“Smart” Rod or Smart Aleck? The Tackobox Poletap SmartRod

I don’t know many anglers who would look twice at this glitzy, computerized rod and reel combo called the Poletap SmartRod by Tackobox. So why in the world do I recommend you buy one? Why the paradox? My Southern friends will call this a fancy pole. And doggone it, some groups of people would do well with a fancy pole like this one–though you may or may not be one of them.

The Poletap SmartRod integrates advanced technology that can feel a bite with accelerometer detection. I know…kind of sounds like “Corinthian leather,” doesn’t it? But hey, it does beep with a strike (and it really works).

Here’s who would benefit: really young or really old anglers that might not be able to detect a bite. Now hold on a sec. I am not saying that all old anglers need it because I know old anglers that could kick my patootie in a fishing competition. I just mean old as in…well…infirm.

Also hyper kids that can’t focus or pay attention very well–they’ll be drawn every time it beeps to take action. Physically challenged folks that can’t hold a rod to detect a bite, and visually impaired anglers that can’t see what’s going on with the rod tip might like it. Heck, any angler that sets up a dead rod–try this one. You’ll hear the big old “beeeep” before seeing the rod tip indication.

The SmartRod is so smart–how smart is it?–that it resets with another cast and resets when you are reeling in a fish. And if it helps someone feel smarter about their fishing so they go fishing more often, that’s pretty cool and worth something. Especially if you have a computer-geek kid that thinks fishing is boring. Maybe having a fancy pole like the SmartRod will engage them to fish more often.

Some of my friends that guide charters down in Savannah, Georgia played around with the SmartRod with me while I was visiting there recently.

“I’ll buy just about anything for a gift or to have a good conversation about it with all my captain friends,” shared Miss Judy of Miss Judy Charters of Savannah. She’s been guiding for over 30 years and writing weekly area fishing reports for over 20 years. “I’ve bought battery-operated lures, floating sonar devices, fish-finding wrist watches, yo-yo tree set ups, electronic lobsters … you-name-it!” Miss Judy would buy one of these, too–but like me, she can’t imagine a serious fisherman really using one.

Until her friend Matt Williams used it and found that he liked it.

“This rod intrigued me,” shared Williams, who guides for Miss Judy. “To be able to set it in a rod holder for a captain’s rod is great. The hands-off application is what I liked about it more than using it in a hands-on way, especially with a circle hook or trolling that didn’t require a set.” Matt played with the adjustments and found he could only use it in the low sensitivity setting. Otherwise, just moving it or even an egg sinker’s weight and movement triggered it going off.

K.J. Houtman

Houtman writes books embracing the great outdoors for children and adults. Available as paperbacks and e-books at Amazon, they are: A Whirlwind Opener (#1), Driving Me Crazy (#2), Spare the Rod (#3), Duck, Duck Deuce (#4), Born to be Wild (#5) and A Second Chance (#6) as well as K.J.'s Reflections Under the Big Pine with Bill Miller, a non-fiction devotional for adults.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the Fish On Kids Books series – Houtman has a wonderful talent. I'm engaged in the life of Gus and when one book ends, I want to find out what he is up to in the next.” Sharon Rushton, Outdoor Writer and author of No Paved Road to Freedom

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