Hell's Bay Boatworks

Guide – Mike Lambert

October 3, 2025May 1, 2026

In Memoriam of Flip Pallot: by Chris Peterson

September 29, 2025February 18, 2026

Shallow Water Angler is a publication dedicated to inshore saltwater fishing, covering a wide range of topics relevant to anglers. It features articles, photo essays, and insights into fishing culture from Texas to Maine.

If you would like to pick up a copy of the latest Shallow Water Angler or a digital version for your iPad or IPhone just click here or on the cover picture below that includes this article on Flip, as well as other targeted content for the Shallow Water Angler from Florida Sportsman Magazine.

And here in Flip’s own unique words, is the History of Hell’s Bay Boatworks…

WE DON’T TAKE ORDERS , WE HAVE CONVERSATIONS:

The process of becoming a Hell’s Bay member doesn’t begin with an order form, it begins with a conversation…

We start by sitting down and talking through the essentials—where you fish, who you fish with, and how you like to do it. Side or center console? Tiller? Fly or bait? Every angler and guide have their preferences, and that’s exactly how we build them. Together, we design a boat that fits your style, your needs, and your waters. Then we craft a vessel that’s purpose-built for the way you fish.

Give us a call or stop by—we’ll help you get started on your next Hell’s Bay, the World’s Finest Shallow Water Skiffs!

Guide – Frank Viola III

September 29, 2025September 29, 2025

BTT to Honor Conservation Leaders

September 16, 2025April 13, 2026

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) will honor conservation leaders Jeff Harkavy, Tim Borski and Chris and Wendi Peterson of Hell’s Bay Boatworks at the organization’s 8th International Science Symposium on Nov. 7-8 2025 at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina.

Chris and Wendi Peterson, owners of Hell’s Bay Boatworks, will receive the Flats Stewardship Award in recognition of their efforts to safeguard fisheries. As a leading boat maker, Hell’s Bay has long been an ardent supporter of marine conservation, donating to BTT, Captains for Clean Water and the Coastal Conservation Association. Through their work with these organizations, the Peterson’s have become deeply involved in water policy-making.

Wendi and Chris Peterson of Hell's Bay Boatworks

Chris served for more than a decade on the BTT board of directors, and Wendi is a board member for Captains for Clean Water. In 2020, Chris was appointed to the St. Johns River Water Management District board, helping to develop water policies that affect more than five million people living in 18 counties. He has also advocated for healthy waterways before the Florida Legislature and the U.S. Congress.

“Jeff, Tim, Chris and Wendi are remarkable leaders in the conservation of our flats fisheries,” BTT President and CEO Jim McDuffie said. “The impact of their many contributions, individually and collectively, is evident in our progress to improve water quality, conserve coastal habitats and ensure effective fishery management, while their unwavering commitment to the cause has inspired countless other anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to become involved in our mission.”

As BTT award recipients, Harkavy, Borski, and the Peterson’s will be enshrined on the BTT Circle of Honor, which recognizes legendary anglers, fishing guides, and conservation leaders who have made significant contributions to the conservation of the flats fishery. The Circle of Honor is housed in the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center, located in Islamorada, Florida, and features an annually rotating exhibit about those honored as well as educational content about the significance of the flats fishery.

To register for BTT’s 8th International Science Symposium, visit: www.BTT.org/symposium.

Click on the picture above to learn more about Bonefish and Tarpon Trust.

Discover What’s New on Our YouTube Channel

August 11, 2025September 16, 2025

Discover the newly refreshed Hell’s Bay Boatworks YouTube channel—packed with fresh content from us and our trusted conservation and industry colleagues. Watch, enjoy, and share the adventure!

What has changed?

We updated the look and feel of our home page with quicker sorting of both our newer and our past content.
Added new playlists which include… Conservation, Fishing Tips and Recommended Watching!
Added new educational videos (more on the way) from the Hell’s Bay Pro Staff members.

Also, updates to “The Hell’s Bay Difference” playlist featuring content from us and others, on what makes us so unique!

