When I’m on the road, I’m frequently asked about the two “strange” poles extending above of the stern of my boat. “Are they for pulling skiers?” “Are they for dragging nets?” “What purpose do they serve?”
The questions are sometimes humorous, but fair.
To explain, I usually lower and raise the poles so that there is no confusion as to how they work. I then try to convey their various applications. Whether those inquiring recognize the benefits of having such equipment is uncertain, but at least their curiosity is satisfied.
I’m happy to offer that information. I see it as part of my job … especially since Power-Pole has been my title sponsor for so many years. It’s a brand and company I’m extremely proud to represent, as their products have made my time on the water so much more productive and enjoyable.
A man with vision
Since Power-Pole introduced its shallow water anchoring system, thousands of other anglers have realized the benefits. The brainchild of company president John Oliverio, his invention has redefined our approach to shallow water angling.
Not only do they anchor the boat securely at depths under 10 feet, they do it quickly and quietly. Even better, they add a whole new dimension to boat control. Here’s how.
Imagine yourself fishing down a bank or over a skinny flat, when suddenly you notice a high percentage target. By the touch of a switch, you’re able to stop the boat’s forward progression without engaging the trolling motor … which could potentially blow out the spot.
By deploying the poles and keeping a safe distance, your chances of connecting with a bass increase dramatically. And if you do get that strike, having planted the poles gives you the opportunity to make subsequent casts, to see if more are present.
In any shallow situation, stealth is key to fooling fish … particularly in clearer water. The less you use the trolling motor, the less you disturb their habitat. Bass — especially big bass — are fully aware of their surroundings. When something out of the ordinary occurs, it alerts them, and your chances of connecting quickly diminish.
When wind or current are a factor, Power-Pole hydraulic anchors can offer further boat control. By lightly placing them in contact with the bottom or any related cover, you can slow the boat to a more controlled drift. This tactic is especially effective on shallow grass flats. By dragging the poles, drift speed is slowed and need for the trolling motor is greatly reduced. So, not only are you less likely to give away your presence, you are now able to focus more on your downwind or down-current presentation.
But what if you’re fishing at depths greater than the poles can reach?
Open water boat control
Years ago, the only real means of slowing drift speed in deeper water was through the use of a trolling motor or sea anchor — large billowing, cone-shaped bag made of heavy vinyl, which functions much like underwater parachute tethered to the boat. Depending on the amount of wind, an angler could use one or more bags to slow his or her drift speed.
On those days when wind gusts exceeded 25 miles per hour, we jokingly referred to them as “two-bag days.” And I recall some where we were forced to rely on multiple sea anchors … days better spent on shore than drifting in whitecaps, fighting motion sickness.
Depending on where the bag was tethered, you could control the boat’s angle and drift direction. That might mean tying it off at the stern, mid ship or to one side or the other. But that approach involved a lot of work. At the end of each drift, you had to retrieve at least one bag full of water, 8-10 feet from the boat. And 30 gallons of water at 8 pounds per gallon, well … you get the idea.
Deepwater apps
To eliminate the need for sea anchors, Power-Pole introduced their customized Drift Paddles. Easily attached to the poles, the paddles can be lowered hydraulically to a desired depth for controlling drift speed. Even better, you can adjust their angle to increase or decrease resistance.
No more tugging on a 10-foot rope with 250 pounds of water at the end. By the simple touch of a switch, users now can lower the poles to a desired depth, then retract them at the end of each drift.
Drift Paddles have proven invaluable, particularly in stiff winds when slower, finesse-style presentations are required to get a bite. They’re also advantageous anytime you’re drifting over high percentage areas with concentrations of fish — such as deep shoals, brushpiles or key structural features.
When you’re trailering your boat, the paddles can be adjusted for minimal wind resistance. So there is no need to remove them between trips to the lake. And the poles will still function as shallow water anchors, even with the paddles attached.
Power-Pole recap
Whether you’re a touring pro or weekend warrior, Power-Pole anchors will improve your odds on the water. And if used to their fullest potential, they will make you a better angler.
For more information on these and other Power-Pole Total Boat Control products, visit www.power-pole.com.
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