Anglers working the Texas flats are most likely looking to catch redfish or spotted sea trout. Their counterparts in Florida are generally chasing bonefish, permit and the venerable tarpon. Regardless of state or fish species the basic needs of flats fishing are the same. Fishermen need to quietly approach spooky shallow water fish to within casting distance. In Florida the target fish are almost always singletons foraging alone. In Texas flats fishing, the reds or trout often school up or hold near minor structure features. Shallow water anchors help the anglers make the most of a school of active fish.

Tarpon and snook can be caught during certain times of the year in some specific locations. When the wind and current allows it, drifting across the flats is a common tactic. When wind becomes an issue or when redfish or trout are bunched up close to some structure, holding in one position is more productive. The extremely shallow water on the flats poses some unique anchoring 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.

The idea of pole-type shallow water anchors originated in the Florida salt water flats. There, the flats guides have used pole for maneuvering their boats for decades. Guides slowly moved to within casting range of a located fish then used the pole to hold the boat in position as the angler cast to the fish.

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 shallow water anchors to keep your boat still and catch more fish, check out shallow water anchors