Need advice!!! PA shallow water capability

Forum members - Looking for some feedback on the PA's performance in shallow water. Specifically, do you find the Mirage Drive system to be a detriment when fishing in say, 12" or less. My understanding is that with the system deployed you need about 18" of water for the drive system to operate. I would fish in the No Motor Zone of East Central Florida as well as the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon. I love the PA for its versatility, but just want to make sure it would be appropriate for the type of fishing I'm looking to do. I'm also concerned that if the drive system is not deployed and is 'flush' against the hull, it might be an appendage, get snagged on weeds or cause friction when paddling. Speaking of paddling, how is it to paddle? Any input from the Forum's shallow water anglers would be greatly appreciated.

I usually take my PA into about 4-6 inches of water chasing reds. I usually just leave the MD fins against the hull and do short pumps or push pole with my stake out pole. I have had a few fish cut the line due to the line getting caught up in the MD, but that shall happen now and then. I doubt you shall have any issues in 12 inches of water. Just do some short pumps and use your paddle if needed.

I fish in shallow water (less than 2ft) 90% of the time with the Pro Angler. When I get under 16" deep I use a combination of fluttering the fins and pushing with a stakeout pole. I also have a 17ft push pole that I use when I know I'll be sight fishing in shallow water all day.

Fluttering in shallow water (composite view):

I had the same concerns when I bought my PA. I live in St. Pete and fish the shallows all around Pinellas County. I have been able to navigate very easily by fluttering the Mirage Drive in Shallow water and rarely have to get out the paddle or use my pole.

On the other hand, one morning I wanted to hit a daybreak low tide at Ft. Desoto, and headed out in sleepwalk mode totally forgetting my mirage drive. When I hit the beach and realized this, I had to decide whether to drive home and miss the tide, or paddle. I paddled the entire morning and it was no harder to get around then it had been in the NW is used with a guide.

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Jamie Roberts