I have a 14’ Mckee Craft and I am looking to maybe do some shallow water fishing. I know that the boat is heavy and I can’t get way back into the shallows, but what size push poll should I be looking at for my boat for this application?
Pole should be at least 3 feet longer than the boat. Around 18 ft. should work just fine.
I have a nice, barely used Pole Cat fiberglass push pole, about 18 ft. long. I am selling it for $100.00. Im in Goose Creek
sportfish101@gmail.com if your interested.
The length of the boat has nothing to do with the length of the pole. The height of your poling platform above the surface of the water and the depth you intend to pole is what matters more. From a regular flats boat platform, 20’ or 21’ is about right for most of the areas you will need to pole around here. Generally, longer is better until it gets so long it’s cumbersome and that depends on the weight. If you get a graphite or good lightweight composite, go with a 21’.
I agree with you that the height of the platform to the water is very important as well as the depth of the water you will be poling most often,and the longer the pole the better, however, being able to transport your pole is a very important consideration also. Most poles break at the dock or transporting. I don’t believe the 14 foot boat that he mentioned has a 150 HP on the back or a 40 inch platform for that matter. 21 feet for him is unnecessary, cost to much and he won’t be able to transport it! Could you imagine a 14 foot boat with a 21 ft pole going down the road. Kinda foolish! Just saying.
As far as material of the pole. Fiber glass is the strongest and most forgiving, however, can be very heavy. Graphite is the lightest, cost the most but can break quicker. Go with a hybrid, it gives you the best of both and alittle cheaper.
I have a 21 foot pole for my 15 foot boat.
I also have a 21ft bamboo push pole on a 14ft jon boat.