Shallow water is common where I fish out of. The extendable push poles aren't strong enough and don't hold up. In the south we have cypress poles that are perfect. They are strong and will last forever. With a quick mount of a 2 1/2" PVC piece approximately 12" long I am able to keep my pole right along side of the boat ready to be used. The mount holds it in place even while being towed down the highway. Too make the cypress look a little more presentable, I sprayed it with some white Flex-Seal that I got from Walmart.
You can see the pole along the side of the boat in the right of the pic.. The best thing is, cypress wood is free....
