I guess I should read all the posts before responding... I would not consider Vermillion Bay a "small boat" friendly place. Shark Bayou and Quintana only and if you're a brave sort, scoot around to the Hammock. Depends how small the small boat is and what the weather is doing. Small boat fishing to me would be Choupique Bayou on west side of Big Lake, Cocodrie and Pointe-Au-Chien. All these areas are well protected. Just some ideas.

Here is my advise for V-Bay, target marsh island for reds in the spring & summer! Call Smoking Reel Charters and go on a trip with them to learn the area. Trout don't usually turn on until the fall when the water gets right, but when it gets right they will be in the cove around Cypremort Pt. and hammock, just to name a few spots.
If you want trout in summer time, get a large seaworthy boat and head offshore to the platforms, they will be there!!
Bay boats can access the outside reefs on calm days, Nickel, Diamond, and Tee Butte, there are also a few reefs that hold trout around the pass, but water isn't right for that just yet.
As for tides, fish bite better when there is any kind of moving tide!