| Both the Power-Pole Fishing Anchor and the Stay | | | | territory. |
| Put Shallow Water anchor provide unmatched | | | | Florida salt flats inspired the principle that both the |
| shallow water boat control. There are some | | | | Power Pole and the Stay Put anchor systems |
| significant differences though. This article will | | | | use. Fishing guides on the flats use long poles to |
| highlight those differences and the choice will | | | | quietly approach wary tarpon or bonefish. Once |
| become obvious. | | | | within casting range the guides use the pole to |
| Weekend fishermen have always envied the | | | | hold the boat in position while the angler presents |
| ability professionals have to precisely position a | | | | the bait to the fish. |
| boat. Precise boat position permits accurate bait | | | | A motorized hydraulic system drives the |
| presentation. Remaining quietly within range of | | | | Power-Pole Fishing Anchor. A metal rod is |
| catchable shallow water fish is an important talent. | | | | extended downward until it is embedded in the |
| Before the invention of trolling motors, fishermen | | | | bottom. The boat is held securely in position until |
| used oars or paddles to position boats. One of the | | | | the rod is retracted. The optional remote control |
| most effective methods was sculling. This is a | | | | lets the fisherman control the unit from anywhere |
| learned skill used to quietly move a boat in shallow | | | | on the boat. The thirty-plus pounds weight and |
| water. With a paddle held so that two fingers | | | | $1200-plus price of the basic system might put |
| extend along the flat side the paddle stays in the | | | | this unit out of reach of the average weekend |
| water as the fisherman moves it in a slow, | | | | fisherman. Add in some options or choose the |
| smooth, twisted figure-eight motion to move the | | | | quieter professional model and the price will |
| boat stealthily into position. | | | | exceed $1500. |
| Fishermen quickly adopted the electric trolling | | | | In contrast, a basic Stay Put anchor will cost only |
| motor when it was introduced. For decades the | | | | $220 including shipping. With only two parts and no |
| trolling motor was the best boat control tool | | | | motor or hydraulics there is no noise and very |
| available. Trolling motors are not without problems | | | | little added weight in the fishing boat. Mount |
| though. Noise, and prop wash can scare away | | | | brackets and options for different hull |
| spooky shallow water fish. The prop wash can stir | | | | configurations are available. For about $750 you |
| up mud from shallow bottoms and even disrupt | | | | can have two of the most expensive Stay Put |
| nesting at certain times of the year. Mounting | | | | Shallow water anchor kits and solidly anchor both |
| brackets often pop or snap when a trolling motor | | | | ends of your boat. Fishing has just gotten more |
| is started, stopped or reversed. No scared fish will | | | | enjoyable. |
| hang around when sudden loud noises invade her | | | | |