Hey guys, my buddy just got a flats boat and we are in the market for a push pole, the boat is 17 ft. custom Pawleys Island Any knowledge on this topic would be appreciated.
Carbon fiber poles are not cheap, but I would never own a pole that isn’t carbon fiber. Two reasons: They’re light and strong. Pushing a boat around in the lowcountry heat all day will wear you out. A lighter pole is your friend.
I would think you would want a 20-21’ pole, depending on what type of fishing you do.
This is the one I use on my 17’ skiff:
http://shop.carbonmarine.com/product.sc?productId=2
Also, be careful leaving your pole on your boat when parking it anywhere. I have had friends in Florida that have gotten them stolen. That’s not fun.
I have a 17 foot Sundance Flicker flats skiff. I bought the 21’ Stiffy composite push pole and have been very happy w it. It’s part carbon fiber and I have no complaints about weight. I’ve never used anything else so can’t compare. I read somewhere that you want the pole about 4’ longer than your boat and that seems to work well. Never felt like it was too long or too short. One time at a marina a lady passing by even commented “my you sure have a long pole there.” True story.
On the handle end it has a triangle w an opening. I use a cable lock to run through there and lock it to the bowl cleat on my boat while traveling with it in the pole holders.
Good stuff, thanks guys.
Carbon fiber poles are ideal but very expensive. Fiberglass is a good more affordable alternative. They aren’t exactly light but it’s better than a metal pole. I use a 20’ Stiffy Fiberglass. Also make sure it’s clipped in good… Mine flew off my boat a few weeks back at 50 miles an hour… Not fun. Didn’t notice it was gone until we got to our spot and were already fishing. Thankfully I have a white pole so it was easy to find. I don’t know if this is common sense but I would trailer your boat to wherever you are going to get your pole from and put the pole directly onto the boat. I made the mistake of purchasing a pole and then having to ride with half of it sticking out the back of the car.
I have one for sale in here: http://old.charlestonfishing.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=165253
All carbon fiber, not hybrid. Let me know if you’re interested. Thanks.