DIY Kayak Stake Pole

A kayak stake pole--or "stake out" pole as it is often referred to--is vital for fishing in shallow water from your kayak. This is a long pole similar to the kinds used on flats boats in Florida while fishing for bonefish and other shallow-water species. The stake pole's main function is to push the boat through the water quietly and steadily. It is a DIY project for those who have experience working with metal.

  1. Design

    • The design of a stake pole is simplistic in nature. It is a long cylinder shaped like a pipe. Most stake poles taper at the ends to a point that is half the diameter of the end with the handle. This tapering action allows the lower portion of the pole to more easily slide through the water, while the handle end's large dimension provides more surface area to grasp the pole. It reduces fatigue and makes the pole quieter in the water. However, for the DIY project, this taper presents problems.

    Crafting Your Pole: Materials

    • To make a simple stake pole, use a length of 1/4-inch thick, two-inch diameter aluminum piping or poles. They are available through pipe dealers and at hardware stores. Craft a handle from a plastic tube of the same interior diameter. Attach the handle to the top end of the pole and another near the bottom, about three feet from the tip. This provides two gripping points. A grip from a tennis racket or fish gaff may also be used.

    Final Crafting

    • Add a tapered end to finish the pole. This process is made simple by using a metal lathe to shape the end of your aluminum pole. If your pole is too long for a lathe, cut it in half and shape the end with a taper you desire. Then crimp the other end so it slides into the top portion of the pole. This leaves you with a two-piece stake pole, which is more convenient to transport. Leave at least three inches of pole on both sides of the crimp to ensure a snug fit. You only have to crimp the pole by 1/16th of an inch on both sides, so it slides snugly into the top portion of the pole. Secure it by drilling a hole and inserting a pin through both sections when assembled.