Examining The Power-Pole Fishing Anchor And The Dig IN Shallow Water
Recently two similar devices for boat control in shallow water came on the market. The Power-Pole Fishing Anchor and the Stay Put Shallow Water anchor are equally effective. Examining the significant differences will help the fisherman choose the approach that works for him.
Watching professional fishermen on television makes weekend anglers envy the professionals' ability to put a boat in the best position. Presenting bait to a wary fish requires accuracy and stealth. Boat position is an important part of the process and is even more important in shallow water situations.
Prior to the introduction of electric motors, one of the popular methods of boat control was sculling. The angler held a small paddle with his fingers extended along the flat side. Keeping the paddle in the water to prevent splashes, he quietly moved it in a figure-eight motion that
gently moved the boat. This was most effective in very light wind conditions.
Sculling became a lost art after the trolling motor became popular. Fishermen quickly learned the advantages of trolling motors and no serious fishing boat was without one. There are some disadvantages to using a trolling motor in shallow water, though. Even at low speed all electric trolling motor make some noise. In the water any noise is amplified and shallow water fish are easily scared away by noise. Prop wash can stir up mud and debris from the bottom and reversing a trolling motor can create prop wash toward the target fish.
For many years, fishing guides in the Florida salt water flats have used long poles to quietly maneuver their boats. The wary tarpon and bonefish in the shallow flats are easily spooked. Stealth is important. Guides quietly pole the boats within casting range of the fish then use the
pole to hold the boat as the angler casts to the fish. This is the inspiration for both the Power Pole Fishing Anchor and the Dig IN Shallow Water Anchor systems.
Power Pole Fishing Anchors are operated by powered hydraulics. A The hydraulics extend a metal rod downward into the bottom to hold the boat in position. The powered hydraulics retract the rod to release the boat. With an optional remote control, the Power Pole can be operated from anywhere on the boat. The basic Power Pole system weighs just over thirty pounds and costs about $1200. Choose the quieter professional model and include some options and the price will exceed $1500.
A basic Dig IN Shallow Water Anchor kit (including shipping) costs only $220. There are two components in the system: the bracket and the solid fiberglass pole (called the "spike"). No motor or hydraulics to make noise and minimal added weight are nice features. There are kits
for bow or transom mount and for several different hull shapes. The most expensive kits are still less than $400. For under $800 you can get two kits and solidly anchor both bow and stern of your boat. The choice is obvious.
If $1,600 for a POWER POLE ANCHOR seems expensive then take a look at an alternative. Check out DIG IN SHALLOW WATER ANCHORS.
It's a Shallow Water Anchor that is LESS EXPENSIVE than the Power Pole Style Shallow Water Anchor and Perfect for Flats & Bay Fishing! A shallow water fishing anchor system for all small skiffs, bass boats, flats boats and bay boats.
