| In the late 1980s and early 1990s
most center console boats looked like a collaboration between boat
builders and plumbers. High, wrap-around stainless steel bow rails
and high grab rails around the console were the norm. Such rails
were often made more for appearance than for utility. For light
tackle anglers and the few saltwater fly rodders in North Carolina,
high rails and large protruding stainless cleats were “line
grabbers.” Furthermore, few, if any, V-hulled center console
boats of the time had even the most basic rod storage for fly
rods and other rods of nine feet or more.
It was during this time that Tom Earnhardt and a few other fly
rodders were fly-fishing for false albacore and large drum in
the waters around Cape Lookout, NC. For comfort, fishabilty,
and safety a V-hull was often required in these unpredictable
waters. Earnhardt was looking for a boat that would offer a fore
and aft casting platform and storage to protect valuable fly rods.
Tom approached the Jones Brothers about manufacturing the “ultimate
big water fly fishing/light tackle boat.” Throughout 1992,
Tom worked with Donnie and Rob on a prototype for today’s
Cape Fishermen line of boats.
The first Cape Fishermen was launched in 1993. That first boat
had large pop-up cleats, strategically placed grab rails, fore
and aft casting platforms, lots of dry storage, and the finest
fly rod storage available on any boat of the time. It was the
super clean interior that fly fishermen and other
light tackle anglers wanted. A low console, large poling/sighting
platform, and a unique rear platform bridge were
also added. Furthermore, Rob and Donnie tweaked the 19’
10’’ hull, complete with trim tabs, to perfection.
Soon some of the finest saltwater guides and anglers on the
East Coast, including New Jersey’s Captain Dave Choinard
and Outer Banks’ Captains Sarah Gardner and Brian Horsley,
were offering changes. Their input has made the Jones Brothers’
Cape Fishermen Series the boats by which all other big water
light tackle boats are measured.
The 1910LT Cape Fisherman was our first LT model. We've since
released LT editions for several of the Bateau series.
Lite Tackle Models...
Cape Fisherman 1910 LT
Bateau 20 (std. configuration is an LT model)
Bateau 23 (std. configuration is an LT model)
Boats with an Optional LT Package...
Cape Fisherman 18 - LT option includes: Pop-Up Bow Light, Three Pull-Up Cleats, Cockpit Lights, Tackle Locker, and Console Rod Rack
Cape Fisherman 20 - LT option includes: Pop-Up Bow Light, Three Pull-Up Cleats, Cockpit Lights, Tackle Locker, and Console Rod Rack
Cape Fisherman 23 - LT option includes: Pop-Up Bow Light, Three Pull-Up Cleats, Cockpit Lights, Tackle Locker, and Console Rod Rack |
