Shallow Water Anchors For Texas Flats Fishing

Written by: freida.roehr
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010

Texas flats fishing has some similarities to fishing on Florida's flats. The target species are different but the general concept is the same. The anglers navigate slowly and quietly across expanses of shallow water to approach within casting range of their target. In Florida, bonefish, tarpon and permit are popular targets. These fish tend to be targeted as individuals with flies or bait cast directly to visible fish. In Texas, the most sought fish is redfish with spotted sea trout following closely in popularity. In both states shallow water anchors are important.

In some areas, snook and tarpon can be caught at specific times and catching winter redfish on the flats is not uncommon. The most common approach is drifting the flats but sometimes holding position within casting range of a school of trout or reds can fill a limit quickly. Anchoring in shallow water offers some unique problems.



Traditional anchors require a long line between the boat and the anchor to achieve any real holding power. In any wind or current situation the boat will swing in an arc - not hold a solid position. An erratically moving boat makes precise bait presentation very difficult. What anglers need is a stationary platform so they can deliver their baits or lures accurately and with maximum control.

For years, Florida salt flats guides have moved their boats across the shallow flats with long poles. When a fish is spotted, the same poles are used to hold the boat stationary while the angler cast to the fish. The new shallow water anchors offered by several different companies are all derived from the idea of holding the boat precisely in position with a pole stuck into the mud/sand of the bottom.

There are several versions of the concept. The one common feature is the pole extending down into the bottom to hold the boat in position. The implementations range from simple brackets with manually inserted poles to electro/hydraulic units with remote controls to extend and retract the anchor pole.

In application there is little difference in the effectiveness of the various brands of shallow water anchor systems. Anglers are an innovative and experimental group. It will come as no surprise when fishermen find ways to use a piece of equipment in ways not envisioned in the original idea.

Shallow water freshwater fishermen have embraced the pole anchors for bass fishing and other uses. Using a pole anchor at each end of the boat completely stops the swing of the boat and allows super-slow or stationary presentations that work great for less active fish of any species. Any fisherman that spends part of his fishing time in the shallows or flats will benefit from one or more pole anchors on his boat. These shallow water anchors will revolutionize Texas flats fishing just as they have the Florida flats.

If you are looking for a fishing power pole to keep your boat still and catch more fish, check out Dig IN Anchors

Mike Relahs

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