The Hell's Bay YouTube channel home page

So, do like, comment and share. We are always open to feedback and ideas on what you would like to see on our YouTube channel.

And don’t forget about our Media section on the Hell’s Bay Boatworks Website for more content and shows to watch and enjoy when you cannot be on the water!

WE DON’T TAKE ORDERS , WE HAVE CONVERSATIONS:

Give us a call or stop by—we’ll help you get started on your next Hell’s Bay, the World’s Finest Shallow Water Skiffs!

Guide – Barkley Daniel

June 14, 2025May 1, 2026

Lodge Edition Skiffs

May 23, 2025May 6, 2026

We offer Lodge Edition packages available on many of our skiffs!

For those who require a more specialized Hell’s Bay skiff, we offer a Lodge Edition package on many of our Skiffs. Optimized for the Guide and his/her guests, the Hell’s Bay Lodge Edition provides a comfortable fishing platform designed to efficiently fish multiple anglers in a wide variety of settings.

The Lodge package includes…

Built to The Highest Industry Standards: ISO 12215‑5
Carbon Innegra ™ hull
Vacuum-Infused Core Cell ™ construction throughout entire structure.
Carbon fiber stringer system.
100% Vinyl ester resin.
Sealed milspec switches.
Marine EVA foam reel pads in cockpit.
Deck mounted push pole holders.
Rod racks w/fly rod tubes for rods.
Anodized poling platform Marine EVA foam decking.
Automatic bilge pump.
12V AGM marine battery with on/off switch.
Electric trim tab system.
23 gallon aluminum baffled powder coated gas tank (pending model selected)
Plumbed livewell with pump and overflow drain.
Heavy duty rub rail.
Quiet & dry hatches with rubber gaskets.
Easy clean non-skid deck.
Coffin box with two Tempress removable chairs with cushions (bench seat options also available)

HB Lodge Edition with optional bench seat. — HB Lodge Edition with optional bench seat and bow lean/support bar.

HB Lodge Edition with options — HB Lodge Edition with other available seating, forward elevated casting deck and support options shown.

HB Lodge Edition with optional tiller outboards.

We can also equip them with custom fit trailers with the following:

Custom aluminum trailer with spare tire, LED lighting and custom walkboard.

Fleet of HB Lodge Editions ready to roll out to their destination. — Fleet of HB Lodge Editions ready to roll out to their new home.

Chico hooked up on a Hell's Bay Lodge Edition skiff.

A SKIFF FOR THOSE WITH HIGH EXPECTATIONS AND A LOW TOLERANCE FOR COMPROMISE!

WE ARE NOT A FACTORY, WE ARE A BOATWORKS:

* We have no assembly line.

* A boat doesn’t go into the mold until an owner has told us exactly how they would like it, and our craftsmen carefully bring it to reality at every step of the build process.

* Each one is custom built to a singular standard.

To be a Hell’s Bay skiff means to be handcrafted to tolerances unlike any other boat. It’s made for the long haul, in fact, we are our own worst competition- A used Hell’s Bay skiff (if you can find one) is still a better boat than most.

WE DON’T TAKE ORDERS , WE HAVE CONVERSATIONS:

Give us a call or stop by—we’ll help you get started on your next Hell’s Bay, the World’s Finest Shallow Water Skiffs!

Click here to download the Lodge Edition PDF

Yacht Tender Package for Hell’s Bay Skiffs

May 21, 2025May 9, 2026

The Hell’s Bay Yacht Tender Package allows owners to build a custom shallow-water skiff for mothership use, yacht support, fishing, exploring, and runabout duty. Available across the Hell’s Bay skiff lineup, each tender package can be configured around your davit system, cradle setup, towing needs, color preferences, and the way you plan to use the boat.

Custom Skiff Yacht Tender Package Features

Built to the highest industry standards: ISO 12215-5
Carbon fiber / Innegra hull construction
Reinforced lifting eyes.
Reinforced towing points.
Collaborate with you on the exact specifications for davits, cradles, and tie-downs.
Custom color configurations are available to match your mothership.

