FlatsNation.com

07/10/2026

With unsettled weather making a mess of things across the Gulf and Southwest Florida, today seemed like a good time to bring this one back to the top. Hurricane season is never the time to wait until the last minute — especially when a boat, trailer, waterfront property and family plans are all part of the equation.

We’ve refreshed our “Keeping an Eye to the Sky: Hurricane Season Tips for Coastal Boaters” article with current National Hurricane Center information and a few updates throughout.

A little preparation, a close eye on the forecast and a solid plan can make a big difference when the weather starts turning.

Read it here:
https://www.flatsnation.com/post/keeping-an-eye-to-the-sky

Stay Safe, and Many Blessings!
Dave and the Team

Keeping an eye to the sky can make all the difference during hurricane season. Check tropical weather, prepare your boat and stay ahead of changing conditions.

03/10/2026

Sometimes reaching skinny water means crossing some decidedly un-skinny water first. 😁

Our newest Flats Nation article takes a deep look at the Hell’s Bay Marathon — a technical skiff designed not only for the fishing grounds, but for the run it sometimes takes to get there.

We cover its Biscayne-influenced design, rough-water capability, fishing layout, construction, specs and more, along with some outstanding imagery and background from Captain Brett Martina.

Check out the full Hell’s Bay Marathon overview here:

👉

The Hell’s Bay Marathon blends technical-skiff fishability with rough-water capability, speed and range for anglers who cover serious water.

30/09/2026

A Little Something Extra for The Nation! 😎🎣

Our Flats Nation Technical Wear collection has come a long way, from our original sun-protective hoodies to our latest long- and short-sleeve button-up shirts.

We've put plenty of thought into making these shirts comfortable and practical, including a hidden microfiber eyeglass cleaner in our button-ups.

And now, thanks to the folks at Free Sunshields, new customers can save 10% on their orders using coupon code WELCOME10!

We've just published a new article covering the collection, its features and how to take advantage of the offer.

Check it out here:

https://www.flatsnation.com/post/flats-nation-technical-wear-discount

Tight Lines, and God Bless!
Dave and the Team

Explore Flats Nation Technical Wear, from UPF 50+ hoodies to performance button-up shirts. New Free Sunshields customers can save 10% with code WELCOME10!

26/09/2026

A Better Flats Angler Doesn't Always Need Better Gear.
Sometimes, a little knowledge is worth more than another expensive rod or reel.

We've updated our Flats Nation article on low-cost flats fishing education, featuring marine biologist Dr. Aaron Adams and his books on coastal habitats, gamefish behavior and the science behind successful fishing.

Whether you're new to the flats or have spent decades on the water, there's always something more to learn.

Take a look at our newly refreshed article!

Improve your flats fishing knowledge without spending a fortune. Explore Dr. Aaron Adams' books and learn about coastal habitats, fish behavior and more.

23/09/2026

Updated for 2026.
We recently went back through our Flats Fishing Primer and gave it another round of updates, added information, and real-world flats fishing tips.

If you missed it the first time around — or have somebody trying to shorten the flats fishing learning curve — give it another look. 🎣

https://www.flatsnation.com/post/flats-fishing-primer-florida

21/09/2026

What do those octane numbers at the pump really mean — and does your boat, outboard, or tow vehicle actually need the higher number?

We’ve just updated this Flats Nation article with a fresh look at octane ratings, engine knock, operating conditions, fuel quality, and how all of it affects performance.

Sometimes the best way to save money at the pump is simply knowing what your engine actually needs. 😎

Read more: https://www.flatsnation.com/post/just-what-is-octane-and-how-much-do-i-need

16/09/2026

After years of real-world use, my original Nikon Z6 is still getting the job done.

I just refreshed our long-term look at the Nikon Z system with what has held up, where newer bodies have moved things forward, and why this old workhorse still earns a spot in the bag. 😎

https://www.flatsnation.com/post/nikonz-camera-s

04/09/2026

Tiny metal particles can do a lot of damage inside an expensive engine.

In this updated Flats Nation article, we take a closer look at how FilterMag technology works, why capturing ferrous wear particles matters, and how this simple idea can add another layer of protection for outboards, tow vehicles, RVs, and other 4-stroke engines. Take a look here:

https://www.flatsnation.com/post/oil-filter-magnet-the-filtermag-technology

A little extra protection is a whole lot cheaper than rebuilding an engine. 😎

FilterMag is not a replacement for maintenance. It is another layer of protection for engines we would rather keep running than rebuilding.

04/09/2026

Heading out with the boat this Labor Day weekend? Don’t forget about the trailer.

A few simple security measures can make your boat trailer a much less attractive target when it’s parked at home, the ramp, or wherever the weekend takes you.

We just updated this Flats Nation article with a simple receiver-lock setup we use on our Amera Trail trailer to add one more obstacle for anyone who shouldn’t be messing with it.

Cheap, simple, and one more layer of protection.

Read more here:

https://www.flatsnation.com/post/another-way-to-help-secure-your-trailer

Have a safe Labor Day weekend, and Tight Lines!

A simple receiver hitch lock can add another layer of boat trailer security. Here’s how we use one on our Amera Trail swing-tongue trailer.

02/09/2026

The Flats Nation Free Wallpaper collection just got a fresh update — with new photography, refreshed favorites, black-and-white selections, and a cleaner look throughout.

From coastal sunsets and storm skies to quiet waterfront scenes, these are a few of those “Places You Would Rather Be” when the workday has you staring at a screen. 😎

Download your favorites free and give that desktop a little more Flats Nation:

https://www.flatsnation.com/post/flats-nation-free-wallpaper