Hold My Pole FAQs
Information about our push poles and anchor brackets

» How does a fiberglass pole hold that much weight without breaking?
» How does your product stand against the Power-Pole?
» What about windy or really choppy days?
» I don't have a push pole platform, so I really don't want to lug a 20' push pole around.
» How well does the push pole holder work?

How does a fiberglass pole hold that much weight without breaking?
It is important to know you should not use the bracket to stop your boats momentum. The theory is simple. With my system, you should have your push pole out moving into your spot quietly. You will simply use your pole to stop the boat, and then put it in the bracket and push it into the sandy, muddy, or grassy bottom. This is the same principle that the Power-Pole uses. There are a variety of push poles and flats/bay boats on the market. You need to test the capabilities of both.

How does your product stand against the Power-Pole?
My product has no relation to Power-Pole. I designed this bracket several years ago for me. I always used a push pole on my Maverick boat. When I went away from a platform and to a tower, I stopped using a push pole. I then went to the Power-Pole. That was short lived. I spent over $4000 for my trolling motors and Power-pole, and I had more struggle just getting everything to work out for positioning my boat. I also learned that trolling motors cause more havoc in the water, as I viewed it from my tower. Trolling motors cause a significant vibration on the flats that tend to spook fish. Push poles are by far the quiet way to go. I went back to using a push pole. If an angler does not like using a push pole, then I recommend a Power-pole.

What about windy or really choppy days?
I do not recommend using the bracket in a strong wind or in rough water. One thing most people forget is we inshore anglers have the ability to place our boat away from these conditions. I fish in areas that take me out of the wind and rough water; otherwise it would not be enjoyable. I suggest finding a nice spot around some mangroves or in a canal on those bad days. Now I will offer another useful scenario, if you really want to fish these conditions. You can use this on good days also. Find a nice sand hole, dock, mangrove and use your traditional anchor. The back of your boat will generally be centered on this spot. Fish it like you normally would. I can't count how many times I see fish breaking on the left or right of me, especially on docks, out of my reach. Instead of pulling anchor and firing up the motor, use your pole to push the back of the boat left or right and anchor off with the pole. This dual anchor capability will allow for you to work a wider area, or multiple sides of a structure quietly. I have had a lot of success with this method.

I don't have a push pole platform, so I really don't want to lug a 20' push pole around.
20' push pole were designed for flats boat with the rear platforms. This is why I started my own line of push poles. In most cases an 8'-12' pole is ideal. A 10' pole is perfect for most boats. In many cases the shorter poles can be stowed in a rod locker or under a gunnel. I use a 10' pole for my 26' tower boat. I only use my pole to push short distances and make adjustments throughout the day.

How well does the push pole holder work?
I designed the holder to be the least obstructive way of storing a push pole quickly. If you shop for a push pole holder, you will soon find out the holder is mounted in an area that will be in your way when not used. These quick stow brackets also cost around $80-$120. Finally those brackets position your pole to drag behind your boat and essentially is a pain to work around. I had one of these on my Maverick. My holder tube allows for an upright stow, in most cases you can place your pole in the holder and drive the boat normally. I have run my boat in this way with up to a 20' pole. This does not eliminate the need for your deck clips or other standard long term storage. If I know I will be using my pole, I will then place it in the bracket holder and drive to my spot. If you have a platform, most anglers add a single deck clip to the side of the platform to minimize a longer poles tendency to shake. This is not a problem for 14' or shorter poles.