Flats and backcountry waters are places where winds, tides and the vagaries of fish moods deal a thrilling new hand each day. Only a special boat can match those ever-changing conditions, and Hewes, part of the Maverick Boat Group, has been building those special boats for six decades.

From that tradition and history springs a new generation of Hewes boats—craft the company calls lighter, stronger and better-built than the originals, with better layouts and enhanced performance. 

Today’s Hewes boats are constructed with Maverick’s proprietary VARIS (vacuum-assisted resin-infusion system) process and advanced core materials, to produce boats stronger and stiffer for their weight than ever.

Hewes Redfisher 16

A great flats boat runs and fishes bigger than its size. That perfectly describes the redesigned Redfisher 16, the smallest in the three-boat Redfisher line and a serious backcountry boat that’s easy to manage. 

With the famous Hewes ride, the range provided by 32-gallon fuel capacity and horsepower options from 70 to 115, this boat can cover lots of water comfortably and safely—even in rougher conditions. Fishing grounds reached, the wide beam and walk-around gunwales create an exceptionally stable fishing platform in water as shallow as 11 inches. The Redfisher 16 can be easily fished with a trolling motor or poled. 

Standard are a pair of three-rod console rod racks, a 24-volt trolling-motor system, and undergunwale racks for 9-plus-foot rods and tube-style tip protectors. Also featured are a 23.5-gallon lighted center livewell, blue LED interior lighting, hydraulic SeaStar steering, trim tabs, and a 35-gallon Engel cooler/console seat with cushions. Large guttered and gasketed compartments conceal vast dry-storage space. 

Adding to all this versatility—the Redfisher 16 can fit in your garage, poised for action. 

Manufacturer’s Remark

With their resin infusion construction and new layouts, these current Hewes live up to their legacy and more.

Performance Data

• Test Power: Yamaha V90LA
• Test Props: Talon SS, 13 1/8” x 18”
• Test Load: 1,793 lb., incl. 15 gal. fuel, battery, safety and test equipment, plus two people 
• Test Speed: 44 mph @ 6,000 rpm
• Max Range: 225 mi. @ 3,500 rpm, 21.7 mph

Specs

Editor Says

The brand name alone signifies a quality skiff, but this new Hewes incorporates all the latest tricks in the boatbuilding trade. The 16 1/2-footer is strong and compact yet ready to fish flats and bays. Add the optional poling platform, and you’ll complete the coveted sight-casting game plan. – Chris Woodward, Executive Editor, Fishing Group

More Info

hewes.com

The post Hewes Redfisher 16: 2022 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

It’s been well over a decade since legendary flats-boat brand Hewes offered a 21-footer. It’s likely that many shallow-water anglers, faced with a growing family, made the jump to a bay boat instead of a larger flats boat. The popularity of bay models continues its upward trend, but Hewes is now banking on the desire of flats-fishing aficionados to enjoy the benefits of a bigger boat without completely abandoning their roots, introducing a new, redesigned Redfisher 21.

The clean lines, uncluttered layout, and spacious casting decks flush with the wide walk-around gunwales bring into focus the primary aim of the boat’s design: retain the simplicity of a flats skiff while offering fishing room for three or four, more storage for gear and live bait, and increased comfort running to and from the fishing grounds.

With its greater length and beam, the latest Hewes also proves a more stable platform when fishing bumpy inlets or passes, beaches and open-water shoals, and even nearshore wrecks and patch reefs. Plus the hull is designed to tame a moderate chop, afford a dry, comfortable ride, and cover a lot of ground fast.

Available rod and gear stowage exceeds average inshore requirements. Console racks keep six rods upright, ready for action, while undergunwale racks—with rod tubes to protect the tips—cradle four to port and four more to starboard. The deep anchor locker at the bow accommodates a couple of fenders or buoys, along with the anchor and plenty of rode. A full-beam, foredeck compartment offers storage for tackle bags, life vests and rain gear. The aft deck houses four storage compartments: one large and one small hiding under the split bench seat, and twin boxes that bookend the big livewell in the center. As an option, the port box can be plumbed to serve as a huge release well.

The center console places the helmsman on the centerline, leaving room to the left and right for two crew, while a removable 35-gallon cooler with cushion sits one more forward of the console. The dash offers mounting space for a 12-inch multifunction display, engine-monitoring display, trim-tab switches, waterproof switch panel and more. A compass atop the console provides insurance in the event of MFD malfunction, and a hatch below the steering wheel provides storage for valuables, and access to the starting battery and electronics connections.

