I bought a Polar Saltwater Series Bay boat (1998) last year and I really like it. I took it to Crystal Beach and launched into the ship channel and was going to try and fish the marshes along the channel but it seemed that every time I tried to go up into any channel it was only 8" to 12" deep. I fished with a guide earlier that year and it seemed everywhere we went, the center of the marsh channel was 4' to 6' deep. What am I missing here. How do you determine where the deeper channels are and can you identify them from maps. If you can, which maps. I love to fish the marsh areas for redfish but absolutely don't want to get stranded in shallow water with the boat. Anyone that can help this ole fishin fool is much appreciated. I am definitely going to go back again this summer several times and would love to have some incite as to how to figure out the marsh areas. I drive from Dallas to chase the elusive red rascals.
Thanks CrappiePoppy....out of his comfort zone

That depends on how big ur boat is u didn`t say, most cuts and such u can see where the deep and shallow is,if ur trolling motor it u can get pretty shallow.U should be able to come up with some info for the area online or maybe contacting one of the guides for that area and ask where to find some info.just got my tx.fisherman lakes and bays gives some good info... ...Bill

Sorry, my boat is a 17' shallow runner with 70hp Johnson. I can definitely use the trolling motor to get in to some really shallow spots but still, where are those channels that lead to the ponds and lakes that hold the good stuff.

You're asking for the wisdom that only experience brings. As usual there is no easy answer. Most maps/GPS are not very reliable as things change on a seasonal basis and especially after a big storm. More so in shallow water. Little cuts into marshes can move around and fill in/empty out over time. The cut you used last year, may not work this year. I have seen whole islands come and go. I have been stuck in cuts that I've been through a hundred times before, only to find a sand bar has formed where there wasn't one before.

In many cases there may be a sand bar/shallow spot outside the cut you are trying to get to. You may have to cross the shallow spot on plane before you get to the deeper part of the cut where you can safely come off plane. This can be a scary gamble if you do not absolutely know where you are going.

The quickest/easiest way to learn is to go on multiple trips with a guide who will agree to let you bring your GPS or even use your boat. Pay special attention to which side of the cut the guide is running on. The deepest part of the cut is not always in the "middle". To be honest, I have learned more about where and where not to go from guided trips. Set the expectation with your guide that you want to learn how to get around, not necessarily where his "spots" are.

Use very good polarized sunglasses. Have the guide teach you how to read water for depth and structure beneath.

Getting stuck is just part of the learning process. The shallower the water the more painfull the process is.

That was not the answer I was hoping to here but it is the one that I was expecting. I have used guides for fishing in the past but never thought about asking to bring my gps and request a lesson on getting around. That is a great idea. I also did not think about the changing of the marshes that much but I suppose that is what keeps them alive. Thanks so much for your input. With me not getting to go down but a couple of 2 or 3 times a year, I probably won't be able to get all the experience that I need and paying $450 a pop to try and learn is not really practical for me either. I guess I will just have to suffer through catching those pesky spotted trout out in the bay.

I understand the $450 a pop. I was usually able to team up with 2-3 other like minded fisherman and split the bill. Even better is to get a vendor to take us on a "team building" "customer appreciation" event. Those have become more rare with the economy.

OK, the hard way to learn is study the map and conduct trial and error getting in and out of the marshes. Low tide days are best I think. You will be able to see the deeper areas easier. Go in at an idle. It takes some time, but you will figure it out.

Wading in a zig zag pattern through the cut will also help. Just be careful of boat traffic.

You can try to follow other boats in and out of an area, but if they are running a jack plate w/a tunnel hull and you are not you may find yourself very stuck.

In looking at your boat online I found 2 different 1998 17' Polar Saltwater series models. Neither one looks like a tunnel hull. If you don't have a tunnel hull you are going to be limited to the deeper water of 2' or more.

It is not exactly a full blown tunnel hull but it will run pretty shallow. I have gone through 9" with trolling mtr before. Here is what is looks like. This is not my boat but it is pretty close to the same thing. I think that I am going to be a little more adventuresome the next time I go.

Go anchor outside the marsh on a low tide. Wade around very carefully to find out which cuts to take. This is if you have time or live close, I understand this would be hard to do for someone out of the area.

Look at Google Earth maps for the areas you plan to go explore.
As a fall back, the IntraCoastal Waterway where you launch can be very good. develop a 'run and gun' mentality. Find the little marsh drains where there is a break in the rocks or marsh where water flows. Some of the drains are blocked, but sometimes there is a tidal flow pipe maybe 12 to 18 inches in diameter that allows water to flow to/from the ponds. Anyhow make sure one rod is rigged up with Gulp shrimp under a popping cork and fish the channel side of the drains and either side of them for maybe 100 yards or so, as bait bleeds out from the marsh and reds can be stacked in these areas. Also do not be afraid to throw crankbaits along the rocks - the reds will hammer a crankbait. And yes you will lose a few lures doing that. Pick up a few fish, then run to the next spot. Good luck.

Yeah, be very very careful about who you follow into an area. I can't tell you how many potlickers have been grounded up by trying to tail us. If you see mud coming out of my jet, it's no more than 2" deep, and you might really want to reconsider your fishing strategy.....

What a great education you can get from fishermen. Pat, one thing for sure, I would never try to follow another boat in to their fishing spot. That is just plain jerkish. I might move in after he leaves but never scab on his spot while he is fishing it. Thanks everyone for your help. Are those tidal flow pipes easy or hard to see or is it one of those just depends questions.

I think you missed his point , he's running a jet boat and following him will get you in trouble in any prop boat .

I was referring to the comments about watching where the other boats go into cuts and canals. I don't run people aground on purpose, I just don't think about it. Well maybe a few times...

I run into this every now and then. I was fishing the ICW three weeks ago, when my brother-in-law wanted to go fish up in the marsh. I hadnt been over there in couple of years. Hit my old cut on plain and soon found out the bottom had changed. Its supose to be six foot deep. I did find out my kenner will float in 6" of water, with my brother-in-law pushing. It was too shallow for my trolling motor. Like they said, it trial and error. Went to another cut and it was fine.

Brother in laws will always put you in a bind, just can't trust 'em...