How To Push Pole In Your Kayak Or Paddleboard (The Easy Way)
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
- Found In: Fishing Tips, Kayak Fishing, SUP Fishing, Weekly Newsletter: 6-28-20
Push poling the flats is a great way to find fish, but it can be a little tricky if you’re on a kayak or paddleboard.
You don’t have the stability or space of a boat, and it can be difficult to maneuver the pole from the middle of your vessel.
However, kayaks and paddleboards are much more stealthy than a boat, which is a huge asset when you’re trying to sneak up on a fish.
In this video, you’re going to learn five tips to help make push poling a paddle craft easier.
These tips will help you:
- Get to your rod quickly (without taking your eyes off of the fish) when you’re poling
- Be quieter as you pole, so you can sneak up on fish better
- Keep your kayak moving in a straight line (without zigzagging)
- And much more
Plus, I’ll also share with you the pole that I use and like that also doubles as a stick anchor.
Check out the video below.
Tips For Push Poling In A Kayak [VIDEO]
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Before we get into the tips for how to make push poling in your kayak easy, I just wanted to share a little bit about the pole that I have (I’m not sponsored, I just like this pole and it’s very easy to use).
I have the YakAttack ParkNPole Link, which works as both a push pole and a stick anchor and can go from 8′ to 12′.
I prefer the 12′ pole because you can get a better push and cover more water.
Alright, now here are five tips to make push poling with your kayak or paddleboard easier.
Tip #1: Install a bungee cord on the front of your vessel and wear a paddle holster.
This will make it easy to quickly put up your pole and grab your rod if you see a fish.
Tip #2: Don’t bang the pole on the side of your kayak.
The noise will spook off the fish.
Tip #3: Keep the rudder locked in the straight position so you move in a straight line.
If you don’t have a rudder, you may find yourself zigzagging as you pole, so I definitely recommend getting one.
Tip #4: If the bottom is soft, pull yourself instead of pushing yourself
You can put the pole ahead of you, pull yourself forward, and then twist the pole out of the bottom if it’s getting stuck in soft mud.
Tip #5: Use both ends of the push pole.
To stay moving straight, and to make sure you don’t knock the pole into your yak or rod, use both ends of the pole to propel yourself through the water.
Conclusion
Push poling the flats is a great way to look for fish like snook, trout, and redfish.
And although it can be a little difficult in your kayak, if you follow the tips above it will be much easier for you.
Have any questions about push poling from a paddle craft?
Or have any other tips that I missed?
Let us know in the comments below!
And please TAG or SHARE this with your paddle buddies!
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STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Where do I get a paddle holster like that, and from what company?
Hey Ryan!
I made this one myself with some pvc pipe and an old belt:
https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/diy-paddle-push-pole-holster/
Looking to buy a push pole? I am fairly sure I can buy a line of cocaine cheaper than these push poles. Do they come filled with cocaine? I am fishing off a Sea Doo Fish Pro Trophy. So I figure, 18-21’ is what I want. Telescopic pole would be nice.
They are definitely pricey! You could probably get away with using a telescopic pole that people use to clean pools with.
I have a sit in kayak I know you get more momentum standing have you tried it sitting?
You would be better off just using the paddle if sitting. It can be a little too cumbersome if sitting down unless you use a shorter pole just to push off quickly.
Hey Tony. Was looking for the Yakattack push pole but they are difficult to find. Have you tried the the telescoping SuperStick 6-12?
Hey Bill!
Thats a great choice as well. A bit heavier than the yakattack pole though, but it’s nice to be able to adjust the length quickly with it being a telescoping pole. My buddy uses the larger one on his gheenoe.
Thanks Tony. I never leave without my Stick it pin. Will give this a go.
No problem J.T.!
Can’t see packing a separate push pole when my paddle serves as both a paddle and push pole.
My paddle is starting to bend and flex a lot more than I feel comfortable with, so I’ve been using the push pole recently, so I’m not stuck up the creek without a paddle 😉
I understand, Tony. Most of the lighter paddles recommended nowadays probably don’t make good push poles. I fish out of a Wavewalk Kayak using the 9 foot super sturdy Wavewalk paddle. It weighs more than most paddles, but I don’t really have a problem with that, as I can push through mud and over oyster bars with no fear of it breaking – been doing it for many years.
Can’t help but notice overtime in your videos you’ve used a variety of finger less gloves. Care to share what you’ve come to like?
Hey Art!
I really just buy whatever I can that fits. I recently just found some Buff gloves at Bealls Outlet for $15 that retail for $30. Gloves tend to get beat up pretty quickly as much as I use them so if I see some I’ll pick them up.
Here are the ones I am using in this video from Academy Sports and Outdoors:
https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/cordova-consumer-products-half-finger-guide-gloves
The others you may have seen are made by Buff:
https://www.amazon.com/BUFF-Unisex-Eclipse-Gloves-West/dp/B075MGGBLG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3T60PG623GKM1&dchild=1&keywords=buff+eclipse+gloves&qid=1593353329&sprefix=buff+eclipse+gloves%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-1
Thanks. Am going to give the Academy pair a shot. This is an apparel item you all (SS) might consider featuring with a SS brand if you can find a product you like. Everyone could use a pair, if not two, for sun protection. Just a thought..,