I dont know about the DIY manual shallow water acnchors. I got the micro power pole and wonder how i lived without it. I use it a lot. The time i use it most is to let my dog out to go to the bathroom. Thats not to say it hasnt stoppped my boat from hitting the rocks on a windy several times. I use it pretty often in tandem with my XI5 trolling motor when fishing shallow water to keep the boat still and at a specific angle. I love mine.....
David C. L'Heureux
ET2 SW/AW USN RET
100% Disabled Veteran
Formerly known as dhkdl1