Eager to put the biggest Redfisher through its paces, we hopped aboard our test boat powered by a Yamaha F250 SHO in Fort Pierce, Florida. Its hole shot was impressive, and so was the overall acceleration. It planed in under 4 seconds, sprinted to 30 mph in 6.1 seconds, and topped out well over 60 mph. According to Yamaha performance data, the boat will do 63.3 with an F300. Those who don’t think that’s fast enough may opt for 50 more horses.

That speed, plus the 50-gallon fuel capacity—which translates into greater range—and the standard 44-gallon livewell and optional 40-gallon release well are bound to make inshore tournament anglers salivate. The boat’s agility and responsiveness, highly desired for navigating meandering backcountry creeks and marsh bayous, stamp additional exclamation points to the performance evaluation.

Bennett electric trim tabs and a T-H Marine Atlas jack plate, both standard-issue, help the boat jump on plane in skinny water, and improve both the ride and performance. At speed, the forward half of the running surface rises clear of the water, increasing performance and fuel efficiency while cushioning impact with waves. Another benefit of the running attitude is splash begins aft of the console, making it nearly impossible for spray to reach the skipper and crew.

The list of available options is long and includes a trolling motor, Power-Pole shallow-water anchor, push pole and brackets, bow casting platform, poling platform or 42-inch tower, recirculating livewell system and more.

All things considered, the 21-footer confirms what the folks at Hewes have demonstrated for years: They know how to build boats to suit the demands of die-hard inshore anglers, and incorporate the latest materials and construction, like VARIS (vacuum-assisted resin infusion system), for improved strength, lighter weight, and more years of service.

If you plan to fish the shallows with more anglers or gear than a typical flats skiff allows, and also want to fish inlets and passes for tarpon, bull reds and snook, and venture oceanside for cobia, king mackerel or reef fish now and then, take a close look at the Redfisher 21.

Specifications

Length: 21′6″ | Beam: 8′6″ | Draft: 14″ | Fuel: 50 gal. | Weight: 2,850 lb. | Max HP: 350 | Price: $66,202 w/ Yamaha F250 SHO | Hewes Boats: hewesboats.com

Test Conditions

Weather: Sunny, 76 degrees | Location: Fort Pierce, Florida | Wind: Southwest 12 mph | Sea State: 1- to 2-foot chop | Test Load: Two adults, 30 gallons of fuel

The post Fishability Test: Hewes Redfisher 21 appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

Nearly 60 years ago, says the Maverick Boat Group, Bob Hewes crafted the Hewes Bonefisher, a shallow-draft specialist for stalking spooky gamefish in skinny waters, which were until then visited by few anglers or boats.

And Hewes’ flats skiff—a category he virtually created—became a legend, even more so after, with input from a fishing guide, when he invented the poling tower.

Ever since, “more shallow-water records have been caught aboard a Hewes,” writes Maverick, owner of the brand since 1988. “And on any given day, it’s a sure bet that more anglers are poling the flats or casting to a shoreline from a Hewes than any other boat ever made.”

Hewes boats are at home in flats, inlets, passes and bays; of our survey respondents, 77 percent reported fishing inshore species in the past year.

Hewes Redfisher 21

The reborn, legendary Hewes Redfisher 21 “specializes in catching bait in one ZIP code, fishing in another, and then getting back to the dock in time for a tournament weigh-in.”

Biggest of three Redfisher models, the 21 is designed for up to 350 hp, producing speeds into the 60s. Trim tabs and jack plate standard, it draws just 14 inches and has a self-draining cockpit.

Huge casting decks and wide, walkaround gunwales make for a stable, uncluttered platform for multiple anglers. There’s plenty of lockable dry storage, including a huge locker within the bow. The new helm accommodates a 12-inch Garmin screen, and then some.

Three-rod vertical racks flank the console. Undergunwale storage cradles rods up to 9 feet long, including the fly rods 34 percent of flats-skiff anglers say they carry; 25 percent say they carry more than six rods of all types.

Bait rides in a 44-gallon aft center livewell, perfect for the 46 percent of anglers who use live bait more than half of the time. Seventy percent say one livewell is enough.

Options include poling tower, 40-gallon aft release well, two trolling-motor options including one with wireless electrical steering, windshield, single or dual Power Poles in 8- or 10-foot lengths, tilt steering, helm-seat backrest, and bass seat plate.

You can make your Redfisher further your own by selecting from a six-color gelcoat palette or custom colors for deck and console; two-tone treatments are also available.

