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