Some months ago I posted some questions about the advisability driving down to the Gulf for some saltwater inshore fishing. Mr. Dahlberg's advice was "be careful", and I took that to heart.
At the end of June we trailered our 14 foot aluminum down and, after being very selective and prepared about where we launched, had a great time. The key with such a small boat is to stay close to calm water, quick access to leeward sides of islands, and the boat launch. They are just not seaworthy when the water gets bumpy. But within those limitations we had a blast.
Biggest fish were sharks and rays, with one humongoid stingray that was about five feet in diameter. 30 pound test and 7/0 hooks on wire leaders worked well. Most of the sharks were eating sized blacktips and similar species. Lots of fun.
We did catch the usual target fish that everyone likes, but one real highlight was catching gafftopsail catfish of about 6 to 8 pounds in 10 to 12 feet of water on the surface with Zara spooks. I thought it was sharks taking fish off the surface, but it turned out that most of the surface activity was with the cats. I always enjoy catfish, but this was a really unique thing for me to take them on the surface in such relatively deep water. We caught dozens that way. We did catch some sharks using that technique too, small bonnet sharks.
Another highlight was surf fishing at a beach where there was a sand apron near enough to shore that I could cast to it with a regular spinning outfit (as opposed to a "Hatteras Heaver" that is typically used by long-casting surf fishermen.). I had not caught pompano before, but these fish are a blast to catch. Just thrilling on walleye tackle. We kept some for meals too and they were just wonderful. Never thought I'd like surf fishing, but under these conditions it was lots of fun. The best fishing just required a lob cast, 20 to 50 feet from where the waves were washing ashore.
Bottom line for this post is that if you're considering taking your small aluminum boat into saltwater: Don't. Unless you are committed to personal safety and take plenty of precautions.