Power-Pole Who's got one?

[Fishes in trees]

I'm considering getting a Power-Pole this year.  I'd like to hear from guys who have one.  How well do they work?  How quick do they deploy?  How often do they break?  Is it possible to get one stuck?

I'd like to hear any and all experiences of guys who have power poles.

[Ken in NJ]

They are pretty "pricey" aren't they?

[Fishing Rhino]

They claim they can be used in up to 30 knot winds and strong currents.

They may hold in the wind, and current, provided you are in relatively calm water.

On an exposed shoal thirty knot winds will develop some serious chop or waves.  I have doubts they will stand up to that.

Some boats use two, so the boat cannot pivot on the single contact point.  That has to produce some serious stress if the wind or current is broadside.

They've probably done extensive testing.  At least I hope they have.  Nothing like a couple of years to see what develops in the real world environment.

Some abuse their equipment, others baby it. 

I'd be as concerned about the stresses the unit puts on a relatively small area of the transom.

[Bassnajr]

I believe that there are many other accessories I would get before a Power Pole. A good powerful trolling motor comes to mind. The only people I have seen with them on their boats are the pros on TV who are sponsored by them. If you are going to get one, I would get two. I think it would be more of a pain spinning in circles then keeping position with your trolling motor. JMO.

[Ken in NJ]

And at that, I've only seen them used on relatively flat or protected waters too. (only on TV).  If that's the kind of water you fish I guess it would be a consideration. But then again on flat protected waters you may not drift much anyway.  Like the other poster said, I'd get a good powerful bow mounted trolling motor first.  I myself would probably consider an electric anchor hoist before a power pole too.

[Sfritr]

I thought of getting one but opted not to do so because most of the waters I fish here in Michigan are average depth deeper than the pole can go.  So, it would be an expensive stick in the water. 

Plus, IMO they look really dumb...  thats just me

[Catt]

While I don't own one I have fished out of several boats that do, most were saltwater boats with only one being a bass boat. The Power-Pole held a Champion 24 Bay (Pre-Rigged Hull Wt.: 2300) rock solid in 6' of water with a 23 mph south wind. The Champion had a Pro 8 which goes quietly from the full up position to 8ft deep in 4.8 seconds. This was the largest of the boats I fished out of so needless to say it held the other with ease.

The bass boat was a Skeeter i-Class 20i (dry weight: 1,850) and it has 2 ea. Power-Pole Pro Series 8 ft.; two Power-Poles did the job exceptionally well.

Our saltwater brothers spend more time fishing skinner water so the Power-Pole is a must have but I personal have no use for one on a bass boat since I'm rarely shallower than 15'.

On the subject of holding a boat still in high winds I seldom purposely go out in winds above 15 mph.

[eyedabassman]

What does one sell for $$?

[Wayne P.]

The Pro Poles I have seen are mounted to a heavy bracket that is located between the engine or jack plate and the transom. The mount looks to be 1/2" thick metal with the pole/poles mounted to it. Since it is in that location, it won't put anywhere near the stress on the hull that the outboard will.

[Team_Dougherty]

http://www.power-pole.com/pages/videos.htm

there is a video here of a power pole in stiff current. I am not sure I wan my stern pointing up stream.

[Ken in NJ]

I see pricing is about $900 for an inexpensive 6' model and up closer to $1500 for a deluxe 8' model.  That money buys allot of anchor.  I guess if you're fishing shallow allot, it may be worthwhile considering as it's quick and does seem to work.  I do agree however that I wouldn't want my stern facing the wind and waves as shown in that one video. 

[bocabasser]

great investment. don't let anyone tell you otherwise. your fishing will improve for sure. it allows you to pole down and thoroughly cover an area. yes they are expensive, but what in fishng isn't. both of my partners have them and they are worth every penny. i am getting a new rig in april and the first thing i get is a pp. in florida they can be amazingly effective because of the low water depths and heavy winds.

[scbassin]

I have one & use it all the time. It gives me time to fish in the grass & pads without having to run the T/M all the time. Quiet is much better, it has improved my catch. If you tournament fish & are a shallow water fisherman get one it's worth it.

[KYntucky Warmouth]

They seem great for shallow lakes but pointless if the average water you fish is more than 10'

[tkite16]

  Let me know when they come out with one that will hold me on a main lake point at Table Rock sitting in 85 foot of water.    Seriously they do look cool if you fish that kind of water.

[ProCraft Joe]

My club partner has a 8' Pro on his Ranger Z520 and it's great. We have fished in very high winds with no problems. When the  waves are rolling you need to deduct the wave height from the PP's depth i.e. 1' swells rollings in means you have to be in water no deeper than 6 1/2-7'. The hydraulics keep pressure down regardless of how much the boat rises. If you are anchored in 4' of water and a 3' wave comes through the pole will extend to 7' as the boat moves up and relocate as it goes down.

[TommyBass]

I have one which I admit looks kinda funny on my 18 ft aluminum boat. However, its one of the best investments I have ever made for the boat. I'll tell you what I did. I kept calling them until I finally bought all refurbished parts for the top of the line 8 ft model / pump. The only part I had to buy new was the grey frame. I saved A TON of money like this and it works and looks like new. Now heres the thing, an 8ft model dosnt go to 8 ft period. Your lucky to do around 6.5 or 7 depending on the bottom. Thick mud takes more pole to keep it still than hard bottoms. The swiveling shouldnt matter too awful much, just position your boat right on the upwind side and your fine. Two poles would require some laziness and extra moolaa laying around.

The spike has a life time guarentee so I wouldn't worry about torque. You break it they give you another (at least it was like that when I bought mine). Its great for bed fishing or fishing known areas you want to sit still like brush piles. Its even nice if your just fishing a shore and the wind is blowing you down it too fast... just lift it a few inches, float, and drop it back. I've even used it in 20mph winds sitting on the tops of points and casting out. As has been said, waves don't effect you too much as long as you've allowed for the height difference.

   It is GREAT for any of you who use your boat for other stuff such as crappie fishing, I even use mine duck hunting. And its good when you beach your boat as an anchor.

Not sure I'd pay full price for one but if you find a deal on one... take it.  I found installation to be maybe a 5 out of 10 on difficulty at most (by myself).

[5bass]

They seem great for shallow lakes but pointless if the average water you fish is more than 10'

My sentiments exactly. I'd consider one if they sold a 25 footer.

[kikstand454]

the guy i fish with also has one on his ranger.

he uses it mainly for sight fishing and anchoring should he go ashore. it works extremely well and is fast and secure. myself being an inshore fisherman too... i drool over having one on my future rig.

sorry you northern guys dont get it. for shallow water its the greatest thing since malt liquor.  i guess its a florida thing. 8-)