Paddling/poling salt marsh 1444

patricks said:

I’m torn if I want to have a trolling motor on my new skiff. Has anyone tried using a sup/kayak paddle from the bow of the boat instead of a trolling motor?

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Yes. On my last 1444, I used my SUP paddle exclusively unless I was poling someone. Poling from the front works too, but the paddle is so much easier and you can make like a hole in the water and sneak up on just about anything. The trick is having a system/setup that allows you to stop quickly, put the paddle down quietly, and then make your cast before your fish spooks or you lose sight of it. This is where a Power Pole Micro comes in very handy. Make sure you have towels to lay the paddle on to avoid noise. I plan on doing the same with my next 1444 only using an adjustable paddle as I will have a casting platform on this one.

Thanks Shadowcast !! What do you mean by making a hole in the water ? How fast does the 1444 go with a sup paddle compared to a trolling motor ? I primarily fish the flats, but wonder how it would perform while dock light fishing.

A trolling motor would go too fast and make too much noise in my opinion. I would motor up to an area with docks I knew I'd fish and then use the paddle to creep in silently. That is how I plan to utilize my next 1444 on the lights. "Make like a hole in the water" is a 'Hunt For Red October' reference. "Russian attack sub captains will turn suddenly to see if anyone is behind them. We call it, "Crazy Ivan." The only thing you can do stop quietly, shut everything down and make like a hole in the water." It means to be there without being detected.

Shadowcast said:

A trolling motor would go too fast and make too much noise in my opinion. I would motor up to an area with docks I knew I'd fish and then use the paddle to creep in silently. That is how I plan to utilize my next 1444 on the lights. "Make like a hole in the water" is a 'Hunt For Red October' reference. "Russian attack sub captains will turn suddenly to see if anyone is behind them. We call it, "Crazy Ivan." The only thing you can do stop quietly, shut everything down and make like a hole in the water." It means to be there without being detected.

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Thanks ! I might have to call Erin and switch my build up. I don’t know if I would like the micro since it might get in the way while poling.

patricks said:

I don’t know if I would like the micro since it might get in the way while poling.

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I got a life hack for that too....either get a 4' Power Pole, or get the 6' Ultra Lite Spike for the Micro. It won't stick up as far. My Micro stake didn't really get in the way and I had the 8' one on my last 1444. Did I have a quote sheet for you? I can update whatever you need.

Why paddle instead of pole? Too deep?

Jfish1288 said:

Why paddle instead of pole? Too deep?

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Some paddling, some poling

Jfish1288 said:

Why paddle instead of pole? Too deep?

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If you fish by yourself, poling from the bow can work if you are quick to be able to transition from poling to throwing a rod if you are sight casting. Poling solo from the platform restricts your area for a rod and the bow will rise which can cause hull slap. By paddling, you can completely silent and the transition from paddling to throwing a rod is much easier and quicker.

patricks said:

I’m torn if I want to have a trolling motor on my new skiff. Has anyone tried using a sup/kayak paddle from the bow of the boat instead of a trolling motor?

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I have a 14' Rabco that's pretty similar to the 1444. I sold my push pole and just SUP paddle off the bow or stern decks now, way easier and less of a hassle carrying a 20' pole on a 14' skiff. I also recently got a trolling motor so it's even better now, don't miss poling at all. If I want to be stealthy I paddle, if not I use the trolling motor.

Also my stick anchor doubles as a push pole in really shallow water too if I feel the need, but unless I ever get an actual technical poling skiff someday I don't feel the need for poling.

skinny_fishing said:

I have a 14' Rabco that's pretty similar to the 1444. I sold my push pole and just SUP paddle off the bow or stern decks now, way easier and less of a hassle carrying a 20' pole on a 14' skiff. I also recently got a trolling motor so it's even better now, don't miss poling at all. If I want to be stealthy I paddle, if not I use the trolling motor.

Also my stick anchor doubles as a push pole in really shallow water too if I feel the need, but unless I ever get an actual technical poling skiff someday I don't feel the need for poling.

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It all depends on what type of fishing you or he is doing. If you’re hunting fish in a foot or less of clear water with a fly rod, you’re going to miss the pole.

EasternGlow said:

It all depends on what type of fishing you or he is doing. If you’re hunting fish in a foot or less of clear water with a fly rod, you’re going to miss the pole.

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I get that, but it also depends on the type of skiff you have as well, some pole much better than others and mine doesn't pole for shit. Some bigger skiffs probably don't paddle for shit. Paddling turned out to be a much better and easier option rather than struggling trying to keep mine tracking straight with a pole. I don't know how well the 1444 poles, but it's definitely in his best interest to try different methods to see what works best. The day I decided to bring one of my SUP paddles along was the day I said F poling

And in a foot or less of water you can literally "pole" with an SUP paddle or stick anchor. Usually if I can reach bottom with the paddle I'll just push with it like I'm poling on the skiff and also on my paddle boards as well.

You do what is most comfortable for your rig and your own capabilities. I owned a salt marsh 1444 for 6 years and when I fished solo, the boat poled quite well with me on the poling flat form and a cooler loaded down on the bow as far forward as possible. Spin and fly.