I am cheap so got a pc of 1" dia. nylon rod from work for a stake out pole. I have to grind down one end to a point. How sharp do you all have your points? Then have to drill a hole in the top. How long of a rope at the top? Want to get this done this afternoon. Could use help in answers. Thanks

I use a 6' plastic tomato stick I got at the hardware store for $4 and it works for me.  I use a length of rope 1.5 times the length of my kayak.  I just loop/tie it around the stick.  I feed it through my anchor trolly so the strain is straight off the boat and I tie it off on my midship carry handle.  This arrangement sets the stick one boat length from the stick so I know precisely where my location will be when I set up.  My tomato stick isn't very sharp and it pushes into the sand/mud no problem.  I agree with your approach - try the cheepest solution (don't care if it breaks or if I loose it) and if it doesn't work there is plenty of time to throw money at titanium poles.

Jim