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Flats Nation — Flats Fishing & Coastal Lifestyle Magazine


Flats Nation Podcast with Steve Pelini of BMS
Join the Flats Nation Podcast with Steve Pelini of Bob's Machine Shop (BMS) as we discuss hydraulic jack plates, the True Tracker Stabilizer Plate, marine performance, and practical upgrades for flats skiffs and bay boats.

Dave LeGear
Oct 144 min read


Flats Fishing Primer - Florida
Learn the fundamentals of flats fishing in Florida, including tides, tackle, stealth, fish behavior, positioning, and shallow-water techniques.

Dave LeGear
Sep 229 min read


What Is Octane — and What Octane Fuel Do I Need?
What octane fuel does your boat or truck really need? A practical look at octane ratings, engine knock, heat, deposits, and fuel efficiency.

Dave LeGear
Sep 198 min read


Truck and Boat Fuel-Saving Tips: More MPG, Less GPH
These same tips and tricks can help you save even more money or at least slow down your spending!

Dave LeGear
Sep 177 min read


Oil Filter Magnet Technology: How FilterMag Helps Protect Your Engine
FilterMag is not a replacement for maintenance. It is another layer of protection for engines we would rather keep running than rebuilding.

Dave LeGear
Sep 43 min read


Upholstery Care Tips
A nice guide on what and better yet, what (not) to use, for those awesome vinyl-coated covered seats.

Dave LeGear
Aug 43 min read


Marine Wiring Harness Inspection & Maintenance Guide
I have looked over quite a few harnesses and seen both good and (let's just say questionable) Marine Wiring Harness and rigging by some builders.

Dave LeGear
May 48 min read


Plan Skiff Builds and Upgrades Without Losing the Plot
That is exactly why I started using simple project planning sheets like these attached not only for repairs/upgrades... But, also when having a new skiff built.

Dave LeGear
Mar 2811 min read


Welcome to the new Flats Nation website update!
We’ve made a fresh round of updates to Flats Nation to keep the website cleaner, faster, and easier to enjoy—especially for readers visiting on mobile devices.

Dave LeGear
Mar 83 min read


New products from Ruckus Marine!
Specifically designed for Hell's Bay Our friends at Ruckus Marine have launched an impressive lineup of new products that you're going to love! These products are not only intriguing but also address storage and convenience issues like never before. And make sure you read all the way to the end so you can land our discount code for them!

Dave LeGear
Feb 74 min read


Perfect time for some scouting new and old water!
Perfect time of the year (winter) for scouting new and old water!

Dave LeGear
Jan 318 min read


FilterMag Oil Filter Magnet: Outboard Fitment & Long-Term Use
I’ve used FilterMag oil filter magnets since 2004. Here’s what I’ve learned about outboard fitment, clearance, and real-world use on Honda and Yamaha engines.

Dave LeGear
Jan 225 min read


Low budget Outboard Pre-Lube Pump (4 Stroke only)
Pre-Lube pumps circulate lube oil throughout the engine before it is started.

Dave LeGear
Jan 194 min read


Flats Nation Sound Bites Volume 14
In this Flats Nation Sound Bites Volume 14, Steve Pelini, VP of Sales for BMS, is back to educate us on the True Tracker Plate.

Dave LeGear
Jan 101 min read


Low-budget hatch liners for your Skiff/Boat!
Are you looking to help keep your tackle, camera, and other gear bags drier and off the deck inside your hatches?

Dave LeGear
Jan 94 min read


Maximizing Efficiency: Tracking Fuel Burn and Maintenance Costs for Your Toys.
Tracking fuel burn rates and other maintenance work will help you find what is operating best in your engines

Dave LeGear
Nov 14, 20257 min read


Flats Nation Edition Console Caddy
The Flats Nation version of the Console Caddy is now in stock and turned out awesome if we say so ourselves!

Dave LeGear
Oct 3, 20257 min read


Dock Side Live Radio
So, what is Dock Side Live Radio you ask? It is A Florida‑based streaming station that melds Trop Rock, yacht rock, country, reggae, soft rock, indie and beach‑vibe tunes into one laid‑back playlist.

Dave LeGear
Aug 7, 20253 min read


How to help reduce water spots!
How to help reduce water spots!

Dave LeGear
Apr 27, 20254 min read


Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On! Tire Balance Tips.
Unbalanced tires cause vibration, uneven tread wear, and steering issues, compromising safety and handling.

Dave LeGear
Sep 10, 20246 min read
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