First, what is the definition of a Mother Ship?  Normally a mother ship operation involves a large, live aboard support vessel capable of transporting small power boats to a remote fishing location. The larger vessel is moored at the fishing destination and the smaller boats are used to actually fish from in the surrounding areas. I have been fishing from mother ship operations covering the boundary islands of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana since I was a child. I still do fish these areas but over the years I have progressed to the Everglades, Florida Keys, Bahamas, and other locations around the world.  I have also used small outboard boats to transport canoes, pirogues and kayaks to areas that gave me access to fishing in places that were out of reach even for small outboard flats boats designed to fish shallow water. I call these small power boats “Mini Mother Ships.”

Kayaks are also more environmentally friendly than power boats. Most of the shallow or “No Motor Zone” waters are nursery areas that are very sensitive.  They need all the environmental support that we can give them, especially if we want to leave a legacy of marine life for future generations like we have been so fortunate to enjoy in our lifetime.

Many great fishing destinations today are located in areas so far from a kayak launching area that it would be impractical to try to paddle to them. By the time you

I have used many different methods of carrying kayaks on power boats over the years, from elaborate rack systems to simply stowing them on deck and lashing them down. If you have a center console you can stow kayaks on either side of the console and they ride nicely there. Either way, if you will be running in rough water, be sure to pad them adequately. I am presently running a Dragonfly Emerger flats boat with specially made racks for carrying kayaks overhead and out of the way. An additional benefit from using the rack is that the kayaks actually create an overhead canopy and provide shade while you are underway. When I am going into areas that have low overhead clearance, I just stow two Ultimate kayaks on deck face up and side by side so my passengers can sit in the kayak seats while traveling. It is usually the most comfortable seat in the boat. I tie the bow line of the kayaks to the bow of the boat and I always make sure that the kayaks are lashed down well. You should always use caution when tying down the kayaks, especially if people will be riding in them. You do not want to launch a kayak with someone in it while the mother ship is moving. I also urge everyone to anchor your power boat at the edge of the flats and not to run your motor while on the flats, where you might disturb the bottom or the sea grass.

A Mini Mother Ship will defiantly increase your geographical radius and increase your ability to fish areas that have less fishing pressure so be sure to try it!