The Boats:
In 2004 I turned to Hell's Bay Boatworks as my sole supplier of both the Whip Ray Pro 17.8' flats skiff and the Cape Sable 21' center console. Hell's Bay is not one of those large scale boat builders that pumps thousands of hulls out of their door per year. Instead their objective has been about uncompromising quality and attention to detail. Hell's Bay Boatworks is not an outsourcer! They are a one stop shop, a complete boatworks, involved in customization, tooling, design and rigging. With the finest raw materials at their disposal, Hell's Bay utilizes state of the art vacuum bagged ATC core-cell construction resulting in lightweight, versatile hulls of incredible strength and stiffness.
Hell's Bay addressed my needs perfectly when it came to fishing the Fall striped bass migration off of Montauk Point, New York. There are many days it seems when only an aircraft carrier will do when it comes to fishing the surrounding waters of Montauk. The Hell's Bay Cape Sable 21' outshines all other 21' center consoles in its class at every level! Utilizing the same state of the art construction techniques as its flats skiff brethren, the Cape Sable 21' offers up a bombproof hull capable of handling the punishing seas of Montauk. Not only is the Cape Sable 21' a solid, reliable workhorse, anyone who has witnessed this boat in action can attest to its inherent beauty with some of the finest fishing appointments available only on boats twice its size!!
As far as a flats skiff goes, the Hell's Bay Whip Ray Pro 17.8' was an obvious choice. Any fisherman who has spent as much time on the water as I have knows that those idyllic sea state conditions that we all dream of are more often the exception than the norm. Whether its crossing the Boca Grande Channel in Key West or navigating the cantankerous waters of Gardiner's Bay, Long Island, the Whip Ray Pro 17.8' delivers! This is just one side of the equation, however. Not only does the Whip Ray Pro 17.8' offer a dry, comfortable ride in the most severe conditions, it poles into the wind and up tide with little effort, all the while negotiating the shallowest of waters. You say this can't be true! Hell's Bay makes the impossible, possible!
Gear and Tackle:
As with my boats, my fishing tackle is of the highest quality and "bombproof construction." Rest assured that the reel drags on my equipment are silky smooth, the knots are 100% and the hooks are razor sharp! The only thing you have to be concerned about are the fish in front of you! Catch 'em up!
"Gunkholing: The term refers to the gunk, or mud, typical of the creeks, coves, marshes, sloughs, and rivers that are referred to as gunkholes. While not necessary, gunkholers typically seek out the serenity of isolated anchorages over the crowds of marinas and popular bays, and a minimal draft is preferred, since gunkholers tend to go as far up and into the gunkholes as possible, seeking ever more inaccessible destinations."
"I've been fishing with Capt. White for 8 yrs.. He has top notch gear, works hard & is very professional. Its nice to have the same guide in the Hampton's as well as in Key West. Not having to search for a guide on vacation is a pleasure! He has even introduced me to flats fishing in the Hampton's for striped bass! We always have a great day on the water. I recommend Merritt to all my friends & customers. They all tell me they had a great day. Its nice to know I have a guide & friend for life.
Joe Q
Croton,NY
"Last year when I joined you for a day of striper fishing I had the time of my life and I did not think the trip could easily be topped. Well Merritt, I want to thank you for the single best fishing experience of my life in Key West this year. When you called to invite me down to chase tarpon the easy answer was ,"yes!"
Little did I know how great the fishing would be. Your knowledge of tarpon fishing and good humor made this one of the great fishing trips ever. Also, thank you for taking my son and daughter on your boat for a few hours of tarpon fishing. They are still talking about it."
Scott D.
Armonk, NY
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