I have an old push pole that suddenly has lost its stiffness (I am sure that will get some chuckles).
Twice this year I have been really getting a hard push with the pole only to have the push pole over flex causing my center of gravity to be completely shifted… and I have had to hit the drink (twice in my last three trips).
Luckily both were at high tide on flooded grass flats so I didn’t land on any gnarly oysters.
I primarily fish low tides around nasty oyster islands and feel my very tight fisted self has to spend $$$ on a new push pole for safety’s sake.
I know Stiffys are highly rated. What other brands are worth a look?
I want the best pole I can get for the $$$ so would love to save some money and get an off brand if there is one that is not yet widely known.
If stiffy is just that much better, so be it- I will spend the money . All thoughts and opinions are welcome.
Not sure about quality as I haven’t used either, but for the money, Mudhole and TFOs are attractive. Multi piece that you have to put together, but that’s easy enough.
I have the one piece 24 and two piece 21 from Carbon Marine and love them both. If you go the two piece route make sure you talk to Joe about situating the rough side in the right direction.
I have had an MHX, a few Stiffy models, and another local multi piece carbon pole. They all get the job done but the stuffy guide I have now is so much more enjoyable to use, its kinda hard to explain but I did not think it would be as big of a difference as it was.
I was able to find a good deal on a used one and I’m glad I did.
If you want stiff you need to get a marquesa marine or a moonlighter.
I have a stuffy guide that I use inshore. But when you really need to push hard it will still flex. The marquesa marine doesn’t flex at all. I could barely get it to bend while pushing it against a wall in the fly shop. That’s what I use to tarpon fish now.
Unfortunately, with push poles- there is no “trying it out” at the shop first. Your real world experiences is going to make my decision for me.
I am also not sure how to get a one piece pole home other than trailing the boat to the shop. I think tying it to the truck would be overly cumbersome…
Tailwater is roughly 4 hours from you. but the shop has all 3 I mentioned in stock.
for a $700+ buy it might be worth a drive.
I’m not sure what strike zone and old city carry in the store. But you might call around up and down the east coast and see what everyone has as well. I’d bet you’d be surprised on what you can get your hands on.
Chris at Moonlighter and Hunter at marquesa marine are both local to Florida and very responsive.
Stiffy also has great customer service. They are just half way across the country.
I’ve transported a couple push poles like @BrownDog showed. Hook one end over the passenger side rearview mirror and secure with a bungee or painter’s tape. About mid-way down, wrap a piece of bubble wrap or a small towel around the pole and tape in place. On the back end, secure with a bungee, zip tie, etc. to the cleat in the truck bed. Not sure what you’d fasten to if you’re in a car or SUV.
As far as poles, I’ve owned every brand out there except the new Marquesa. The MHX is a good value, but a little too flexible for my tastes. I have a Stiffy Guide 3X that I put together myself. It’s much cheaper to ship that way.
Can’t remember where you’re located? Parkway Marine in Tallahassee is a Stiffy dealer, believe Haddrell’s Tackle in Mt. Pleasant, SC carries push poles and maybe Strike Zone in Jax? The Stiffy Hybrid is very rugged but good for heavier boats. It is heavy, though.
Carbon Marine is stiff and light. Comfortable to use, but mine snapped when it popped out of the holders underway.
Yes, I do not like the skinny push poles. I have poled with several models and the small diameter makes my hands hurt more quickly. If you are a bigger guy I recommend the standard diameter poles.
If you guys like a stiffer pole the Stiffy Hybrid is a great stick. I have a Guide and it has more flex but it’s a damn good pole. I also use a Carbon Marine GL3 (I think, it has no markings).
I’m all about supporting local businesses so I like Stiffy. Kevin Shaw is a great guy and has been at this for a long time. Don’t let any other used car salesmen convince you they started Stiffy (some of you know who I’m referring to)…Kevin Shaw is the man.
The carbon marine is comparable to the stiffy guide. It will flex on a hard push.
The marquesa marine is definitely stiffer. The marquesa marine also feels significantly heavier. I wind up telling people it’s worth it off the beach but not so much on general inshore use.
it might be worth it in that mud over there. I do know hunter was working on a prototype pole/foot for the guys who hang out in that mud all the time. Might also be worth a call to him.
