I have been running a Yellowfin 24 Bay since 2008. In that time, Yellowfin has responded to technology by incorporating the carbon fiber technology to make the boats more rigid and much lighter. They have continued to refine design to make this boat an even better fishing machine.
One thing that has remained exactly the same and is still one of my favorite features of this boat is the battery storage found in the front hatch. I always run a 36 volt trolling motor. The most recent evolution of trolling motors is the MotorGuide Xi5. I choose a 70 inch shaft in a 36 volt motor. This obviously requires 3 batteries and a charger. I also insist on using Group 31 (the biggest) batteries for my trolling motor system.
Many boats have no real place to store the batteries or require strange installations in order to fit the batteries. Yellowfin saw this issue even before the Yellowfin 24 was created and had a battery compartment in the first boat. This is still one of my favorite features of the boat.
Open the front hatch and you see nothing but an empty hatch. Open the second hatch and you will see how I have rigged 3 group 31 batteries and a charger completely out of view leaving a clean front hatch for safety gear of tackle. In addition, the batteries weight is positioned perfectly for performance. The weight is centered up front but it does not keep the bow down when I trim up.
If you are looking at bay boats, this is an important factor to consider. The Yellowfin team accomplishes this better than any other boat.
Check out the video above to see for yourself how they accomplish this storage solution.
I hope that helps! Send us a picture of the big fish you catch!
-Tom Rowland
In the Florida Keys we use our boats on a daily basis. With all the use there are really 2 factors that put wear and tear on a boat in this environment and they might not be what you think. The 2 factors are
The Sun
Salt
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Choosing the right shoes for fishing is critical. Learn what Capt. Tom Rowland looks for in boat shoes, including traction, cushion, and quick-dry features. Waterproof? Quick Dry? Which is better for the boat?
I have been running a Yellowfin 24 Bay since 2008. In that time, Yellowfin has responded to technology by incorporating the carbon fiber technology to make the boats more rigid and much lighter. They have continued to refine design to make this boat an even better fishing machine.
Mercury is always raising the bar. For years we have been looking for the right motor to go on our flat skiffs. Mercury Marine came out with this Pro XS, it has the lightest wait, the most power for anything from a 18 footer down to a 16 footer.
Mercury introduced the Joystick piloting a few years ago and it is getting even better. We have watched our 5 year old kids dock a 3 engine Yellowfin like they are playing a video game. This technology allows anyone to be able to dock a big boat with confidence. If you are going to the Miami Boat Show, stop by Mercury and see the newest technology...
Lowrance has done it again and the bar has been raised! The new Carbon Series is incredible. I just put the biggest 16 inch monitors on my new 24 Yellowfin and I could not be happier...
Trolling motors continue to evolve into more effective fishing tools. We have been using the Xi5 motors from MotorGuide for years and have been very pleased. Now, MotorGuide just introduced the Xi3 motor which is a little lighter, and skips a few of the features of the Xi5 and comes in a little cheaper. Here are the Features of the new Xi3...
This week I did my first Facebook Live video on Saltwater Experience' Facebook page. I thought it went well and I was able to answer SO many questions that people had.
Topics covered were everything from Sun protection, to biggest and favorite fish to how to become a guide. If you missed it live, you can still check it out here.
I started my guide career in a 16 foot skiff with a 90 hp motor. We fished the flats from The Marquesas to Key Largo and, at that point, I felt as though the skiff was the most versatile boat. However, Rich and I started to fish the IFA and ESPN...
I have fished out of just about all the bay boats on the market and I can say, with all confidence, that the 24 Yellowfin is the best one out there for what I do. I love the ride and can fish just about anywhere in the Keys with the boat on the right days...
We have gotten alot of emails and questions about my new boat that I described here. The boat is a 2015 Yellowfin 24 Bay with a Mercury 300 Verado...
The boats are pictured above. They are rigged about the same but there are some things that I did a little differently on mine. Both boats have 3 HDS 12 units as the information system and are equipped with MotorGuide Xi5 trolling motors...
I just picked up my brand new 24 Yellowfin and I am so happy with this boat. After building several boats, I have made adjustments to the layout...
Yellowfin Yachts, Inc. is pleased to announce the all new Carbon Elite Series. Based on the popular...
Rich felt as though both boys would be safe without a PFD in a 32 foot boat with high sides taking into account the amount of supervision...
he lights that you see on the transom of the boat are a safety feature from Mercury Marine. The lights are called The MP Alert and it is designed...
The Clinch knot is definitely a knot you need to know. I know a lot of knots and still find myself tying a good, old fashioned Clinch Knot in many situations. The real key to making sure you tie it correctly is to inspect it and make sure that the barrels are stacked, not hopping over one another.
To properly cinch down 80 pound mono, you are definitely going to need pliers. I really dont know if I could cinch down an 80 pound 4 turn uni with my bare hands and would probably not get it quite right with gloves on either.
The Bimini Twist one of the more difficult knots, but is commonly over complicated by many anglers. Hopefully this video will help you learn how to tie it...
The J Knot was taught to me by Dave Justice and has been a standby in my fishing ever since. It is a simple knot, really, that combines the best of 2 knots to create a strong, reliable and quick knot for fluorocarbon to braid...
