Hell’s Bay Professional Review

The fishability and performance of the Hell’s Bay Professional are unlike any other skiff I’ve been on. Having spent thousands of hours in various boats and skiffs, I can confidently say that the Hell’s Bay Pro is the best skiff for South Carolina’s technical fishery.

Hells Bay -World’s Finest Skiffs.

After months of online research and conversations with hardcore anglers and guides, I felt compelled to dig deeper. One thing became impossible to ignore: many of the best guides in the world were running Hell’s Bay boats. Coming out of my second Maverick Mirage, I knew I needed a skiff that drafted significantly less water. My next boat had to be lighter, easier to pole, offer more dry storage, and safely handle open water—all while drafting under six inches. Ultimately, I narrowed my search to two options: the Hell’s Bay Professional and the Waterman, both advertised to draft just 4.5 inches when fully loaded.

Wet Testing

I fished a Flood Tide out of the Professional and was blown away by the capabilities of this boat! After crossing a large bay stacked with two-footers in comfort, then poling in just inches of water. I knew the Pro would be the perfect fit for both me and my clients. As luck would have it, I soon had the opportunity to purchase a nearly new Hell’s Bay Professional from a friend and fellow guide who was ready to step into a larger skiff to better suit his evolving fishing style.

Hell’s Bay Professional Build

Hell’s Bay Boatworks hand-builds these high-tech skiffs using aerospace-grade materials. Carbon and Kevlar laminates, high-density foam cores, and vacuum-infused resin create a hull that’s both exceptionally strong and remarkably lightweight. The fit and finish are truly first-class—I’ve even heard that more man-hours go into building a Hell’s Bay skiff than a Bentley.

What really sets these boats apart is the attention to detail and the thoughtful layout. Every lid and compartment is finished with Awlgrip inside and out, making blood and stains easy to clean after a long day on the water. Clean, organized rigging and wiring simplify maintenance and troubleshooting, while premium standard components—like Livorsi navigation lights, SeaStar hydraulic steering, and an Edson wheel—elevate the skiff to an entirely different level.

Hell’s Bay Professional Specifications and Performance

At 17’8″ and 625 pounds, this skiff is remarkably lightweight. Paired with a 247-pound Yamaha F70, it offers an excellent power-to-weight ratio and comfortably cruises at 35–37 mph. The Professional’s sponson design keeps the stern riding high, resulting in a stable, confidence-inspiring platform on the water.  The  73″ beam leaves a very small footprint at the water line allowing the angler and guide to silently pursue Redfish in the shallowest of water.  I navigate a variety of different waterways from bays to technical creeks and the Professional handles like a race car!  The oversized spray rails coupled with the sharp entry at the bow cuts through heavy chop like butter.  Although this skiff does require the use of trim tabs in most conditions she’s very dry and soft riding for such a technical skiff .

Hells Bay Deck Layout

The fore and aft decks are exceptionally clean and well laid out. Under-gunwale rod storage on both the port and starboard sides provides plenty of space for fly and spinning rods. The boat features wide, walkable gunwales and an expansive front deck. Compared to my previous skiffs, the front deck is noticeably larger and easily accommodates two spin anglers casting plugs or lures. It’s completely snag-free, with ample room for a stripping bucket and a raised casting platform—ideal for fly fishing clients.

Center Console Cooler Seat

The built-in jump seat is not only comfortable but also doubles as a cooler with a convenient drain plug. Its double-insulated design keeps ice and drinks cold all day on the water. What stands out most about this skiff is its stability. Whether walking around the boat or landing fish, it feels exceptionally solid—an especially reassuring feature for clients who aren’t used to small boats.

Dry Storage on the Hells bay

Storage always seems to be an issue for me as I tend to carry more than I need. There’s an impressive amount of dry storage on the Pro.  Two large hatches in the rear which I use for my boat bag fly boxes.  The boat seems to perform the best with weight back and on the starboard side.  A large live-well is centered perfectly between the port and starboard hatches.  I use live bait from time to time and the semi-circular tank keeps bait feisty all day.  Additionally, the bow storage is massive!  Beneath the front hatch I keep two large deep cycle batteries that power my 80 lb thrust Minkota I Pilot.   Even with two large batteries up front there’s still ample storage in the bow.  I stow all my safety gear and any personal items clients may bring with plenty of room to spare.

Dry Launch Ramlin Trailer

Hell’s Bay uses Ramlin dry launch trailers, and I absolutely love them! Dunking my skiff in saltwater hundreds of times a year can really take a toll on bearings, hubs, hardware. The dry launch trailer eliminates all of those issues. It’s as simple as backing the trailer until the tires touch the waterline and gently push the skiff off. The Ramlin also features walking boards along the sides, allowing you to walk the boat off if you prefer. Spraying the bunks with liquid rollers every couple of trips helps the boat slide off even more smoothly.

I’m often approached at the gas station by fellow fisherman complementing on the lines and color combination of the skiff.