Are they worth it?

[RSteed]

My 18TrX should be here in a couple weeks. I’m new to power poles etc.
What do you guys recommend. Are they worth the investment. How
do you use them? I’m guessing they are basically a shallow water
anchor. Any advice is helpful.
Thanks

[ch]

Yes they are shallow water anchors. I use mine in up to about 4’ then spotlock for anything deeper. I mainly use mine when either at the dock (if shallow enough) or beached after I’ve unloaded off the trailer or goin to get the truck and trailer to load up.

[mactlman]

did you get a ghost or ultrex? would try spot lock then add poles if needed.

[RSteed]

did you get a ghost or ultrex? would try spot lock then add poles if needed.

I got the Edge that comes with boat. Probably will upgrade at some point.

[Rangerboy34]

I fish a lot of shallow water, so to me they're worth it. I've got 8' Blades that will anchor in up to about 6.5' anything deeper I'll use anchor lock on my Ghost. Quite a few lakes in my area have a lot of stumps and standing timber up shallow too along with a lot of vegetation and mucky bottoms so using anchor lock in shallow water can lead to inadvertently blowing an area out or end up running you into a stump you can't see so the Power Poles are a better option for me to stay stealthy.

[77mmbass]

I have a similar question as the OP. Don't want to be redundant and start a new thread.

There's a used Minn Kota Talon 12 with tilt bracket for sale here locally. @ $1200
I have a 2004 Tracker PT175 and I am going to upgrade the trolling motor to an Ultrex 80.
With the features of the Ultrex, how much more beneficial is adding a Talon? Is spot lock good enough?
We fish water that is around 4 to 15ft deep.

Is adding a Talon putting too much crap to put on that boat?

[Skeeter Man]

Shallow water anchors are absolutely worth it you’re fishing a lot of water 8’ or less. In shallow water, better than spot lock and saves tm battery.

[Rangerdeepv]

Absolutely worth it for me. Launching and loading boat alone makes is so much easier with the poles.

[77mmbass]

I looked at the Talon today. It looks brand new. really thinking about pulling the trigger. He dropped it to 900

[Skeeter Man]

See if you can find out how much it weighs. I think they run heavier than power poles.

[77mmbass]

It's 47lbs with all the brackets

[KandKKustomz]

we would be happy to go over options as well as pricing There is no better time to buy then now!! Some popular models are 20% off at Kandkkustomz.com. I would recommend either the sportsman II or the Pro II both sale priced.

[bassfisher444]

Yes well worth it, spot lock is not a replacement for power poles not are power poles a replacement for spot lock, they are different tools for different purposes.

[06 SB]

It truly is a personal decision based on how you fish. For me, a GPS trolling motor is waaaaay more important. I fish offshore humps a lot so it is crucial for me to be able to spot lock and just fish rather than fighting a TM pedal and fishing. I also tend to keep moving if fishing a shoreline so I use follow the contour or course a lot…again a function of a GPS trolling motor.

I have had PPs in the past and will again but they are a nice accessory but not a requirement for me. I personally would upgrade the TM long before even considering any type of shallow water anchor.

[77mmbass]

The TM upgrade is on the way.

The Talon just popped up locally for sale -used- and thought for the condition it's in and price he wants, it may be a smart pick up.

[MichiDan]

I see this thread is a few months old but I will echo what a few other have said. I initially started with a single 10' raptor which worked really well. You just have to accept that with one you will spin around in the wind and current. Account for that when you're pulling up to the spot you're targeting and you get used to it pretty quick. I since sold the single 10 and moved to dual 8' raptors. So long as I have the option I will never go without raptors/PP again, and duals at that. Spot lock/anchor lock is absolutely invaluable but there are times when the SWAs are hands down the way to go. And one more BIG consideration is the convenience of launching and loading if you are by yourself a lot - which I almost always am. Just position the boat where you want it and drop the poles.

To anyone mulling it over, go with both if you can swing it. The expense is definitely a consideration so start with one and upgrade as you go if need be. You won't regret it. Personally I would start with a good spot lock TM and add poles from there just because you can use the spot lock in so many more situations. Add one or both poles after that and enjoy.

[KennyVexus]

I have both and want it that way for ever now. But if I had to throw one overboard it would be my wife.

[slipknobber bot]

Yes, they are worth it, period.

[Rudeman]

I have an Ultrex and PowerPoles. I use my PowerPoles in shallow, 8 feet or less, and Spot Lock for deeper water. It's always better to be as stealthy as possible and those PowerPoles are perfect for that.