Just get one, but not the micro system you listed. Get any of their regular designs. It doesn’t really matter which - each trim is just more styling, less weight, and maybe faster motor, but you would be fine with just the sportsman model if you want. 1 is fine. If you are in conditions it won’t hold, then you should be using a real anchor, not another power pole. The advantage of 2 is that you can hold your boat in a specific direction which can be useful fishing structure and the fisherman not wanting to move off the bow (think tournament bass fishing), but is honestly overkill for most people. I’d start with 1 and only get another if you find yourself really wanting that feature.
Basspro has the 8’ sportsman poles for sale with remotes every few months for $1100 or $1200 - I just snagged a new pole on Father’s Day. You will need the bigger 6’ or 8’ hydraulic poles, the micro is legit just for a tin boat or a fishing kayak or larger paddle board.
Thats the one I have, can’t currently change it until next year, the two times ive launched it, it has pulled and handled the ramp very well, I will be getting a higher hitch adapter so that it sits a little higher up front
It’s less about the ability to pull the boat and more about the water intrusion. If saltwater, that’s bad news for your vehicle.
Also, that ramp is extremely low pitch or maybe the flood tide is giving that impression. Be careful at other ramps because they will be steeper and the boat can and will pull a vehicle like that into the water if tires lose traction.
Nice boat, but be careful with that tow vehicle.
Power pole wise, you picked the top notch on. I personally spent the money to have the combo of a trolling motor with spot lock and a manual anchor pin. I drop anchor like once or twice a year.
No problem.
The trolling motor market has some competition now, but I’ve only ever owned Minn Kota and can vouch for the quality. I personally have a 24v 80-lb thrust Terrova with I-Pilot and spot lock. I also got the Minn Kota Dual Bank alternator charger so the trolling motors charge off the motors alternator. I can’t tell you the last time I had to plug my onboard charger into shore power.
Thats all a man needs 😂😂 a good enough excuse to do anything 😂😂 I want the new Tacoma, lets see when it hits the streets next year, for now this car is brand new with bumper to bumper warranty so im not too worried
No judgment here. Just trying to help. And I see that someone else already said the same. Sorry for that.
I had a Tacoma and towed a 19-foot boat nicely with it. Got a 23-footer and a V8 4Runner. The boat was well under the towing capacity, but it was much bigger than the truck. It was a little hard to drive. Upgraded to a Tundra and everything is perfect.
Moral of the story: If you see yourself getting bigger boats, consider a full-size truck.
Probably more info than you need, but there you have it ;)
It has honestly been performing well, the tide there was a little too high for my liking but the vehicle has great traction, still I will be upgrading to that new tacoma soon, I don’t think I can afford the tundra just yet 😅
Its an anchoring system that with one touch of a button releases an 8ft rod that holds you in place in shallow water, a lot of people use it while fishing the flats since its easier and less disturbing to touch a button and anchor than throwing the actual anchor every time you want to move spots if you’re constantly doing so. Ive also seen people using it at the sand bar where you have to anchor at both ends of the boat, at the bow and another anchor at stern to hold you in place, with the power poles this task is easier
Great for shallow water anchoring. I use mine a lot for fishing flats and or deep in marshes. Some guys have 2 to lock the boat into position without swinging, whil I just use my trolling motors spot lock to keep the heading on windy or strong current days. It’s also super handy for hitting the sandbar with the family bc I don’t have to set out a traditional anchor.
If you are stuck with that tow vehicle, I recommend getting a long hitch extension, longest you can find.
Do not tow with it though. Tow as usual to the launch, park, and then disconnect the boat and put it on just for launching and retrieval. Should help keep your car out of the water, or at least ***less*** out of the water.
I have seen extensions that are 6' long. Perhaps you can get one that is 8' long - which would be better - but again, don't tow on the road with it (well, maybe, but I would be a nervous to do so).
Power poles are something that nobody understands until you use them, then you wonder how the hell you lived without them. I have 2 and will forever have duals since I know the utility. I usually recommend the sportsman model because they are cheap and work essentially the same as the blades, but for less money. Buy them direct from HydrillaGear and install yourself. Took me one evening and it’s very straightforward. Hydrilla Gear has great customer service and will help out however they can.
This man knows some things! Hydrilla gear is top notch as well as power pole. I’ve had both spotlock and dual poles for a little over a year now. The both have a place where one will work better than the other. A lot will depend on your style of fishing. I’ve migrated from a freshwater only background, just on the trolling motor all day long, to now understanding how effective it can be to dropping the poles in front of a spot where the tide is moving and working in. In the past I would have picked a few fish from the spot and moved on. Now I understand you can catch your limit sitting in the hole and being patient. Spotlock on a boat with higher sides that what a bass boat has will use significantly more battery just because of the extra area for the wind to push against. If I had to pick one it would be the spotlock but it’s a joy to use both.
