After completing the Wood Duck, I started on the very stable Sea Island Sport in June of 2014. It’s unique hull shape was originally designed for a person with limited mobility as it has a keelson which runs the length of the hull giving it incredible stability. I slightly enhanced the design to accommodate fishing by recessing the footpegs to gain more space in the cockpit and by capturing some unused space on each side of the cockpit for anchor rope and water bottle storage. I also added a storage space behind the seat for the proverbial “milkcrate and five gallon bucket”. I added another scupper in this compartment to accommodate any water that may end up in this area. Other enhancements include a slight recess on each side of the cockpit for the paddle to rest across your lap when sneaking up on that big bass while you grab for your pole. I added a nice secure paddle rack on the port (left) side and is out of the way of the anchor rope hook and rod holder on the starboard side.
I enjoyed having fun with the hatch handles making them look like fish fins and making the stern anchor bracket look like a fishtail. I also added some non-slip stripes in the cockpit, which resembles a fishbone and rounded both the fore and aft of the cockpit. I also constructed a two-wheeled trolley which straps around the stern to make it easier to get to that remote walk-in lake. I renamed the Sea Island Sport; “Fishtale”, as I hope it will produce many for me!!
