01.03.2024 10:05
Types of Material
Fishing push poles can be made of various materials, each with its own advantages and characteristics. Here are some common models of them.
Fiberglass Push Pole
Fiberglass is a popular choice for fishing push poles due to its saltwater corrosion resistance, strength, and lightweight nature. Fiberglass push poles are cost-efficient and provide good durability.
Carbon Fiber Push Pole
Carbon fiber push poles are known for their exceptional strength, stiffness, and low weight. They offer excellent performance in both shallow and deeper waters. Carbon fiber push poles can be more expensive but provide superior durability.
Aluminum Push Pole
Aluminum push poles are strong, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion. They are commonly used in saltwater environments due to their durability. Aluminum push poles offer great stability but are heavier compared to fiberglass and carbon fiber.
Composite Push Pole
Some push poles are made of composite materials that combine different materials to optimize their performance. For example, a pole might have an outer layer of fiberglass or carbon fiber for flexibility, while the core is made of another material for added rigidity.
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | Lightweight and easy to handle. Durable and resistant to corrosion. Flexible and can bend without breaking | Less rigid compared to other materials. Can be more expensive than other options. |
| Aluminum | Strong and sturdy Lightweight and easy to maneuver Corrosion-resistant Affordable | Can be less flexible than fiberglass May not be as durable as other materials |
| Carbon Fiber | Extremely lightweight Exceptional strength and stiffness Resistant to corrosion High-performance material | Expensive compared to other options More prone to damage if mishandled |
| Wood | Traditional and aesthetic appeal Durable and long-lasting when properly maintained Good grip and feel | Heavier compared to other materials Requires regular maintenance to prevent rot and warping |
| Hybrid (Composite) | Combines the benefits of different materials Can offer a balance of strength, durability, and flexibility Corrosion-resistant | Can be more expensive than single-material poles Quality may vary depending on the specific composite used |
Types of Push Poles for Different Types of Boats
Fishing push poles can be used on various types of boats, depending on the fishing technique and water conditions. Here are some common types of boats where fishing push poles are commonly used:- Small Boat Push Pole: Flats boats are specifically designed for shallow water fishing, often in coastal flats or backwaters. These boats have a flat bottom and a shallow draft, allowing anglers to navigate through skinny water. Fishing push poles are essential for poling these boats silently and maneuvering in shallow areas.
- Skiff Push Pole: Skiffs are versatile small boats that can be used for various fishing purposes. They are lightweight and often have a flat bottom or a tunnel hull design for enhanced stability in shallow waters. Push poles are commonly used on skiffs for sight casting and silently approaching fish in shallow flats.
- Canoe or Kayak Push Pole: Fishing kayaks and canoes offer an affordable and efficient way to access remote fishing spots. Anglers often use push poles on kayaks and canoes to quietly navigate through narrow channels and reach shallow areas where motorized boats cannot go.
- Jon Boat Push Pole: Jon boats are flat-bottomed, lightweight boats commonly used for freshwater fishing in shallow lakes, rivers, and ponds. Push poles can be used on jon boats to navigate through vegetation-rich areas and silently approach fish without disturbing the water.
- Paddleboard Push Pole: Paddleboards are designed specifically for shallow water fishing. These boats are propelled and maneuvered using a long push pole. Technical poling skiffs provide excellent visibility and allow anglers to silently stalk fish in extremely shallow waters.
Types of Waters Where Push Poles for Boats Can Be Used
- Shallow Water: They are particularly effective in shallow water environments. They are designed to navigate through grass flats, oyster bars, and other shallow areas where traditional propulsion methods may not be suitable.
- Saltwater Marshes: They are commonly used in saltwater marshes, which are characterized by shallow, muddy, or grassy areas. Anglers use these products to quietly navigate through these marshes and target fish species such as redfish, snook, and trout.
- Flats and Skinnies: They are essential tools for fishing in flats and skinnies, which are shallow areas with sandy or muddy bottoms. These areas are often home to various species like bonefish, permit, and tarpon, and using push poles allows anglers to stealthily approach these fish without spooking them.