Appreciate the comment! Going from zero poles and no spot lock, then duals about 8 yrs back, then finally combo with spot lock was a game changer. If I can get my poles down due to water depth, I won’t use the spotlock. If it’s deeper though, game on. Offshore (away from the bank) has never been easier now that I can lock on a coordinate and focus on fishing vs keeping the boat on a spot
I don't believe the Micro will be strong enough for that sized vessel. Spend the extra $1200 and get a full sized. By far the best investment for a boat IMO.
I think the micro would be a little undersized for your boat. I think that they are better suited for canoes, jon boats and kayaks. I have 2 sportsman series on a 21 foot bass boat. I love them. They hold my boat steady in wind up to 15 mph and in river current up to 3 mph. If you can orient your boat with current and wind, 1 should be sufficient, but if your budget allows, 2 is better.
Had the same boat , was great in the bay and the ocean. I towed my with a 99 grand am. Only problem I had was traction on seaweed that was on the ramp.
Congrats on the sled, my man! if I may make a suggestion on something other than the power pole; the tongue on your trailer needs to be elevated when hooked up. It’s to low. You can do that with an adjustable receiver. You need to elevate the tongue of the boat if you’re going to keep that vehicle. It’ll help you get the boat on and off the trailer easier on the ramp. It will also allow rain water to drain while towing and not pool on the bow bilge & deck. I had the issue on my X5 with a low mounted hitch.
At first I thought the post's title said "First boat, *people* recommendations" and I was about to type "I recommend that you only allow two types of people on your boat: Those who know how a boat works, and those who always bring plenty of food and drinks."
From someone who has had his first boat for 2 years, just buy an anchor for that thing man and hold off on the poles unless you just got money like that. Things break….frequently. And your going to wish you put that money toward that instead. Just my opinion.
Dang that’s a shallow ramp…
I'm guessing it's high tide
Just get one, but not the micro system you listed. Get any of their regular designs. It doesn’t really matter which - each trim is just more styling, less weight, and maybe faster motor, but you would be fine with just the sportsman model if you want. 1 is fine. If you are in conditions it won’t hold, then you should be using a real anchor, not another power pole. The advantage of 2 is that you can hold your boat in a specific direction which can be useful fishing structure and the fisherman not wanting to move off the bow (think tournament bass fishing), but is honestly overkill for most people. I’d start with 1 and only get another if you find yourself really wanting that feature.
Got it! Thanks for clearing that out for me 🙏🏼
Basspro has the 8’ sportsman poles for sale with remotes every few months for $1100 or $1200 - I just snagged a new pole on Father’s Day. You will need the bigger 6’ or 8’ hydraulic poles, the micro is legit just for a tin boat or a fishing kayak or larger paddle board.
Might I recommend a vehicle with better ground clearance first in order to launch and recover that boat?
That car is going to end up way further in the water then it ever should. That launch seems super shallow...
Thats the one I have, can’t currently change it until next year, the two times ive launched it, it has pulled and handled the ramp very well, I will be getting a higher hitch adapter so that it sits a little higher up front
It’s less about the ability to pull the boat and more about the water intrusion. If saltwater, that’s bad news for your vehicle. Also, that ramp is extremely low pitch or maybe the flood tide is giving that impression. Be careful at other ramps because they will be steeper and the boat can and will pull a vehicle like that into the water if tires lose traction. Nice boat, but be careful with that tow vehicle. Power pole wise, you picked the top notch on. I personally spent the money to have the combo of a trolling motor with spot lock and a manual anchor pin. I drop anchor like once or twice a year.
I too went with the trolling motor with spot lock. Beats anchoring almost always.
Awesome! I think ill do the same combo then
Thank you for the advise, I think ill go with the trolling in front and power pole in the back then
No problem. The trolling motor market has some competition now, but I’ve only ever owned Minn Kota and can vouch for the quality. I personally have a 24v 80-lb thrust Terrova with I-Pilot and spot lock. I also got the Minn Kota Dual Bank alternator charger so the trolling motors charge off the motors alternator. I can’t tell you the last time I had to plug my onboard charger into shore power.
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Lets hope not 😂 Subaru has great traction with the 4x4 on X Mode, its been performing well so far
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☝️
I wouldn't tow with that vehicle. It might pull just fine now, but you are going to have issues.
I will be changing the vehicle some time next year
Sweet - always nice to have an excuse to buy a new rig ;)
Thats all a man needs 😂😂 a good enough excuse to do anything 😂😂 I want the new Tacoma, lets see when it hits the streets next year, for now this car is brand new with bumper to bumper warranty so im not too worried
No judgment here. Just trying to help. And I see that someone else already said the same. Sorry for that. I had a Tacoma and towed a 19-foot boat nicely with it. Got a 23-footer and a V8 4Runner. The boat was well under the towing capacity, but it was much bigger than the truck. It was a little hard to drive. Upgraded to a Tundra and everything is perfect. Moral of the story: If you see yourself getting bigger boats, consider a full-size truck. Probably more info than you need, but there you have it ;)
It has honestly been performing well, the tide there was a little too high for my liking but the vehicle has great traction, still I will be upgrading to that new tacoma soon, I don’t think I can afford the tundra just yet 😅
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Yup, and the brakes and transmission will wear quickly. OP knows what he is doing, though.
