Is the spot lock on Minn kota trolling motors better than a power pole? I want to know what you guys think before I go and buy power poles or if I buy a new trolling motor.

Power poles don't work in 30 feet of water. Which is where I would think staying in the same place would be the most beneficial

plus-- spot lock works at any depth.

con--  spot lock won't keep the boat from spinning around if the wind changes.

I’d rather have a pole, or talon if your mostly fishing real shallow water. Spot lock coukd be noisy and muck up the water a lot if you’re only in 2’ and trying to stay still. I have a 12’ talon and will never own another boat without one, but the spot lock would be nice in deeper water for sure. 

Talons.

A-Jay

Depends on the style of fishing, shallow the poles are better 

Ok thanks for the info guys.

You'd have to have 2 poles/Talons to stop the boat from swinging.

 

 

So, if you always fish shallow the poles maybe there better option but how are you getting to and from your spots, using your big motor all the time? That would suck.

 

And if you get any deeper than the poles will go you are screwed. I'd say TM first, than poles. My next boat will have both but Talons instead of poles.

There is a third option for holding your position in any depth of water. It's called an anchor. I've got spot lock but it isn't perfect. My anchor holds me firm in any depth and the electric winch makes bringing it up a snap. This one, cost almost as much as a power pole or Talon, but also holds me better in the fast current I often encounter on the river.

15 hours ago, tcbass said:

You'd have to have 2 poles/Talons to stop the boat from swinging.

 

 

So, if you always fish shallow the poles maybe there better option but how are you getting to and from your spots, using your big motor all the time? That would suck.

 

And if you get any deeper than the poles will go you are screwed. I'd say TM first, than poles. My next boat will have both but Talons instead of poles.

I have a 36v trolling motor on it already. I planned on selling it if I was to get spot lock. I don't fish shallow any more than I do deep water. So I'll just buy the talons first and then maybe buy a new trolling motor.

IMHO 2 different tools for 2 different tasks.  It's all in the name....Power Pole "Shallow Water Anchors" and Ultrex or Ulterra for "Spot Lock".  You can't use spot lock in 2 feet of water bed fishing or on the Potomac to hold you in the thick weeds/current and Poles or Talons do you no good 15ft of water.  

6 hours ago, TOXIC said:

IMHO 2 different tools for 2 different tasks.  It's all in the name....Power Pole "Shallow Water Anchors" and Ultrex or Ulterra for "Spot Lock".  You can't use spot lock in 2 feet of water bed fishing or on the Potomac to hold you in the thick weeds/current and Poles or Talons do you no good 15ft of water.  

Exactly. I have a Talon and a Terrova ipilot Link. One does not replace the other.