Back in the day, staying put on a productive inshore spot meant quietly slipping an anchor overboard to secure the boat. Or impaling into the bottom a push pole tied with a line to the boat. Either way, a clanging anchor chain against the hull, or the crunching noise of the push pole into a shell bottom could send the fish scattering.
Now there is a nearly foolproof solution. Shallow water anchor systems make the jog easy with the touch of a finger to a key fob worn around the neck. The mainstay brands are the Power-Pole and Minn Kota Talon.
No matter the choice, there is more to these revolutionary accessories than keeping the boat in place. When used properly, shallow water anchor systems can provide a strategic advantage that puts more game fish on your line.
How they work
The systems use a hinged lightweight metal arm that extends down and away from the transom. A hydraulic pump drives a integrated fiberglass spike into the bottom to hold the boat in place. You deploy and raise the anchor system using a key fob worn on a lanyard around the neck.
Rigging upright
Shallow water anchor systems have been around long enough that design and manufacturing refinements continue adding more options. Those provide anglers with even more opportunities to choose the right system to match their angling style and conditions.
Power-Pole currently offers five models with the Blade Edition among the most popular in use by saltwater anglers. The model is available in 8- and 10-foot versions and features C-Monster 2.0 technology. The smart phone app integrates features in the Power-Pole anchor so you can fine-tune your boat for specific fishing conditions.
a light breeze.
The Minn Kota Talon has anchor options covering 8, 10, 12 and 15 feet. The pivoting design is a unique Quick Release Bracket that enables up and down adjustment, 30 degrees of pivoting and easy removal of the Talon.
There are six control options for deploying, adjusting and raising the system. That’s a big plus for a center console rig with multiple anglers on board. The captain can adjust the system from anywhere in the boat. The Talon control panel, standard remote fob, wireless foot switch, i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link remote, the mobile app or a Humminbird fish finder will all control the system.
Stealth tactics
For skittish fish, on the flats, the systems allow for immediate deployment within seconds. That’s an advantage when sight fishing. There’s no more drifting, and you can lock down on spot. That can be a huge plus on a windy day. You can keep the boat from drifting off the productive area.
The bottom line is when opportunity knocks you can keep the boat in place at the moment’s notice. A shallow water anchor system allows you to be in place before the fish are aware of your presence, which will mean more casts, sooner and more efficiently.
A top choice for fishing in shallow water is the JVX Series by Carolina Skiff. A lightweight hull and modified V-hull design combine for a boat that will carry more, go further and faster with less horsepower.
You get excellent maneuverability and handling with the positive tracking keels. Patented splash guards provide the smooth, dry ride that Carolina Skiff has been known for after 30 years and counting in the business.
Fishermen have plenty of options from which to choose from the JVX Series. Those are a center console, side console and the SS Series, the king of versatility in skiffs. The SS is available in three different sizes (16, 18 and 20 footers) with two different control points. Those include a stick steering bracket for the greater visibility when running over extremely shallow water.
Nine different models are in the JVX Series lineup, and you can customize the rig to fit angling needs.
See the full line of Carolina Skiff and Sea Chaser boats at carolinaskiff.com. With 60 different options and models, you can use the Build A Boatfeature. On the website, you can find a dealer, request a catalog and more. Check out the loyal following of Carolina Skiff fans and owners on Facebook.
Original Source: Sportsmans Lifestyle.com
