I've been trying to track down fiberglass tree stakes, which come in 8', 10', and 12' lengths. Shipping anything over 8' is crazy expensive. So far I've had no luck finding a local dealer. Anyone know of a horticulture supplier who carries them? Orchard supply? Anything?

I'd really like to get a couple of 10' poles. I have one 8' at the stern now, and it is only good to about 4 feet when it is really choppy. By the time you jam it in the mud 18 inches or so, there is little room left to absorb the wave action. The constant bouncing eventually pounds it loose as the mount bumps the handle. A 10' pole would allow me into deeper water.

grainger�has them in ten foot sections on their website they might do site-to-store shipping i'm not sure thought

Thanks for the great tip. I went ahead and ordered one to be picked up at the local branch. I'll post back if successful.

It was pricier than the tree stakes ($30 vs $10) but much less than the retail pole anchors ($100 + shipping).

Read my article again.

http://www.learntocatchcatfish.com/diy-shallow-water-anchors

The rod at Grainger is not the same thing. It is dynaform rod, I covered that in the article.

I had two of them shipped to the store and they were already shedding fiberglass splinters at the store.

It was pretty obvious that the boat sliding up and down it was going to make it much worse quickly and it was getting fiberglass splinters in my hand just handling it there at the store. It made my hands hurt just thinking of pulling it in and out of the ground, plus I am confident it will not hold up for an extended period of time.

The rod that I used (linked in my post) has a very thick resin on the outside that prevents the splintering.

Aww dangit. I completely blew by that part when reading the article the other day. My search continues.

Thanks for sharing this idea. Your site is full of great info.

Thanks for the great info. If someone is going to order some send me a pm. I may buy some so the freight would be less on us per rod.

I made mine out of 3/4 black pipe from lowes. The first trip out they did well but I have changed my brackets on the boat since then. Regardless of what you use, this type anchoring system is GREAT for shallow water fishing!