wade fishing occasionally, the low sides allow access in and out of the boat. Sometimes getting out and wading is the only way to get those finicky Redfish to bite. Now that's flats fishing at it's best.
Please call or E-mail: brian@captbrian.com to book a charter so you can experience light tackle fishing from this great fishing machine.

For the very best light tackle flats fishing trip in the Tampa Bay, Florida area call Capt. Brian and arrange for a light tackle fishing trip from any of the local Tampa Bay areas, including Belleair, Belleair Beach, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Shores, Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, Gulfport, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Madeira Beach, North Redington Beach, Oldsmar, Ozona, Redington Beach, Redington Shores, Safety Harbor, St. Pete Beach, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Treasure Island and the Gulf Beaches of Pinellas County Florida.