I was curious if anyone out there has some experience with or possibly owns a panga style boat. I currently own a Scout Costa 170 flats boat, but I am looking to expand my fishing territory. From what I have read, it looks like a panga can get skinny with a 6-8 inch draft but also put you in position to target some near shore reefs. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.
I fished out of a panga a few years ago. I did not like that boat. A commercial fisherman would like this style of boat. Don’t think that you could pole the panga in 6 inches of water. The panga is a work boat.
Bearcat
Spent a lot of time in Trinidad and there are a dime a dozen there. Saw a lot of commercial fishers and a lot of CC types all from twin 75 to trip 300 nice all around work boats, most no frills, high bows and wide flat bottoms most launched off hand trailers in the surf some in nice marinas. Saw 16’ thru 36’. Most seemed to home made and painted rainbow colors. Would love to have a 30’CC. I think I saw an add for one made in Ga. in some mag. last year! Good luck
I fished out of one for a few days in Belize. Prob ab 17-19 ft long. I was fly fishing for permit and we poled the whole time. I’d say real world drat was 7-9 inches. I liked it and thought ab purchasing one here for the same reason you stated. I just don’t think they will pole well in the grass. It would be like poling a barge. The spartina would cause problems. Also when I looked into buying it seems they have a few companies that make a stripped down decently priced version. If you have to buy more than 5 hulls. The other companies I saw have high end deals they want a ton of money for.
I have owned a 22’ and now have a 26’. There is no perfect boat, but this style boat does most of what I want to do, from cruising, inshore, and offshore fishing. Poling a panga could be my worst nightmare…Poling any boat (in general) is my nightmare actually.
Check out the web site of Gather Panga, 32’ made in china! sharp.