Trout Wrangler Podcast Season 2 Ep.76: East Cape Boats, Skiff Design & a New Drift Boat

In this episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast, Ryan sits down with Kevin from East Cape Boats to talk boat design, shallow-water performance, and how decades of building skiffs have shaped one of the most respected brands on the flats. Kevin shares the story behind how East Cape Boats got started, the original mission of the company, and how his perspective on boat building has evolved over more than 20 years in the industry. The conversation breaks down the differences between East Cape's various skiffs, including how hull design impacts shallow draft, stability, and overall angler experience. They dive deep into how East Cape boats handle rougher conditions, especially larger platforms like the Vantage and EVO hulls, and how those models have progressed over time — including a full-circle moment discussing one of the early Vantage hulls built for Ryan's former high school fishing club. Kevin also shares his personal favorite boat in the current lineup and gives an inside look at a new drift boat project East Cape has been developing for trout anglers. Being a Western North Carolina native, Kevin talks about testing boats on local rivers and how freshwater fisheries are influencing future designs. The episode wraps with a look ahead at what's coming next from East Cape Boats, a curated Trout Tunes playlist, and final thanks and plugs. Whether you're a flats angler, backcountry explorer, or a trout fisherman curious about crossover boat design, this episode is packed with insight straight from the source.   FREE MONTH OF TROUT ROUTES PRO ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://troutroutes.onelink.me/NvfJ/6..⁠.