I run aground on mud a lot. Mostly due to wind and not paying attention.

I have a extending paddle/boat hook that I've been using about 4' long. It works but a 8 foot pole would be better.

I'm considering using a small tree whiteled down and stash it in the rod box, or an 8' 1x3

A collapsible one would be nice. Anyone know if they're made or even what they're called.

Thanks

You're looking for a push pole like this;

https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/o-h-mfg-duck-bill-push-pole?gmc_feed=t&campid=71700000087427731&adgroupid=58700007424094169&device=c&keyword=92700066839398978&Channel=ps&&ogmap=SEM|PLN|GOOG|SHOP|c|OUT||Non-Brand-SmartShopping-Outdoor-Upspend|Stream|||&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlOmLBhCHARIsAGiJg7nW02vFuh5JcIgFFmp22S6es9aD_pgShaHbjjQM_MPuZskb7Dp_9H0aAjGPEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

That one is a 2 piece, but they make telescoping ones also. The issue with telescoping models is if you don't get them locked in and push, they'll collapse.

Go to garden section at Lowe’s or Home Depot, they have 1” fiberglass tree stakes, garden poles, they may call it something different. I got 2 of the  1”x6’ for stick pins (shallow water anchors) and use as a push pole. I put PVC tee handles on them, tee handle down for push pole and tee handle up for anchoring.

You can search “ home made shallow water anchors”too, some utube videos come up.

I they come in 1”x 4’,6’,8’ lengthens.

Google ‘collapsible boat hook’.  There are quite a few, and enough variation in them to fit your needs.

Start paying attention and quit getting stuck in the mud haha

5 hours ago, GRiver said:

Go to garden section at Lowe’s or Home Depot, they have 1” fiberglass tree stakes, garden poles, they may call it something different. I got 2 of the  1”x6’ for stick pins (shallow water anchors) and use as a push pole. I put PVC tee handles on them, tee handle down for push pole and tee handle up for anchoring.

You can search “ home made shallow water anchors”too, some utube videos come up.

I they come in 1”x 4’,6’,8’ lengthens.

That's why I use for my kayak stakeout pole.  Cost me nothing because I already had everything.  It's kind of flexible though.  I don't know how well it would work for a push pole if the boat was pretty heavy.  

2 hours ago, Bankc said:

That's why I use for my kayak stakeout pole.  Cost me nothing because I already had everything.  It's kind of flexible though.  I don't know how well it would work for a push pole if the boat was pretty heavy.  

I started out with the tree stakes that looked like green rebar but they were some kind of plastic. I bent those pretty quick. The ones I have now are solid fiberglass, they push my boat pretty good. 
boat is 500lb dry weight + motor 25hp 4 stroke, fuel 6 gal, plus gear and my butt 170lb. I would guess little over 1000 lb 

 

I use an old pole from a swimming pool skimmer net. 8’ and works great. 
 

I use a Super Stick telescopic push pole

Works great.

A-Jay

I use a 7' piece of closet rod (oak).

https://www.yakattack.us/parknpole-link-pnpl-8/

 

Comes in 2 pieces, and they offer extensions if you need. 

Wow had no idea this was an issue. I only heard of push poles for swamp use.

Thanks for all the suggestions. 

I was just going to cut a 1x3 in half and put in some type of connector. Or use a piece of 2" pvc with a coupler. I like the T idea I'll always run aground. 

 

 

On 10/28/2021 at 3:15 PM, A-Jay said:

I use a Super Stick telescopic push pole

Works great.

A-Jay

@Junger let me tag along once in the mattawon or something like that creek (tidal)and he had one. I kept wondering why as it seemed to short for his boat.

The stuff he goes through he needs it.

 

How bout a 10’ section of galvanized water pipe?? I was pushing this upstream through some long shoals one day and a tiny fiberglass skiff with a jet motor passed me…… but not by much . I think I’ve hit 7 mph with it but it’s even louder than you might imagine. I push way upstream and sit for a while, letting all the fish I spooked calm down before floating back through