- Mangroves and Estuaries: These devices are commonly employed in mangrove forests and estuaries, where there are intricate networks of roots and channels. Pushing through these areas enables anglers to access hidden pockets and target species such as snook, redfish, and juvenile tarpon.
- Freshwater Marshes and Grasslands: Push poles can also be used in freshwater environments, such as marshes and grasslands. These areas may contain submerged vegetation, lily pads, or shallow areas with dense cover. Pushing through these waters allows anglers to reach bass, pike, and other freshwater species.
| Type of Water | Recommended Push Pole |
|---|---|
| Shallow Flats | Fiberglass Push Pole or Carbon Fiber Push Pole |
| Marshes and Mangroves | Aluminum Push Pole or Hybrid (Composite) Push Pole |
| Weed-Infested Areas | Fiberglass Push Pole or Composite Push Pole |
| Narrow Channels and Creeks | Kayak/Canoe Push Pole or Aluminum Push Pole |
| Freshwater Lakes and Ponds | Jon Boat Push Pole or Hybrid (Composite) Push Pole |
3 Tips About How to Trailer Your Boat with a Fishing Kayak Push Pole Attached
There are three important factors that you have to remember when you're traveling with a push pole. One, you want the foot of your kayak push pole up there toward your tailgate on your truck because if you have the point up there and you make a hard right turn, or you back up and torque the boat around jackknifing it, trying to put it into a ramp or a parking space. You're going to drive the pointed end of your telescopic push pole into either your tail light or your tailgate and do a lot of damage. So always travel with the foot of the fiberglass push pole forward and the pointy end, the pointed part of the push pole, toward the back.The second thing that you need to do when you're traveling with a carbon marine push pole is you need to put a flag on the back of your push pole. You need to have it back there so anyone tailgating understands that there's an aluminum push pole that sticks out the back of your boat four or five feet. And two, you need to have it safety when you're parked in a marina parking lot, or you're outside a restaurant or a hotel, or wherever you're traveling because people will walk into your carbon fiber push pole if you don't have a red or an orange flag on the end of your fishing push pole toward the back of the boat.
Three, what I like to do is I like to have a couple of extra zip ties, and I like to fasten them to the actual kayak push pole holders on the boat and cinch them up so if I'm driving down a bumpy road like I'm out here right now on LA 23 in Louisiana, I'm not going to have the worry of bouncing my push pole out of the fiberglass push pole holders, and the thing hitting the ground and I lose it forever or break it.
Those are the three tips that will really help you travel safely when you've got a telescopic push pole attached to your boat. I hope this helps you the way it helps me and keeps us safe on the road.
Using Aluminum, Fiberglass or Carbon Push Pole for Shallow Water Fishing
When it comes inshore, shallow water fishing, knowing when to pole, or knowing when to troll, is very important. I like to use my troll motor as much as possible, in every situation, except for when I get into really shallow water, with high grass. I believe that you can use a trolling motor in any situation, and not spook the fish, but there are certain situations where you don't want to use a trolling motor, because you might tear up the grass. Turtle grass is one of the most important parts of the ecosystem.Inshore anglers need to be very careful in protecting the turtle grass, because that's really what keeps this whole place intact. By paying close attention to whether your trolling motor is hitting the bottom, or hitting the grass, you can adjust the motor to make sure that you're not hitting any grass, or tearing up any of the turtle grass, in any way. I use my trolling motor exclusively in any area where there's a flatter bottom, sand or rock, any kind of hard bottom that has enough depth, so my trolling motor blades don't hit the bottom. A trolling motors is totally quiet and won't spook the fish. This is even quieter than polling in those situations, because you don't have anything contacting the bottom, whatsoever. A push-pull in that situation is hitting the bottom, kicking up mud, or grinding across a hard bottom. That makes noise to the fish, and they can hear that from a long ways off.
