Im about to get my first Sissy Bar added to my Poling Platform.
In looking at many around, the part you lean on seems to be even with the rear of the platform. Well, Add in a little flex, and your leaning back past the rear of the platform. (I dont plan on leaning with all my weight, but there will still be flex)
Do you guys have your Sissy Bar fabbed to be a little over (Inboard) the platform at rest? If so, maybe a 1/4 width of the platform in?
I am also adding a backrest/step at the same time.
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Ralph at AIM Welding can probably provide some guidance. @THEOUTLAW ?
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I usually build them , to be over the platform, a few inchs .
I can build you anything you want .
Ralph 
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To all… Do any of you prefer the bar attached the opposite way so it’s in front of you rather than behind you? I’ve tried both ways and I like being able to have the bar in front of me so I can quickly grab it to steady myself in windy conditions. It’s more out of the way when moving the pole too.
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This bar attacks either way .
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I’ve always heard the compelling argument that if you do fall you want to go overboard and not into the boat. For that and also for the sake of poling I’d put it in front. Should probably consider how much poling vs. standing you’ll be doing.
The Texas boys like putting a lean bar on the back and sit on it while they steer the boat into the wind. Not exactly getting after it on the stick in current, wind, and big water. No offense Texas Boys. I ran a stilt over there a couple times with that setup and it was really nice for how it was being fished.
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I have my bar mounted on the front of the platform and I’m poling 99% of the time. I’ve never thought it got in the way of anything I’ve done. I’m more afraid of falling into the boat than falling off backwards. Before I get on the pole, I raise my jack plate all the way and tilt the motor up just enough to wear it’s not interfering. I also have a cavitation plate on my outboard. If I were to fall off backwards, I can’t think of a situation where I would ever contact the prop.
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I prefer the term “experienced angler’s back rest” over “sissy bar”!
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I designed this for my casting platform but I think I’m going to use it on my poling platform for staking out.
On solo days I’ll put it forward of poling platform and use a 5 gallon bucket for rod and line.
It’s going to help on those long days up top.
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Weld it on. We have both of the platforms basically encircled like the above. For the front, we have one “chair” like design with just the back which is great for calm water. We also have one with a total circle around it for rough water so you dont fall out.
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I’ve had these custom made for four different skiffs over the years. And have used them on both the front and back of my poling and casting platforms. Since I primarily fly fish I had a hook to hang my SFR stripping bucket on on one of them, and a tab to mount a push pole holder on on the second one.
I didn’t drill holes for pins on my current bars to allow using either bar in any one of four positions, and avoid the hassle of fly lines snagging on those pins. However you need to trailer with them off the front so they don’t wiggle out.
I like the height to be right under my ass cheek so I can sit on it, and I don’t hit my knuckles on it while poling or casting. The ones I’ve tried that are above the waist with shepherd hooks on the ends suck in my opinion. Can’t really pole from an athletic position, and forget about fly casting.
I have poled my Pro backwards from the casting platform with my fly angler on the poling platform with the striping bucket off the back while tarpon fishing when wind, current, and light are coming from the same direction. Works great.
Fly anglers that have fished on drift boats with braces really like leaning forward into the bar. Very stable.
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Mine will mount both ways and I’ve tried both. Have really grown to like it in the front.
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Off the front is better for climbing on and off the platform.
Doesn’t interfere with poling.
Keeps you from falling into the cockpit that many feel is worse than falling into the water.
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Thanks for the comments guys. Im taking in on Monday ans will incorporate much of what I have read. Glad I asked.
Thanks again
I prefer mine in front and I had it built to top out at 28" above the platform. It’s out of the way when poling and it’s just high enough to grab if I need to stabilize myself. I also like the way that New Water does their rear-mounted bar; it tapers inward to a narrow arch at the top so it doesn’t impede poling but it’s high enough to grab easily when you need to. It’s the best design I’ve seen for a rear-mounted bar.
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