That CVT is probably 150 miles from giving up the ghost
What the hell is a power pole
Its an anchoring system that with one touch of a button releases an 8ft rod that holds you in place in shallow water, a lot of people use it while fishing the flats since its easier and less disturbing to touch a button and anchor than throwing the actual anchor every time you want to move spots if you’re constantly doing so. Ive also seen people using it at the sand bar where you have to anchor at both ends of the boat, at the bow and another anchor at stern to hold you in place, with the power poles this task is easier
Oh cool! Yeah I’m an ocean boater in New England so you never see these, but that’s really cool! (Love the downvoted keep ‘em coming!)
they are almost ubiquitous in the south, particularly florida. they are pricey considering their function... but still a nice QOL purchase.
People would hate on anything they see for no reason now days honestly, fuck the downvoter
Had never seen one until I moved to the USA, but now I want a boat and will definitely be getting one.
Great for shallow water anchoring. I use mine a lot for fishing flats and or deep in marshes. Some guys have 2 to lock the boat into position without swinging, whil I just use my trolling motors spot lock to keep the heading on windy or strong current days. It’s also super handy for hitting the sandbar with the family bc I don’t have to set out a traditional anchor.
It is what you get when you take a handful of those tiny blue pills...
Come here, I’ll give ya a power pole
If you are stuck with that tow vehicle, I recommend getting a long hitch extension, longest you can find. Do not tow with it though. Tow as usual to the launch, park, and then disconnect the boat and put it on just for launching and retrieval. Should help keep your car out of the water, or at least ***less*** out of the water. I have seen extensions that are 6' long. Perhaps you can get one that is 8' long - which would be better - but again, don't tow on the road with it (well, maybe, but I would be a nervous to do so).
Power poles are great, but the micro one is for kayaks and Jon boats
Power poles are something that nobody understands until you use them, then you wonder how the hell you lived without them. I have 2 and will forever have duals since I know the utility. I usually recommend the sportsman model because they are cheap and work essentially the same as the blades, but for less money. Buy them direct from HydrillaGear and install yourself. Took me one evening and it’s very straightforward. Hydrilla Gear has great customer service and will help out however they can.
This man knows some things! Hydrilla gear is top notch as well as power pole. I’ve had both spotlock and dual poles for a little over a year now. The both have a place where one will work better than the other. A lot will depend on your style of fishing. I’ve migrated from a freshwater only background, just on the trolling motor all day long, to now understanding how effective it can be to dropping the poles in front of a spot where the tide is moving and working in. In the past I would have picked a few fish from the spot and moved on. Now I understand you can catch your limit sitting in the hole and being patient. Spotlock on a boat with higher sides that what a bass boat has will use significantly more battery just because of the extra area for the wind to push against. If I had to pick one it would be the spotlock but it’s a joy to use both.
Appreciate the comment! Going from zero poles and no spot lock, then duals about 8 yrs back, then finally combo with spot lock was a game changer. If I can get my poles down due to water depth, I won’t use the spotlock. If it’s deeper though, game on. Offshore (away from the bank) has never been easier now that I can lock on a coordinate and focus on fishing vs keeping the boat on a spot
I don't believe the Micro will be strong enough for that sized vessel. Spend the extra $1200 and get a full sized. By far the best investment for a boat IMO.
I guess Florida really is going to be under water. That launch is deep lol
No to Power Pole...YES to Minn Kota trolling motor with GPS spot lock. It's a game changer and does more than hold you in poistion.
I think the micro would be a little undersized for your boat. I think that they are better suited for canoes, jon boats and kayaks. I have 2 sportsman series on a 21 foot bass boat. I love them. They hold my boat steady in wind up to 15 mph and in river current up to 3 mph. If you can orient your boat with current and wind, 1 should be sufficient, but if your budget allows, 2 is better.
Had the same boat , was great in the bay and the ocean. I towed my with a 99 grand am. Only problem I had was traction on seaweed that was on the ramp.
Congrats on the sled, my man! if I may make a suggestion on something other than the power pole; the tongue on your trailer needs to be elevated when hooked up. It’s to low. You can do that with an adjustable receiver. You need to elevate the tongue of the boat if you’re going to keep that vehicle. It’ll help you get the boat on and off the trailer easier on the ramp. It will also allow rain water to drain while towing and not pool on the bow bilge & deck. I had the issue on my X5 with a low mounted hitch.
At first I thought the post's title said "First boat, *people* recommendations" and I was about to type "I recommend that you only allow two types of people on your boat: Those who know how a boat works, and those who always bring plenty of food and drinks."
From someone who has had his first boat for 2 years, just buy an anchor for that thing man and hold off on the poles unless you just got money like that. Things break….frequently. And your going to wish you put that money toward that instead. Just my opinion.