Often we'll get great tailing action, bonefish, redfish, other fish that are up there, and it's so shallow that they're actually tailing into that turtle grass. This is the perfect time to use the carbon marine push pole. Using the aluminum push pole, you can get up and much shallower water, without tearing up any grass. You can glide across that grass, and make less noise than you would with your trolling motor actually hitting that grass. Then when you're finished fishing there, you can pole off the flat until you get deep enough water to use the trolling motor. Then take the boat even further off the flat, until you get in deep enough water to use the big motor, and then jump up on the plane.
Knowing how to use both a troll motor effectively, and a carbon fiber push pole, will give you the best advantage in each situation.
Push Poles Brands
The market is dominated by some manufacturers such as: Avery, Superstick, YakAttack, Greenlee, Banded Holdings.Telescopic Push Pole [Superstick]
Removable duck foot allows transforming into a paddle, gig, boat hook, net, boat brush, etc. Includes spike tip end cover and durable storage clips. Ultralight Super strong patented push pole with telescopic design allows the push pole to extend and lock in place between 6ft to 12ft weight including duck foot is only 3. 25 lbs.Fiberglass Push Pole [Banded Holdings]
Highest quality fiberglass. Durable model.Carbon Marine Push Pole [YakAttack]
Made from specially formed carbon and UV stabilized. Extremely durable model.FAQ
How do I choose the right push pole for my boat?
When choosing a push pole, consider factors such as the type of water you'll be navigating, the weight and size of your boat, and your personal preferences. Fiberglass push poles are lightweight and durable, while aluminum push poles offer strength and affordability. Carbon fiber push poles are lightweight and high-performance, but they can be more expensive. Composite push poles provide a balance of strength, durability, and flexibility.
Can I use a push pole for any type of boat?
Push poles are commonly used with flat-bottomed boats, skiffs, jon boats, and kayaks. Depending on the design and size of your boat, you may need to consider the length and material of the push pole to ensure optimal performance.
How do I use a boat push pole?
To use a boat push pole, simply grip the handle firmly and insert the pointed end into the water. Use your body weight and leverage to push the pole against the bottom of the water body, propelling the boat forward or changing its direction. Practice and experimentation will help you become more proficient in using a push pole effectively.
Can I use a boat push pole for poling and fishing simultaneously?
Yes, many anglers use a push pole to silently maneuver their boats while they fish. The push pole allows for precise control and positioning in shallow waters, making it an excellent tool for anglers targeting specific fish species.
How do I choose the right push pole for fishing?
When choosing a fishing push pole, consider factors such as the type of water you'll be fishing in, the weight and length of the pole, and your personal preferences. Fiberglass push poles are versatile and affordable options, while carbon fiber push poles offer high performance and durability. Aluminum push poles are lightweight and cost-effective. Consider the specific features that will best suit your fishing needs.
Can I use a kayak push pole for other types of boats?
Yes, a kayak push pole can be used for other small boats like canoes or stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). The lightweight and maneuverability of a kayak push pole make it suitable for various shallow-water vessels. However, ensure that the length and construction of the push pole are appropriate for the boat you intend to use.
Are telescopic push poles adjustable?
Yes, telescopic push poles are adjustable in length. They usually have multiple sections that can be extended or retracted to achieve the desired length. This adjustability allows anglers to adapt to different water depths and fishing conditions, providing versatility on the water.
Are fiberglass push poles flexible?
Fiberglass push poles have a certain degree of flexibility, making them resilient and able to bend without breaking under pressure. This flexibility allows for better control and maneuverability in shallow waters. However, compared to materials like carbon fiber, fiberglass push poles may be less rigid.
Are carbon marine push poles durable?
Yes, carbon marine push poles are highly durable. Carbon fiber is known for its strength and resistance to corrosion, making it an excellent material choice for fishing push poles. With proper care, carbon marine push poles can withstand the rigors of frequent use and provide long-lasting performance.
Comments to Review
Superstick Push Poles have some float-ability and they are made of aircraft-grade fiberglass and good for freshwater or saltwater. I have used these for years and have never had an issue. Remember to store it in a horizontal position or so the duck foot is somewhat facing downward. Overall – great model.