Looking at the mgs4u website and see that I may be able to build one pretty cheaply. I have a 16ft Alumacraft Lunker and would really like some sort of shallow water anchor, especially when I am fishing reed beds. Any other good cheap options out there. 

I made these out of scraps around the shop. The pole is a fiberglass kit I bought from a place online called Max-Gain systems. All total I think I have less than $90 in it. One thing I would do is make the poles longer. They are ten footers and when you take into account the hight of brackets they are only good in about 6 ft.

If at all possible, I would go with a power-pole micro. I know you were looking for cheap but in the long run you would be better off getting quality.

T&A sticks work really well.  They are available in many places in central florida.  Visit theire website and facebook page.

I put two of the max-gain poles on my 22' pontoon ( because I'm cheap). They work but any winds over 10 mph scare me.

3 hours ago, Tracker22 said:

I put two of the max-gain poles on my 22' pontoon ( because I'm cheap). They work but any winds over 10 mph scare me.

I am not sure I would even try to anchor in waves on the lake I really want this for, it whips up pretty good and whitecaps have been the rule instead of the exception the last few years. It just seems windier overall now for some reason. 

Some people call em Marsh Anchors or Cajun Anchors

Cajun's call em Throw Down Poles!

You can drill a hole & attach a shackle.

Or weld a nut on top

Tie one end of the rope to the pole the other to your boat, when you wanna anchor simply throw it down kinda hard & you're anchored!

12 hours ago, Mitchell said:

T&A sticks work really well.  They are available in many places in central florida.  Visit theire website and facebook page.

Here is their site -- http://tnastick.com/products.htm

I am looking for an anchor, this is an option.

5 hours ago, Catt said:

Some people call em Marsh Anchors or Cajun Anchors

Cajun's call em Throw Down Poles!

You can drill a hole & attach a shackle.

Or weld a nut on top

Tie one end of the rope to the pole the other to your boat, when you wanna anchor simply throw it down kinda hard & you're anchored!

I still don't know how this system works? On my end, it looks like your pic isn't complete? Can you explain/show more?

11 minutes ago, livemusic said:

Here is their site -- http://tnastick.com/products.htm

I am looking for an anchor, this is an option.

I still don't know how this system works? On my end, it looks like your pic isn't complete? Can you explain/show more?

It is a simple but effective way to anchor in shallow water that has moderately soft bottoms. They are cheap & easy to build from scratch.

I've made them from everything from rebar, aluminum, grounding rods, & stainless steel. The rod should be 5/8-3/4" & length is determined by boat size but usually 4'.

That's very cool, Catt. I'd never heard of those before. I might have to give those a try for panfishing, where I'd prefer to anchor. I bet they'd still pretty well in a mucky bottom if the wind isn't too strong, even with a 18' bass boat.

2 hours ago, BassThumb said:

That's very cool, Catt. I'd never heard of those before. I might have to give those a try for panfishing, where I'd prefer to anchor. I bet they'd still pretty well in a mucky bottom if the wind isn't too strong, even with a 18' bass boat.

They use them around to anchor Bay Boats in saltwater.

For bigger boats or deeper water just use a larger diameter & longer rod.

i anchor my 1652 Alweld in 15 mph winds.

On 3/16/2016 at 3:58 PM, Catt said:

They use them around to anchor Bay Boats in saltwater.

For bigger boats or deeper water just use a larger diameter & longer rod.

i anchor my 1652 Alweld in 15 mph winds.

Do you fish Toledo Bend in your 1652 boat? Rough water isn't a problem? Seems a 15mph (which is not uncommon!) would give pretty big waves on that big lake. Curious.

2 minutes ago, livemusic said:

Do you fish Toledo Bend in your 1652 boat? Rough water isn't a problem? Seems a 15mph (which is not uncommon!) would give pretty big waves on that big lake. Curious.

Yes I fish Toledo Bend in this boat & no it isn't a problem. Even though it is a huge lake the are hundreds of coves one can fish.