Kayak Anchor vs Stake-Out Pole!

.

If you do any fishing from your kayak there are a number of situations where you are going to need a way to hold a constant position to be able to fish effectively, particularly if you are a bait fishermen.                                        

Also, given the light nature of a kayak and the ease with which it moves through the water, they are susceptible to being moved by the lightest of wind. If you are in shallow water, say 3.5' or less you could pin yourself to the bottom with a stake-out pole or even use the stake pole, anchor style with a tether attaching it to your yak. However, if the water is much deeper than that you are going to need a regular anchor 

There are a couple different styles of anchors that are most suited for a Kayak, the mushroom type (abv. right) and the folding grapnel style such as the Attwood model (pictured below) which comes in 3lb. and 5lb.  weights.

 



 

I personally like and use the fold-up style anchor.

The folding grapnel design stays folded and locked up until you are ready to deploy it. The grapnel design when deployed holds well in a variety of bottom conditions. This anchor also has a heavy, hot dipped galvanizing and I use mine in the saltwater more often than not. It still looks like the day I bought it.

A stake-out pole can be made from a variety of items. Even an old wooden broom handle that has a sharpened end will work. Install it through one of your scupper holes and you can pin yourself to the bottom in a variety of situations. The only problem with the broom handle is the large diameter. It is more difficult to press into the bottom compared to a smaller diameter rod style. If you can't push the pole in far enough it will be sticking up in your way while you are trying to fish.

If you are not so handy or don't want to bother with building your own, there are a variety of Stake-out poles manufactured for just this purpose. There are several poles shown below and you can follow the link to Amazon for more information and buyer reviews.

Being able to hold your kayaks position is important for many fishing situations. Unless you only do a certain type of fishing you should have access to both an anchor and a Stake-Out Pole.

Being prepared for any situation that presents itself is a key to success on the water!

Tight lines,
Larry S.