Power-Pole Micro Anchor vs. Anchor Pin (Best Kayak Anchor)
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
Thinking about getting a Power-Pole Micro Anchor?
I’ve been using one for the past few months and I’ve enjoyed it.
But it’s not perfect, and it’s not right for everyone.
Another option is an anchor pin, so in this video, you’ll see the top pros and cons of each of these options so you can choose which one is best for you.
Check it out below!
Power-Pole Micro Anchor vs Anchor Pin [VIDEO]
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Both of these anchoring systems have their pros and cons.
Here are some of the more important ones:
Power-Pole Micro Anchor Pros:
- Easy to use (has a wireless remote control you can use with one hand if you’re fighting a fish)
- Stops you quickly
- You can stop on hard bottom
Power-Pole Micro Anchor Cons:
- Price (about $700-800)
- You’re stuck in whatever direction the current or wind pushes you
- Battery powered (if battery dies or goes bad you’re out of luck)
- It’s noisy
Anchor Pin Pros:
- Price (under $100)
- Anchor trolley lets you move positions
- Not battery powered
- Silent
Anchor Pin Cons:
- Harder and slower to use than the Micro Anchor
- Can’t stop on hard bottom
Conclusion
Both the Power-Pole Micro Anchor and anchor pins are great anchoring systems, but one may be a better option for you.
The Micro Anchor is easier and quicker to use, but is more expensive, noisier, and doesn’t allow you to swing your kayak into position.
Anchor pins are cheaper, silent, and let you move positions thanks to an anchor trolley, but are slower to deploy.
Have any questions about these two anchoring systems?
Which one do you use?
Let me know down in the comments!
And if you know someone who’s interested in getting a new anchor for their kayak or small boat, please TAG or SHARE this with them!
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Hi Tony, what about the manual anchoring systems? You use the anchoring pin inside the manual system? I guess it is the same as the micro pole anchor?
anchor pin works for me in the soft bottom of south louisiana.
Works great in the mud!
The importance of the anchor trolley cannot be understated. You can get away without using one but like Tony states, you’re at the mercy of wind and current as to where you face. My preference is an anchor pin and trolley.
That said, I love the technology!
I agree with ya there! One extra bonus of the power pole is if you happen to get out of the kayak and the current or wind starts to take it away from you, just push the button on the remote to stop the kayak.
Tony, great job! Be aware, fiberglass anchor poles are not coated and will start to splinter if left exposed to the sun – ours took 2 years for this to happen. Our solution was sand and paint with multiple coats of epoxy paint (we used black, but maybe even yellow to help you find them if they take a swim). Long term either keep them out of the sun when not in use, or in our case fabricate a Sunbrella fabric tube to cover them when not in use but in the sun. We have 2 anchor poles mounted on the deck of our tech skiff and the tube is contained between the mounting clips so it cannot get lost . FYI if you do start to get fiberglass splinters in your hand the easiest solution is duck tape to pull most of them out. Once this happens it is time to sand and paint as the splinters will not go away! Cheers!
Thank you for the tips Glenn! The stick it anchor pin I have is some sort of composite material that is pretty heavy. I’ve had it for 5 years now and no signs of splintering.
Another good option if storing an anchor pin outside is to use a rod sleeve to cover it.
Good information here Tony. 💪
Thank you Matthew!
Great topic Tony! I’ve been considering an anchor pin for awhile now for my kayak. It’s time to make that purchase. Question: for fishing the IR/ML area, will a 6ft pin do it or should I spend the extra and get the 8ft pole?
Thanks Guy! I honestly don’t know how people fish without one haha. I would go with at least a 7ft. You have to factor in the depth of the water and also an extra foot or 2 that the pin will go into the mud or bottom. I like to be able to use the pin in at least 5ft of water without a problem.
Great video Tony! I don’t think you mentioned the extra weight of the battery & pole as a con. I prefer the pin & trolley.
Thanks Andy! Its about 12lbs total weight, but yes that can be another con if you carry a lot of items and are close to hitting the capacity on your kayak. I always take the least amount of things possible with me. I used to bring a cooler but now I just bring a large insulated water bottle and a few snacks. That has freed up quite some space and added weight.
Great video Tony. I’ve been contemplating the power pole when my PA 14 arrives. I will probably stick with my anchor pin. I would say another con is having that pole vertically up, could pose trouble when casting, just my opinion.
Thanks Ron!
Yes that could be an issue for some. I haven’t had any issues with that though. I am used to having rods stored behind me sticking up so Ive always been mindful of not casting by bringing the rod directly behind me, but more off to the side when casting. You can also cut down your anchor pin to a shorter size if mostly fishing shallow water.
Tony, great review! I have been using an anchor pin and have a trolley setup on each side of my kayak. I had considered the micro anchor but based on your comments, I will keep my current setup and save the $800 for other goodies. Thanks, Tom
Thank you for the great feedback Tom! Yes the power pole is nice if you like gadgets and have the extra money, but not necessary.
Thanks, Tony! Love the review. I’m using the StickIt and anchor trolley. I am very happy with the versatility it gives for positioning. Still, it is neat to see companies innovating for multiple fishing platforms and tastes.
Side question: I’ve been looking for a fingerless glove for kayaking with a thicker material palm, which it appears you’re wearing in this video. What brand are those gloves, if you don’t mind me asking? Thanks!
I’m not sure what brand tony uses, but I’ve bought two pairs of these gloves over the past two years (misplaced the the first pair):
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06X3RB8PZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This company also has options with thicker padding if desired.
These are the gloves I wear:
https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/cordova-consumer-products-half-finger-guide-gloves?gmc_feed=t&campid=71700000049898162&adgroupid=58700006358271436&device=c&keyword=92700057344670317&Channel=pla&gclid=CjwKCAjw87SHBhBiEiwAukSeUZmFxnZaRat9GrVnlrDUoApuHk0684a1yy1zC_vkYFBDkZkSVvTRXRoC1kQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#repChildCatid=6438003&ogmap=SEM%7CPLB%7CGOOG%7CSHOP%7Cc%7COUT%7C%7CBrand-Shopping-Outdoor%7CAll_Products%7C%7C71700000049898162%7C58700004907637350