Push Pole for stealth

[Nitro 882]

I asked this question on another forum and couldn't get a straight answer so I'll try here.

Each year I tow my bass boat to Florida and plow around in the pads and grass with my trolling motor making, in my estimation, too much commotion and spooking the hell out of nearby fish. I'm considering taking my push pole this year to reduce the racket and possibly catch more fish. 

The question I pose is does this have merit and does anyone out there have positive results doing this with a pole instead of the trolling motor?

[A-Jay]

I do not fish Florida.

 However, even when locked on a bed, it seems shallow bass in heavy cover sort of all respond the same to 'noise'; especially when it's close.

And it's not always what we what either.

Here's some push pole info - 

One older & one newer.

btw - I use a Superstick and like it. 

 

 

https://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/gone-fishin’/bass-fishing-how-pole-monster-largemouths/

 

A-Jay

[Fishing_FF]

It is no secret Florida fish are moody. While I fish primarily from a kayak, I have a bunch of friends with boats that I fish with as well. All of them except one have push poles that we use (mainly during the spawn). Most also have anchors, old school claw and rope for holding on shallow/deep water structure areas because of the same idea of the motor noise.

[TnRiver46]

I use a push pole to move a canoe upriver but it’s not stealthy in the least . 

[J Francho]

There's some places up here that a push pole might be the only easy way to get into a spot, but it isn't stealthy at all.

[Nitro 882]

1 hour ago, J Francho said:

There's some places up here that a push pole might be the only easy way to get into a spot, but it isn't stealthy at all.

You don't think a push pole is quieter than a trolling motor blade chopping through woody Kissimmee grass?

Anyway, I'm gonna try it this year. Can't hurt.

[Captain Phil]

Poling was created for salt water flats fishing.  Those waters are very skinny and clear.  There is also a substantial current.  Flats fish know they are vulnerable. Any noise like turning on a trolling motor will easily spook them.  An experienced guide that knows how to effectively pole a boat can steer the boat against the tide and hold the angler in the best position for the cast.  When a fish is spotted, the pole can be used to hold the boat so it doesn't run over the fish.   

 

When fishing with live bait, I use two poles to stake the boat in position.  Two poles keeps the boat from swinging.  Attempting to pole in heavy cover will make just as much noise if not more than using a trolling motor.  The best way to avoid spooking bass is to use the wind to drift and make longer casts.  I don't believe boat noise is as big of a negative in bass fishing as it is in flats fishing.  Most if not all of the bass I catch flipping are caught practically under the boat.  The only thing that will be hurt by poling is your back.