Let us know how you plan to use yours, and we’ll work with you to custom-build and outfit one or more tenders perfectly tailored to your fishing and runabout needs.

A SKIFF FOR THOSE WITH HIGH EXPECTATIONS AND A LOW TOLERANCE FOR COMPROMISE!

WE ARE NOT A FACTORY, WE ARE A BOATWORKS:

* We have no assembly line.

* A boat doesn’t go into the mold until an owner has told us exactly how they would like it, and our craftsmen carefully bring it to reality at every step of the build process.

* Each one is custom built to a singular standard.

WE DON’T TAKE ORDERS , WE HAVE CONVERSATIONS:

The process of becoming a Hell’s Bay member doesn’t begin with an order form, it begins with a conversation…

Give us a call or stop by—we’ll help you get started on your next Hell’s Bay, the World’s Finest Shallow Water Skiffs!

Because sometimes those skinny waters you want to fish are an ocean away…

Guide – Alvin Dedeaux

May 17, 2025May 9, 2026

Skiff Stories – Intro

May 12, 2025May 11, 2026

Flats Class TV Season’s 14 to 19

May 9, 2025June 3, 2025

Flats Nation Podcast: Chris Peterson on Conservation

May 8, 2025May 10, 2026

In this Flats Nation Podcast episode, Chris Peterson of Hell’s Bay Boatworks discusses marine conservation, clean water advocacy, Captains for Clean Water, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, and why protecting shallow-water fisheries matters to every Flats angler.

Explore more Hell’s Bay media, podcast interviews, and conservation conversations from the flats fishing community.

Flats Nation Podcast: Chris Peterson of Hell’s Bay Boatworks

May 8, 2025May 10, 2026

Explore more Hell’s Bay media, podcast interviews, and conservation conversations from the flats fishing community.

Conservation – CAPTAINS FOR CLEAN WATER

May 3, 2025May 10, 2026

Tidewater Diaries: Chris Peterson & Hell’s Bay

May 2, 2025May 10, 2026

In this Tidewater Diaries S1:E10 episode, Chris Peterson shares the story behind Hell’s Bay Boatworks and the mindset that helped shape one of the most respected names in shallow-water skiff building. From the early days of the company to the craftsmanship, innovation, and purpose behind each design, this conversation offers a closer look at the people and principles behind the Hell’s Bay brand.

For anglers who care about technical poling skiffs, skinny-water performance, and boats built with intent, this episode gives valuable background on the legacy behind Hell’s Bay Boatworks and its role in the flats fishing world. It also speaks to the tradition, problem-solving, and on-the-water experience that continue to guide the company’s approach to skiff design.

Tag: Hell’s Bay Boatworks

Guide – Mike Lambert

In Memoriam of Flip Pallot: by Chris Peterson

Guide – Frank Viola III

BTT to Honor Conservation Leaders

Discover What’s New on Our YouTube Channel

Guide – Barkley Daniel

Lodge Edition Skiffs

We offer Lodge Edition packages available on many of our skiffs!

The Lodge package includes…

Yacht Tender Package for Hell’s Bay Skiffs

Custom Skiff Yacht Tender Package Features

A SKIFF FOR THOSE WITH HIGH EXPECTATIONS AND A LOW TOLERANCE FOR COMPROMISE!

Because sometimes those skinny waters you want to fish are an ocean away…

Guide – Alvin Dedeaux

Skiff Stories – Intro

Flats Class TV Season’s 14 to 19

Flats Nation Podcast: Chris Peterson on Conservation

Flats Nation Podcast: Chris Peterson of Hell’s Bay Boatworks

Conservation – CAPTAINS FOR CLEAN WATER

Tidewater Diaries: Chris Peterson & Hell’s Bay

Guide – Danielle Davidson

Guide – Brantley Clayton

Guide – Chris Malgee

Guide – Brandon McGraw

Guide – Conner Bryant