Just got a kayak last week and took it out for the first time and had about a 15 - 20 mph wind blowing me all over. I had bought a plastic coated steel tree stake about 6' long (1/2' in diameter) to use as a stake out pole and tried it through the scupper hole with no luck. It bent quickly and became useless. Afterward I looked at some online articles, some of which recommend against using a scupper hole due to damage to the kayak. So..

1) was my stakeout rod just too wimpy for the conditions?

2) should I only use one through or connected to the trolley (once I get one) or is pushing through a scupper hole (on a Sit on top kayak) ok.

Let a newb know

Welcome !.

I would avoid using the scuppers unless it is pretty calm.

Sounds like your pole was just too limp. ( boy that simply does not read well )

Using your pole through a trolley is good for several reasons;
The trolley allows you to adjust your position as well as offering a shock absorbing effect for the anchor.
There have been some folks on here selling build it yourself pole kits. Just do a search for "stake out pole " and you will probably find several. I know of more than one person using a piece of 1/2 elec. conduit in a pinch.

Good luck, Phill

Thanks Phill.

I saw a golf ball retriever at Academy that was a telescoping aluminum pole I may try next. $15 and it has a handle and extends to 15' though I would cut off several thinner sections and use it for a 8' or so rod.

I've used stake out poles through my scuppers for about 8 years without any problems even in very windy days.
but I sincerely believe that the yak has to be a quality boat, mine is an Ocean Kayak Big Game. I also use a scupper kayak cart.

I've done both on my PA, but agree the trolley allows you to point the boat better (unless your an over-achiever with 2 poles!). I don't fish in 20 mph winds tho unless I'm in a river, creek, cove or some other well protected spot.

Anglers Pro Tackle has kits for stake-out poles. Not too pricey as I recall. I already have one or I'd probably put one together with their parts.

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt...LL#Post10775460

Well just to give a shout out!!!! I went by Angler's Pro Tackle and bought a new 8' Stake out pole for about $15 dollars less than I have found even a 6' pole anywhere else! That left me with money left over to buy a trolley system, some cool lures and a hand full of 2oz weights for my surf fishing!

What a great place! Low key and they have real nice selection of stuff. They are willing to help or let you browse.

If you haven't, go see them.

This raises an interesting question I've had about stakeout poles though ... I assume the surface has to be soft enough to really shove that pole down deep enough to hold, right? Or is it easier than I'm making it out to be?

If the bottom is too hard, just use your anchor or drift sock.
In most cases the pole will work in shallow waters.

I've had better luck with a stake out pole since I put some weight in the bottom of the one I have. The pole comes from the factory made to float, which sounds like a great idea so when it pops out you won't lose it.
I found the floating feature worked against it staying staked so I added weight to the bottom and then added a foam float to the top. The foam is big enough to hold the top of the pole up for retrieval, but since it's on top it's not constantly trying to make the entire pole float up from where I just staked it.

Oh and anchor trolley is best.

I had the same idea with the golf ball retriever and I couldn't get it to work out too well. Even tightening with channel locks it would start to collapse into itself when I tried to push it into anything more than soft sand. Guess I'm headed to APT this week to get a decent pole.

Just a bit of help to make your own pole. Go to amazon and look for 3/4" fiberglass tree stake. It is 8' long and strong as heck. Not too heavy but just the right weight to shove in the bottom anywhere. Just file the end to a point. You can add some JB weld to the end to make it harder or add a steel pointed cap to get through shell easily. All you do is add a T handle from PVC you get from a home store and you now have a new stake out pole for under $20.
Have a nice day all!!!

My yak is a Jackson Tripper 12, a hybrid with no scupper holes. I use a Ram Zooka tube rod holder, flip it around to hang over the side and put the stake out pole thru it. Works like a champ. And it still has its intended function as a rod holder.

Had some scrap fiberglass extension poles at work. I rescued 3 to try for stake out pole. Ended up with an 10 ft 1" dia. pole (cost 0), added a 2 ft piece of pool noodle and a steel tip. I fish out of a Ocean kayak and I used the flex strap on my right side to secure yak to pole. So far so good. Have yet to try the extending pole, not sure a 15' stake out pole would work.