Capt. Don Dingman has spent the past 30 years plying his trade in the coastal waters of Florida. About half of that time he’s fished from Alaska to Costa Rica and points in between, hosting his 15-season strong TV series.
Dingman, who guides clients and hosts Hook the Future TV on Sportsman Channel (and soon WFN and FOX Sports South), also knows a thing or two about boats.
His choice is the 20 JVX CC from Carolina Skiff. Dingman can fish from any boat he chooses and what follows is the top reason the 20 JVX is his choice.
“Versatility is what comes to mind over and over,” he said. “For one boat that can do it all in coastal waters, this is the one.”
Dingman has traversed oyster bars in 6 inches of water with a full load of tackle, anglers, and fuel. He’s enjoyed the Carolina-Skiff’s maneuverability and tight steering through mangroves to catch snook in the southwest Florida. He’s fished shallow inlets for big redfish along the Palm Coast, on the Atlantic side of the state. While fishing for spotted seatrout, the boat handled with ease the chop of Tampa Bay.
You just can’t beat it for an all around coastal boat,” he added. “The ride is just great and especially with a load.”
That load ranges from his fishing clients to the young guests of his show. The load also includes a cameraman and all of his gear when producing a TV show.
“With four people aboard, and all that gear, it still has the same top performance,” he said.
Dingman’s 20 JVX is rigged with a 75 h.p. Mercury FourStroke. Up front is a MotorGuide Great White 82 [owered by Odyssey Batteries. For anchoring in shallow water, he uses 8-foot Power-Pole Blades.
Dingman and discriminating coastal anglers and boaters choose the JVX Series for the same reasons. Those are dependability, reliability, performance and the tradition that goes with owning a Carolina Skiff.
A lightweight hull and modified V-hull design combine for a boat that will carry more, go further and faster with less horsepower.
You get excellent maneuverability and handling with the positive tracking keels. Patented splash guards provide the smooth, dry ride that Carolina Skiff has been known for after 30 years and counting in the business.
The biggest of the series is the 20 JVX. With a length overall of 20 feet and a beam of 78 inches, this boat can handle open water chop with tight maneuverability for running winding channels and backwaters. Weight overall is 1,230 pounds, and with a draft of about 4 inches, the 20 JVX is made for accessing shallow flats. A maximum horsepower rating of 90 H.P. makes the perfect setup for matching fuel economy with performance.
Contact Dingman at (904) 509-0026, or email captdon@hookthefuture.com.
