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BamaCat.
I’ve always resisted the idea of a shallow water anchor because of a number of reasons but the last couple of years have come to realize that I need/want the ability to stay in a spot when the wind is blowing. I considering a shallow water anchor or the new trolling motors that keep you in one location. Currently have no powerpole or talon on my puma. I’m mainly looking for input from others on what swayed them in one direction or the other. Thanks for all input
I have poles on my cougar and wouldn’t trade them for anything. Basscat does not recommend talons just because they are heavy. As far as the ultrex, I would love to have one but even with spot lock on it is constantly running and the boat still moves around. To me being in shallow water poles have the advantage because you just drop them and your movement is very minimal and there is no noise being created like there is with a trolling motor
There is a technique when pocket fishing to nose the boat out and use spot lock, while fishing off the rear deck. This gives the angler need for only one pole with a spot lock.
The Power Poles are good together and are used mostly for launching. The fishing aspects are limited and can be handy depending on the depth of water your area offers. In Arkansas and Missouri, to Tennessee, the need for Poles is limited as the depth of water is too deep for reach.
We do not endorse Talons as the universal brackets are large, bulky, heavy and block the ladder. The original Talon units were top heavy and high weight kills hole shot. The newer motor mounted mid-stem version is better, though still has some weight. You will a lot of side use for ladders and other components as well as access to bow eyes. The product is fine and seems dependable.
Today, we have a promotion with two power poles, and that’s great for a Texas or Florida angler. Most would be good with one Power Pole and the Ultrex today.
Since you stated you don’t endorse talon would it effect warranty on boat? Still trying to decide but have a great deal on one talon from a friend.
No, we just don’t suggest them
I fish mostly shallow lakes and bayous. I cant imagine not having power poles. In my opinion the Ultrex would be the Cats meow in deep water.
Fishing with the wind kicking butt. Power poles down. Able to make accurate casts, Land fish. Put new plastics on hook, cast again, all without the wind pushing you into your fishing area. Priceless!
I have a single 12′ Talon on my P2 and haven’t noticed any significant difference in my hole shot with the added weight. I mostly fish by myself and have it mounted on the Port side, which may help, but no issues. I just like the anchor being straight down versus the crablegs of the power poles, plus no added clutter in the bilge with the hydraulic pump.
Thanks for comments/suggestions. Most hit points I’ve been thinking about. A month ago I was favorin the talons until I talked to a friend who has two on his boat. Told me that his boat, another highly respected and popular brand was in shop having entire transom replaced. Told me the shop stated it was because of poles. Stated they see it all the time. First I’ve heard of that.
I sell / Install all of them and talk to many different anglers. I run an 05 Puma without shallow water anchors, but do have the Ultrex trolling motor. IMHO the Ultrex is a tool that will be more utilized then the shallow water anchors, although all have their place. I like the Talons better then the poles since you don’t have to find a spot to put Hydraulic pumps in the bilge, and in my experience with any hydraulics, they are going to leak at some point in time. A lot of the recent Talons I’ve sold have been 8ft models, mainly becuase customers are putting them on after the Ultrex and feel in water shallower than apx 5 foot, the trolling motor may be spooking fish. The 8′ Talon is shorter than the cowl on a 3.0 Mercury (I have some pics on my facebook page of 8′ on a Puma) and didn’t hinder his holeshot at all. Drawback is as Basscat mentioned, the span of the brackets will block the boarding ladder on the newer Basscats. Call me if I can help.
John
I personaly prefer poles just for the fact that if I have a co angler on the back and say we are skipping dock, I can lower the poles and get them out of their way and if i am fishing a windy day I can add the drift paddles and slow my drift down dramatically
I put a 10ft Talon on my PII. I did not loose any hole shot and maybe 1/2 a mph top end. The brackets are larger and heavier then a Power Pole bracket, but they are also rock solid. In fact my a buddy of mine hated his Power Pole brackets so he bought Talon brackets for his poles. Both products are great. It just depends if you want to run an electric wire or hydraulic lines. I will not own a boat without having a shallow water anchor. Especially here in Florida.
I have 10 foot generation 2 Talons on my Cougar FTD. I had some hole shot problems at first, but adding a Fury 4 and learning the best way to use my Hydraulic Jack Plate, the problem went away. It’s really good now, and I am sure I lost a mile or two on top end, but I am not a speed freak for over 70 mph anyway.
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