From Flats to Fun: Our Florida Fly Fishing Adventure with the Pau Hana Cambia
Our month-long fly fishing road trip through Florida has been nothing short of amazing. For the past few weeks, Jeff and I have been exploring the waters from our micro flats skiff that he built a few years ago. The highlight of our journey was definitely the two weeks we spent in Chokoloskee, right in the heart of Everglades National Park.
There's something magical about sight fishing in the flats, stalking redfish, snook, tarpon, and sheepshead as they move through the crystal-clear shallows. Each day brought new challenges and thrills as we navigated the labyrinth of mangroves and shallow waters.
The Cambia: Our Secret Weapon
One addition to our gear this year made a significant difference: the Pau Hana Surf Supply Cambia AIS (Adaptable Inflatable Surface). Space is always at a premium on our skiff, but Jeff had installed a few strategic hatches for storage. The Cambia, which rolls up surprisingly small, fit perfectly in our front hatch.
What impressed me most was its versatility - the Cambia is an instant chill spot on land and water.At just 6'0" × 39", this compact inflatable transforms into whatever you need it to be. For us, it became our portable beach lounge, floating rest spot, and even an impromptu lunch platform on the sandbars we discovered.
It only takes a few minutes to pump up, and the ultra-light woven drop stitch technology gives it impressive rigidity without adding unnecessary weight. The D-rings around the edges proved useful for securing it to our skiff when we weren't using it, ensuring it didn't drift away during our fishing sessions.
Beyond the Expected Uses
We'd pull up to secluded beaches or sand bars, inflate the Cambia, and suddenly have the perfect spot to relax for lunch or take a break between fishing sessions. Sometimes we'd even float on it in the calm waters, giving us a different perspective of the stunning Everglades environment.
One unexpected bonus: after a long day of standing on the skiff casting for redfish, I took a nap on it while Jeff continued fishing. The versatility of this little inflatable surface kept surprising us throughout the trip.
Looking Forward
I'm honestly thrilled that we decided to bring it along. It added a whole new dimension to our trip without taking up much precious space. Now I'm already looking forward to summer adventures with the Cambia on rivers and lakes back in the Northeast. I can already see us this summer on Lake Ontario swimming off the boat and using the Cambia as a floating bar with snacks and drinks on it while we're just chilling with pool noodles.
The Cambia has definitely earned its spot as essential gear for our future fishing expeditions. For anyone looking to maximize space while adding comfort and versatility to their outdoor adventures, I can't recommend it enough.
