Best Boats for Inshore Fishing: Why Rabco Leads the Pack
Inshore fishing offers some of the most exciting and rewarding angling opportunities—whether you’re targeting redfish along the flats, snook in the mangroves, or speckled trout in the bays. Choosing the right boat for inshore waters is crucial. You need a vessel that’s shallow-draft, maneuverable, stable, and tailored to your fishing style. Below, we compare some of the top choices on the water today and explain why Rabco stands above them all.
Boston Whaler Montauk
Known for durability and versatility, the Boston Whaler Montauk is a classic center console boat that performs well for both inshore and nearshore trips. Its unsinkable hull design and solid build make it a safe choice. However, its deeper draft and heavier weight can limit access to skinny waters, which can be a drawback for dedicated flats anglers.
Carolina Skiff JVX Series
The Carolina Skiff JVX Series is a popular choice among budget-conscious anglers. With a shallow draft and wide beam, it’s stable for casting and offers plenty of deck space. However, its ride can be rough in choppier conditions, and it doesn’t offer the same premium fit and finish as higher-end custom skiffs.
Beavertail Strike
Designed specifically for the shallow-water enthusiast, the Beavertail Strike offers a clean layout, poling platform, and high-quality construction. It’s a strong competitor in the custom skiff space, but with a higher price tag and limited storage in some models, it may not fit every angler’s needs.
Rabco Buccaneer Series – The Winner
When it comes to inshore fishing, the Rabco Buccaneer Series is built for your life. Available in 14’ and 16’ models, these all-composite custom skiffs combine shallow draft performance with exceptional stability and speed. The tri-hull design provides a dry, stable ride even in less-than-perfect conditions, while still allowing you to access waters other boats can’t. Lightweight construction makes them easy to trailer, launch, and store, and the open deck layout ensures plenty of room for casting and fighting fish.
Rabco’s boats are hand-built in Florida, designed by anglers for anglers, and made to handle everything from early morning flats fishing to quick trips through winding backwater channels. Whether you’re sight fishing for tarpon, stalking redfish, or just exploring, Rabco’s custom skiffs deliver unmatched versatility and value.
Inshore fishing demands a boat that can do it all—shallow draft, stable ride, and easy handling. While Boston Whaler, Carolina Skiff, and Beavertail each bring strong features to the table, Rabco’s Buccaneer Series outshines them all by combining performance, versatility, and value into one package that’s built for real life on the water. Contact Rabco Boats today to hear more.