I can still remember the feelings I had when I purchased my first poling skiff, the excitement of being able to be on the water anytime I wanted and the adventures that were sure to come. On the other side of the excitement were plenty of nervous emotions as well. I had just spent a lot of money on a boat, and now I hoped and prayed everything would work fine and not break.
On top of that, I had a list of items I needed to buy before I could begin on these great fishing quests. First on the list was a push pole. The boat I had purchased did not come with one, and I couldn’t be the next Flip Pallot without a push pole, right? I got online and quickly learned that they come in a wide range of lengths, prices, and materials. Like a true pro, I purchased the cheapest one I could find. After a short period of time using it, I realized maybe I should have done more research. It would fill with water and become extremely heavy. On top of that, it was so flexible it could barely push my 16-foot boat forward.
Enough was enough, I needed a different pole. For a few evenings, I sat online and learned as much as I could about them, reading forums, reviews, and watching some YouTube videos of potential candidates. This time, I purchased one that was a lot more compatible with my skiff and the way I pushed the boat. If only I had taken some time at the beginning to do this I wouldn’t have had to buy another one.
Luckily, the new pole was a game changer! Poling became a lot more enjoyable, and I wasn’t getting home nearly as tired and beat up feeling. I was reminded of this memory a few days ago as I watched a small skiff leave the ramp with the same push pole as my original strapped to the side.
The Skiff Owner’s Guide to Push Poles: Tips and Top Recommendations
A push pole is one of the most important tools in a skiff. It can make or break the morale of the day and determine the places you can access. Picking the right one makes all the difference in your time on the water.
My rule of thumb? Get a push pole that’s at least three feet longer than your skiff. If you’re going to be poling more often than using a trolling motor, go with the longest push pole you can find.
To make the decision easier, here are my top three push poles and why they’re worth considering.
1. MHX Carbon Fiber Push Pole
If you’re a first-time skiff owner, the MHX Carbon Fiber Push Pole is a great place to start. You can find it online or at The Fly & Lure in West Ashley, Charleston. This pole comes in 19’, 21’, and 23’ lengths and is made of three pieces. While multi-piece poles sometimes get a bad reputation for separating or letting water in, I’ve had no issues with this one. I simply followed the direction when putting it together.
I’ve used it for over a year and a half and put it through its paces, poling over hard oyster beds, leaning my full weight on it, and staking out in strong currents. It performed flawlessly with no cracks or separation. Weighing under 5 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to handle. The grip texture is great, and it features a stainless steel tip on one end and a large foot on the other. Priced just over $500 for the 23’ model, this push pole is a great value for new skiff owners.
2. Stiffy Guide Series
The Stiffy Guide Series is a trusted name in the world of push poles and another solid option. These poles are made of 100% graphite fiber, making them both lightweight and tough. They have a textured grip that feels secure, even during long days on the water. Stiffy poles are available in both multi-piece and one-piece designs, with lengths ranging from 12’ to 24’.
What sets the Stiffy Guide Series apart is its durability and reputation for reliability. Whether you’re a seasoned guide or a newcomer, these poles perform well in shallow water and provide great control. Stiffy’s customer service is top-notch, so you can feel confident in your investment. For anglers looking for a dependable, long-lasting push pole, this series is a great choice.
3. Carbon Marine G3LR
The Carbon Marine G3LR is my current push pole and hands down my favorite. Built for durability and performance, this pole handles everything I throw at it. It’s available in both multi-piece and one-piece designs, with lengths ranging from 21’ to 24’. You can also customize the tip and foot style to fit your fishing needs.
Weighing just over 4 pounds for the 24’ version, the G3LR is one of the lightest push poles on the market. Despite its low weight, it’s incredibly strong and can handle heavy use in tough conditions. I’ve used it daily and never had a single issue with durability. Carbon Marine is known for producing high-quality fishing gear, and this push pole is no exception. While it’s an advanced pole best suited for experienced anglers, it’s worth every penny if you’re serious about fishing skinny water.
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