I'd like to get a stake out pole but I'm not sure what length to get... Do many of you use them to also pole the kayaks? I'm guessing something that only 6' wont work for that... What lengths and brand stake out poles does everyone use?

I use a home made one - 8 feet because I like to stand up and pole with it.

A bit heavy but here is how you make it.....

www.abadbackcast.com/2010/10/11/the-stake-out/

i use a 12 ft. pole, a little long i know but it is what works for me, i made mine, i was able to get ahold of an inch and a quarter inside diameter fiberglass pipe, took a plumb bob, (15 bucks at a local hardware store) take some 150lb braid and attach it to the p.b. use some epoxy to fill the void in the p.b.. run the line through the pipe. take a plumbing T and find a wooden dowl that will fit into the T. drill a hole into the top of the dowl so the braid can thread thru it. glue the p.b. to one end then thread the briad thru the T and tie off to the dowl, glue the t to the pipe and slide the dowl into the t, then rotate the dowl to add tension to the braid then add some epoxy (5 minute works great) let dry then add any addornment you would like. oh i use some of that rhino lining to coat the ends, it helps to make them quieter. the t end makes a great foot for poling around. i will be making a few of these here in the coming months(ie spring boondagle prizes )

I just got the YakAttack ParkNPole the other week. I'll have a full review here shortly after it gets put through it's paces. On initial use I wish it was 4 feet longer, for easy polling. More to come...

So alot of you guys just make em... I'm lazy. Anyone else have any store bought one's you would recommend?

I purchased two...One is from a local shop that carries these...www.stickitanchorpins.com/...about $55 for a 5.5 ft one they make a 7 ft for $75 but I thought it would be two long.

I also got one from www.palmettokayakfishing.com/fiberglasssop.html a 5 ft stakeout pole for $40.

Both are solid fiberglass.

I have a five footer I use in shallow areas of lakes to hold position.

I also have a 3 foot "River Stick" for us in shallow river areas.. .kind of like a parking break..it just finds a crack in the river rock

Both were made by Palmetto Kayak Fishing, LLC. The "River Stick" is a prototype that PKF made for me but I believe Paul will make them on request.

I have had no problems with these poles and prefer them because of there weight/density.

Next trip out i'm going too give a pole a try,looks like it will work better than a drag chain which i have 2 of & don't use at all.

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Which pole do you like best? They both look good.

I use the 7' stick it pin and I wouldn't leave with out it. The diameter is small enough that it will hold even in strong current. I like the longer for the obvious plus you can started at a lower tide and not have to worry as the flood rises. Just recently got the park and pole from Yak Attack but have yet a chance to try it. I'm sure like even thing else that comes from them that it will be a great anchor pin.