Pole Position

Remember when BassFan detailed the pattern and gear information for the Top 5 finishers at this year's Bassmaster Legends Major? Shaw Grigsby, who led day 3 and went on to finish 4th, said the Power-Pole was the most critical piece of equipment or gear he used that week.

A lot of BassFans probably thought, "What the heck is a Power-Pole." Grigsby did explain what it was in that article (for reference, click here to read his gear notes from the event). But the likely reason the Power-Pole was an obscurity to so many people is that it's mainly been a saltwater deal.

Not anymore. A few top-level bass pros have taken to using it. And some feel it's such an advantage, they declined to talk about it. But Grigsby isn't shy. Here's his take on the high-tech positioning system.

Spot-On Stop

The Power-Pole acts sort of like an anchor, but not really, because it's better. It's an aftermarket hydraulic unit that mounts to the stern of a boat, and uses a composite spike that extends up to 8 feet below the surface to penetrate the bottom.

"I believe it's the single most important tool on my boat next to my electronics," Grigsby said. "Most anglers see the advantage for sight-fishing, but it's much more than that. I can now fish going with the wind just as effectively as I can going against it. The controls are on a key fab that I attach to my belt loop, and I can feather it as needed to either stop or move, and thoroughly fish a piece of cover or structure.

"We used to use a push-pole and that worked okay, but this deal is much better," he added. "It allows me to position the boat more accurately, whether on bedding bass, or on a piece of cover I need to dissect, and it keeps my hand free at all times. Since the (spike) is made of fiberglass, it's very flexible and can actually position the boat back when deployed."

Here's what he means by that: "When I'm sight-fishing, I move along the shallows looking for bass. If I spot one, I lower the pole, and the flexibility of the pole pulls me back into perfect position without stirring the bottom up. That can mean more bass, and in this game, that's very important."

Culling Aid

The Power-Pole has other uses. Here's a typical tournament nightmare. It's windy, you've got five fish in the box, and every ounce counts. So does every minute. You catch a fish that will give you a few ounces, but it'll take 5 minutes to cull. By the time you're done, you've blown clear off your area.

And if the fishing pressure is heavy, someone may have already moved in.

But Grigsby sinks his Power-Pole when he has to cull. Remember, all it takes is a button-push on his key fab.

"When I catch a keeper, I immediately drop the pole," he said. "I've caught other bass in the same area as a result. I also use it extensively when culling. Instead of floating around when I cull, I maintain position, cull and then get right back after it. That's really a cool deal and I think it has increased my effectiveness."

Notable

> Two versions of the Power-Pole are available: 6- and 8-foot models. It works off the starting battery, uses minimal power and works quickly. Approximate retail price is $1,094 to $1,394, depending on model. For more information about the Power-Pole, visit www.Power-Pole.com.