Tom Rowland give step by step instructions for tying the Non Slip Mono Loop Knot. Watch and learn..
The three knots are the Bowline (click here for video) , Trucker's Hitch and Half Hitch. With these knots you can secure anything for transport in a way that creates a mechanical advantage and truly secures your boat, cooler, bed, couch or whatever you are moving...
We go after a lot of fish with teeth down here in the Keys. So it's important to use wire so you don't get cut off. Here's how to tie the Haywire Twist using simple wire.
Need a simple loop knot for heavy leaders? The Homer Rhode is a great choice for this application.
I also use the Home Rhode as a loop knot for braided, coated wire...
![How To Tie The Bimini Twist [VIDEO]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/547dd399e4b036ff1df2f4b0/1450122545708-D911L7ZKAGN7BBLH45ON/image-asset.png)
Tom Rowland gives step by step instructions for tying the Bimini Twist, which is designed to double the line over so that another knot can be tied with two strands of line rather than with just one.
![How To Tie The Sheet Bend Knot [VIDEO]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/547dd399e4b036ff1df2f4b0/1482254636781-VGFT7BXYJQ6N0LYHZNTO/Screen+Shot+2016-12-20+at+12.23.32+PM.png)
Whether it is towing, or simply needing to tie 2 lines together, the Sheet Bend is an excellentknot to be able to handle significant stress but also be able to untie after the load has been put on the lines.
The Palomar knot is an excellent knot to attach a hook, swivel or lure to the end of the line. Bass fishermen have used this knot for a very long time and saltwater fishermen have also taken note...
![How To Tie The TR Knot for Braid to Fluorocarbon [VIDEO]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/547dd399e4b036ff1df2f4b0/1447344936181-HCZD31CQI6RKGGTPTZ61/image-asset.jpeg)
The TR knot is a hybrid knot that takes the best qualities of the FG/Sebile/Delph knot and combines them with the Uni Knot. I came up with this knot because I really liked the FG/Sebile/Delph knot, but it would not work well with some brands of braid combined with some brands of fluorocarbon. When the FG knot is able to grab, it is the strongest connection, in my opinion, but I experienced some frustration with a few brands and finishes.
The Haywire can be tied to the hook and also at the top of the leader to a swivel if your fishing situation requires it. I often use a swivel when shark fishing with dead bait because it sometimes spins in the current...
However, there is one knot that can take you from Bluegill to Blue Marlin and handle just about every situation easily....
To catch the most tarpon it is important to pay attention to the details. Having a knot that makes the fly swim unnaturally can result in less bites and getting fewer tarpon to the boat. Let's take a look at three of the most commonly used loop knots for tarpon.
I really use about 6 knots to attach braid to either Fluorocarbon or Monofiliment leaders. Here are my favorites:
#1 The J Knot- This is my Go-To knot for most quick leader ties. I have a lot of confidence in this one.
Here are my top 3 braided line to fluorocarbon or monofiliment knots. They are all easily tied and you can learn them in just a couple of minutes.
Not all boat lifts are built the same. Discover how Golden Boat Lifts revolutionized marine lift design with side-mounted motors and a game-changing drill-less bunk system.
Open 365 days a year, the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates over 1,000 birds annually. Nestled on a seven-acre easement near Everglades National Park, this sanctuary offers a front-row seat to healing, conservation, and breathtaking sunsets.
Don’t overlook binoculars on your boat. Compact, waterproof, fog-proof 10×40s like the Nikon Monarch dramatically improve your ability to spot fish early—especially at dawn and dusk.
Create custom Lowrance HDS layouts that show only the essential info you need—chart, sonar, engines, radar—optimized for efficiency and ease on the water.
Learn how a custom-fit trailer—like those from Ameratrail—makes launching and loading easier, safer, and more consistent, even in windy conditions. Discover pro tips on finding the perfect trailer depth and setup for your boat.
Golden Boat Lifts’ cordless drill override saved the day after Hurricane Ian. Learn how this feature can keep your boat accessible when everything else is shut down.
Reflex Marine Decking: stain-proof and cushioned boat flooring that stays cool and flexible for hardcore anglers. Your boat deserves this upgrade.
Explore Mote Marine’s innovative coral nursery in the Keys—where micro-fragmentation supercharges coral growth and rebuilds degraded reefs to support marine ecosystems.
Learn how to tie the FG knot, the go-to choice for big fish. See it in action catching Goliath Grouper and Sharks, and explore the exact Daiwa rods and reels we trust offshore.
Discover the power of a Lowrance multifunction display—perfect for routing, tide/current intelligence, fishing, and boat performance tracking.
The YETI LoadOut GoBox 15 is a must-have for saltwater anglers. Tom Rowland shares his personal system for staying safe and organized offshore and keeping everything perfectly waterproof.
Tired of anchoring in rough conditions? Learn how switching to a Power‑Pole Move trolling motor with a 72″ shaft transformed our setup—quick install, deep-water positioning, and easy remote pairing.
Bonefish, permit, and tarpon all in one day. Watch Tom Rowland, Rich Tudor, and Captain Nick Labadie land a Grand Slam in Big Pine Key using Daiwa TD Sol Inshore rods, BG MQ spinning reels, and J-Braid. See why this Daiwa saltwater setup dominates Florida Keys flats fishing.
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