Survey Says: On Target

• Clear, open casting decks
• Hassle-free rod and gear storage

Observations

• Modern building techniques meet original Hewes DNA
• Inshore-ready for serious anglers

Brand Says

• Solid, bulletproof fishing machine
• Excellent livewells

Reader Response

• “Get skinny”

Specs

LOA: 21′6″

Beam: 8′6″

Fuel Capacity: 50 gal.

Dry Weight: 2,850 lb. with power

Max HP: 350

Certifications: NMMA

More Info

hewes.com

The post Hewes Redfisher 21: 2021 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

mp hewes boat

Skiffs in the Hewes Light Tackle Boats lineup have long been considered by shallow-water anglers to be classic designs. With its 2014 Redfisher model, the company has maintained the integrity of its highly regarded hulls but has made several tweaks to the decks of the 16- and 18-foot models that demonstrate its commitment to building boats based on experience and innovation.

The main goals in revamping the decks of the Redfisher were to allow for more storage and to achieve an overall simpler and cleaner layout. The storage space under the seats has been expanded, providing the obvious — more space — but in addition, anglers now have much easier access to critical gear and equipment. There is also a new centerline livewell system that runs with a dual-inflow, bottom-to-top drain and a hidden standpipe and that gives anglers optimal live-bait carrying capabilities.

On both the 16- and 18-foot versions, an updated console includes a ton of space for flush-mount electronics and an advanced fiber-optic switch panel with backlighting and lighted switch tips that show when accessories are turned on. Low-light operation is further enhanced with standard blue LED interior cockpit lighting.

In the bow, the forward deck has a single large lid, giving way to increased dry storage inside the bow. A powder-coated fuel tank (21 gallons on the 16-footer and 31 gallons on the 18-footer) can now be accessed from the bow storage lid, and its new forward position gives the boats much better balance by offsetting the weight of modern four-stroke outboards.

When it comes to power, Hewes’ new Redfisher 16 can be pushed with up to 115 horsepower, and when the motor is matched with its sizable fuel tank, anglers truly have the ability to explore skinny waters near and far. Once on the flat, whoever climbs atop the platform will be able to pole quietly and with minimal effort.

For decades, the Redfisher 18 has been a popular vessel for many backcountry anglers and guides. Known for its speed, range and smooth ride, this midsize skiff features a computer-aided-design (CAD) hull, which anglers will be pleased to learn is stronger, weighs less and allows for even more speed and range, especially when matched with midsize engines up to a 150.

The post Skiffs in the Hewes Light Tackle Boats Lineup Receive Updates appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

The new 21-foot Redfisher from Hewes is sure to be an instant favorite among anglers who like to get places fast. Tournament fishermen will appreciate the boat’s speed and agility, but it will also appeal to the average guy who needs to cover a lot of water. Better still, the boat’s 48-gallon fuel capacity provides peace of mind for the trip home.

We tested the 21 with a 200-hp Yamaha HPDI outboard, and the performance was nothing short of exhilarating. The boat leaps on plane in a very short distance with minimal bow rise, and you had better grab a rail when pushing the throttle forward. Fortunately, there are plenty of rails handy. Throttle response is instantaneous, and in no time you’re cruising at a brisk 44 mph at 4000 rpm. At that speed, the Yamaha isn’t even breaking a sweat.

When you push the throttle all the way forward, the boat really takes off. A hydraulic jackplate comes as standard equipment, and those who know the nuances of jackplate operation claim the boat will reach 63 mph with the HPDI. I’m no jackplate expert, so I was only able to get a mere 60 mph out of the boat at 5400 rpm. Not fast enough? You can bolt on a 225 Yamaha if you like and reach speeds of 72 mph, according to the factory. Sixty was plenty for me.

New Horizons

The best part is that the boat always feels solid and secure, even at high speeds. It cuts through small chop with ease, and a 50 mph cruise can easily be maintained. Imagine the places you could fish that you previously considered too far away to get to in a day. The Redfisher 21 opens up lots of new possibilities.

Hewes, now a subsidiary of the Maverick Boat Company, has always built practical fishing skiffs-not surprising, since the company was one of the original production flats-skiff builders. Those many years of evolutionary experience have made the 21 into what could arguably be called the ultimate live-bait skiff. It comes standard with two live wells, a 20-gallon well beneath the forward casting deck, and a 40-gallon well with a 1,150 gph pump under the aft deck. Two 40-gallon boxes outboard of the main live well serve as release wells, and can also be plumbed as additional live wells for those who require a really large amount of bait.

