I live in Mount Pleasant and recently purchased a used 19ft tidewater bay boat. I am having a difficult time adjusting to fishing out of it though considering I am mostly used to fishing out of my kayak. I predominately am inshore fishing for reds and trout and have quickly learned that anchoring up is a nightmare in my opinion. Takes forever and is very difficult to do and not ruin the spot you are trying to fish. Maybe I’m just too impatient and not practiced enough at anchoring yet. However, it seems to me I need to find another solution if I am wanting to be able to bounce around to different spots with relative ease. I have asked around about both trolling motors (specifically the minn kota with i-pilot anchoring) and power poles. Everyone seems to have differing opinions. My first thought was that I would get more out of a trolling motor than a power pole since it would allow me to “anchor” up in water deeper than about 10 ft (maybe even at the jetties on a calm day) and allow me to troll banks. However, it seems alot of people prefer power poles. But I also rarely meet people that have power poles and not also a trolling motor so maybe they are spoiled by having both. I realize one disadvantage with a trolling motor is that it may be a more complicated system where more things can go wrong over time requiring maintenance. It also sounds like cost would be about the same for either from what I can tell. Another thought I had was to try just buying a fiberglass stakeout pole to tie off to but was wondering if doing this is harder than it sounds. For example, are you able to push down into oysters which are often present around any decent spot. Anyways, any advice based on experience with the two would be greatly appreciated.
As you alluded to, I believe you would get more versatility out of the trolling motor. Plus the ipilot can memorize tracks so you can, hands off, fish a long bank instead of an individual bank. Of course you’ll have the batteries to contend with, especially in a 19ft boat I would presume you would need a 24v motor.
They each have their pros and cons. I had a 6ft power pole which was great for quietly anchoring and staying on a school, but I was limited to about 5.5tt. My tiller steer trolling motor was awesome for working new areas and finding fish, but a hassle to stay on a bite…especially in wind or deeper water. I often wished I had bought the ipilot
The biggest concern I would think with the trolling motor would be the noise. Has anyone noticed the noise of the motor scarring off reds? I’ve heard some people say this is an issue and some say they’ve never noticed it being an issue. Obviously I realize if you get close enough with anything it will spook them but can you get close enough to cast to reds with the motor not spooking them?
I think trolling motor will give you the best all around use. Then get a stake out pole for when in shallow water and want to fish that spot a while and save on the batteries or motor noise.
quote:
I think trolling motor will give you the best all around use. Then get a stake out pole for when in shallow water and want to fish that spot a while and save on the batteries or motor noise.
I agree. Power poles were great, until the IPilot was invented. It about made them obsolete.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Swamp Worshiper
I have the Minn Kota Riptide Ipilot. Works well but you definitely need to go with 24 volt. I have 12 volt and it’s tough with the tide and wind some days to hold position. If you go the trolling motor route, you’ll also want to get an onboard charger for the batteries so you can just plug them up and they’ll be ready for your next trip out.
ST 80 Ipilot, done deal. Wouldn’t own a fishing boat without one.
“Wailord”
1979 17’ Montauk
90 Johnson
Wilderness Ride 115
Kill the trolling motor “noise” with this:
http://thmarine.com/g-force-eliminatortm-trolling-motor-prop-nut.html
Fishing the beaches, Bays & Ocean of Wildwood/Cape May, NJ
Soon a resident of Georgetown, SC
both is optimal
if picking just one, ipilot
www.teamcharlestonmarine.com
www.joinrfa.org
IF I RESPOND IN ALL CAPS, ITS NOT ON PURPOSE, AND I AM NOT YELLING
quote:
Originally posted by GeronimoST 80 Ipilot, done deal. Wouldn’t own a fishing boat without one.
“Wailord”
1979 17’ Montauk
90 JohnsonWilderness Ride 115
What he said. Got it. Love it.
Both. In 3-7ft water, wanting to sit and work some structure for a while, the PP is also priceless.
Get both. If you cant afford it, skimp on your wife-girlfriend- and children, then get both!
Once you have both, you’ll understand it. Sorta like an autopilot offshore- once you have it, you wonder how you were happy without it.
Thanks for all the advice. I appreciate it. Sounds like most people agree with my original thought. Just was wanting tO check if the i pilot was able to hold you still in Charleston waters. Is installing a trolling motor something I should look into doing myself or have a shop install. Typically I shy away from anything involving wiring and electrical. Any recommendations on places to install and8 where to get a good deal on a trolling motor.
I love my power poles but for that boat, iPilot would be my first choice.
Call ChrisV for a price. I believe he is an authorized dealer and a CF sponsor.