Using Shallow Water Anchors For Texas Flats Fishing

The similarities between fishing Florida's salt flats and Texas flats fishing outweigh the few differences. Moving quietly and slowly through expanses of shallow water to get close to spooky shallow water fish is one common factor. One of the differences is the species of fish targeted. Florida flats guides regularly take anglers in search of tarpon, bonefish or permit. These are normally loner fish that are seen in the shallow water and cast to as individuals. The most sought Texas flats fish are the redfish and spotted sea trout. These two species are more often found in small schools than as loners. Shallow water anchors can improve the success rate.

In some areas, snook and tarpon can be caught at specific times and catching winter redfish on the flats is not uncommon. The most common approach is drifting the flats but sometimes holding position within casting range of a school of trout or reds can fill a limit quickly. Anchoring in shallow water offers some unique problems.

In order to hold a boat securely, traditional anchors need a relatively long line between the boat and the anchor. A long anchor line can allow boat movement along a long arc. When precise bait presentation is required to entice bites, an erratically moving boat can interfere with casting accuracy. Wary shallow-water fish will not respond well to an improperly cast bait or a poorly controlled presentation.

The idea of pole-type shallow water anchors originated in the Florida salt water flats. There, the flats guides have used pole for maneuvering their boats for decades. Guides slowly moved to within casting range of a located fish then used the pole to hold the boat in position as the angler cast to the fish.

There are several versions of the concept. The one common feature is the pole extending down into the bottom to hold the boat in position. The implementations range from simple brackets with manually inserted poles to electro/hydraulic units with remote controls to extend and retract the anchor pole.

There is one slightly different anchor style that is better for anchoring a boat for extended periods. This type is a long pole of five feet or more with an auger-shaped bit on the end. It is "screwed" down into the bottom using the folding T handle. The boat is tied to the eyelet provided on the top with a length of rope. This anchor requires more time to deploy and release than the other fishing anchors discussed here.

Even freshwater fishermen are discovering the benefits of shallow water anchors. When bass are inactive and tucked close in a weed bed practice casting and slow presentation are required. This is best accomplished by anchoring both ends of the boat and concentrating on specific areas. While Texas flats fishing, finding a school of reds tailing in a small depression is exciting. The last thing the fisherman wants is to drift through the school or drift away before getting a cast. A pole anchor will allow the angler to spend more time where the fish are.