The forward casting deck also contains a large storage box with a lid that raises on gas rams, aft of the live well, and an anchor locker forward with a molded-in hanger for a Danforth-style hook. Well-thought-out features like a pop-up bow cleat and rubber gasketing around the live well make the bow that much easier to fish.

The cockpit is self-bailing and comes standard with twin locking rod boxes with tubes to protect your rod tips. The rod boxes are even lit for night fishing. The compact console has a windshield and handrail, and room for mounting a minimal amount of electronics. The forward seat opens to reveal access to the batteries, plus there’s some additional storage room.

A snap-on cushion sits atop a large, transverse storage box at the forward end of the aft casting deck. This space can hold a lot of loose gear. The live well and the two release wells sit aft of that box. There’s also a hatch just forward of the engine that provides good access to all of the inner-hull pumps and through-hulls.

Hewes skiffs are built with Klegecell foam coring, including the transom, and there’s no wood anywhere in the boat. The hull has full foam flotation with non-absorbing, closed-cell urethane foam, and comes loaded with standard features. These include hydraulic steering, a lighted switch panel, electric Lenco trim tabs, the jackplate, and a wide selection of hull colors. It’s a fast, well-designed, good-looking package that will make those far-away fishing spots seem considerably closer.

Maverick Boat Co., Ft. Pierce, FL; (888) SHALLOW; www.hewes.com.

The post Hewes Redfisher 21 appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

Hewes 17 368

The manufacturer of Maverick and Hewes flats and backcountry skiffs and Pathfinder bay and offshore boats is introducing a new technical poling skiff into its lineup for 2005. Designed with extreme shallow-water fishing capabilities, the Tailfisher 17 Tunnel Hull delivers Hewes quality at a remarkable price.

|| |—| | SpecificationsLOA: 17’2″ BEAM: 73″ DRAFT: 7″ WEIGHT: 750 pounds FUEL: 18 gallons POWER: 60-hp Yamaha PRICE: $19,000 (w/ engine)Hewes Maverick Boat Company, Inc. 3207 Industrial 29th St. Fort Pierce, FL 34946 **772-465-0631 **www.maverickboats.com| The Tailfisher measures just over 17 feet long, has a beam of more than 6 feet and drafts 7 inches of water, making it the shallowest-running Hewes ever built. Hewes’ latest tunnel hull configuration technology aids its ability to get into skinny water. Unlike most of its boats, which are made using the VARIS vacuum system, the Tailfisher is actually laid-up and built entirely by hand.
 
While the hull rates for outboards up to 70 hp, the boat will top out at over 40 mph and will cruise at 30 mph with the standard 60-hp Yamaha. The Tailfisher has an overall hull weight of 750 pounds, and with the smaller engine it will easily run long distances into the backcountry on the 18-gallon fuel tank. Its weight and low deadrise allow it to pole and track smoothly.
 
The simple deck layout maximizes fishing areas while taking full advantage of all available free space below it. The forward storage locker will easily accommodate oversize gear, an anchor and safety equipment. Two aft compartments provide more storage, as well as access to wiring and steering components. Between them is a 12-gallon raw-water livewell with a recirculating pump. Additional space is available in the steering console.
 
The Tailfisher 17 offers extra-wide gunwales with built-in stainless-steel handrails. Like all Hewes boats, it features a self-bailing cockpit, but this model also comes standard with freeboard carpet, a seat console with enough storage for batteries, undergunwale rod storage for up to eight fly rods, and a poling platform.

The post Hewes Tailfisher 17 appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

Bonefisher18_1

This version of the Bonefisher 18 represents the newest design in poling skiffs from Hewes, one of the companies that helped define the art of shallow-water fishing.

Primarily, the new layout was introduced to better meet the demands of today’s guides, tournament fishermen and serious shallow-water anglers. At 18 feet 2 inches long and 7 feet 4 inches wide, the new Bonefisher provides a significant amount of room and a stable platform to move around on while casting.

Also critical in the Hewes redesign: a no-slap hull design for absolute stealth on the flats, even in a head wind. At 875 pounds, the skiff will float in less than 10 inches of water and still track efficiently while poling.

Just like the Bonefishers before it, the new 18 is built with biaxial glass over Klegecell foam-core construction. No wood is used anywhere in the hull or the deck, ensuring a lifetime of use.

Standard features include a 38-gallon fuel cell, tons of dry storage both forward and aft, an 18-gallon round livewell, an additional release well, recessed Lenco electric trim tabs, hydraulic steering, flush-mounted and through-bolted hinges and deck hardware. In addition, you’ll find enough room to carry 16 rods in the undergunwale rod holders.

The post Hewes Bonefisher 18 appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.