What Is a Kayak Power Pole?

A power pole provides you with a shallow water anchor that deploys silently, holds strong, and gives you the best shot at putting more fish in your boat – all at the touch of a button. A power-Pole puts control in the palm of your hand. For close, inshore fishermen there is a need for having a quiet, steady boat to catch the biggest haul. A rocking boat can create unnecessary noise that can scare away any fish near you, leaving you empty-handed in an otherwise great spot.

There are a variety of anchors available on the market today that can help make your boat quieter and more stable every time you fish. There are three basic types out there. These are:

  • Power Poles
  • Stayput Anchor
  • Do It Yourself Anchor

While each one has its own distinct pros and cons, it boils down to three factors to decide which one would be best for you. How serious you are about fishing, your style, and your budget.

Why use a shallow water anchor?

There is a wide variety of uses for a shallow water anchor and they are needed by the most junior fishermen to the most advanced anglers. Here is a couple of them:

It happens to the best of us, that no matter how good we think we are, there are going to be times where we snap a line or need to put bait back on the hook. Rather than let the current move your boat away from your spot while you get ready again, you can deploy an anchor to hold you in place. Once you have found a good fishing spot, you want to stay there!

Doing so can be difficult if the current is particularly strong. Since you are steady, the noise of the boat is also reduced giving you the greatest chance of success. If you are fishing in congested waters, using an anchor can decrease the effects of the wakes of boat traffic in the area. Using an actual anchor is better than using a deteriorated rope or other improper securing device. It is also great for those who fish alone and do not have a second person to help lift a traditional, heavy stockless anchor. If fishing in waters with heavy traffic, you can fish right next to the dock without having to worry about the current constantly knocking your boat into the pier.

Power pole micro

Power-Pole Micro & Spike includes a Micro Driver Motor Unit, 8 ft Ultralite Spike & remote control unit. This all-electric unit is extremely quiet and easy to use. It works with a 3/4" spike to stop and anchor your boat or kayak at the push of a button.

The Power-Pole Micro & Spike functions as a conventional stakeout pole or shallow water anchor without having to manually deploy it yourself. With a Power-Pole’s signature strong hold, the Micro gives you a smooth stop on the spot in seconds. Whether you’re anchored in sand, rock or mud – it’s swift, silent, and secure. Power-Pole Micro Anchor holds small boats up to 680 kg (1500 lbs) and is ideal for use in large fishing kayaks. Power-Pole Micro Anchor holds boats and small skiffs, up to 680 kg (1500 lbs), including passengers.

Power-Pole Micro Anchor Pros

  • Easy to use (has a wireless remote control you can use with one hand if you’re fighting a fish)
  • Stops you quickly
  • You can stop on a hard bottom

Power-Pole Micro Anchor Cons

  • Price (about $700-800)
  • You’re stuck in whatever direction the current or wind pushes you.

Alongside the benefits of micro power pole, there are some cons as well:

  • Battery powered (if battery dies or goes bad you’re out of luck)
  • It’s noisy.

Comparing the features of power pole micro to an anchor pin:

Anchor Pin Pros

  • Price (under $100)
  • Anchor trolley lets you move positions
  • Not battery powered
  • Silent

Anchor Pin Cons

  • Harder and slower to use than the Micro Anchor
  • Can’t stop on hard bottom

Both the Power-Pole Micro Anchor and anchor pins are great anchoring systems, but one may be a better option for you. The Micro Anchor is easier and quicker to use, but is more expensive, noisier, and doesn’t allow you to swing your kayak into position. Anchor pins are cheaper, silent, and let you move positions thanks to an anchor trolley, but are slower to deploy.