What is pole fishing?

POLE FISHING

Pole fishing has become a very popular method of fishing lakes, canals, ponds and other still waters - in fact it has become the predominant method of fishing these waters.

In essense, the pole is exactly what it says it is. A long pole made of carbon fibre. They can be of varying lengths, all the way up to 16 metres plus in length.

Instead of playing the fish using a reel, the line is fastened direct to the tip of the rod. There is then a length of strong elastic inside the body of the pole that acts as a shock-absorber.

You buy, or make, rigs for pole fishing. These are lengths of line with a loop on the end to fasten to the pole. These rigs come fully set up with float, weights and hook - just attach it to the pole and start fishing!

Pole fishing is an excellent way to start fishing as you don't need to buy huge amounts of tackle to start fishing. When you buy a pole, most tackle shops will set it up for you so you are basically ready to go. Most decent poles come with a spare top section set which you can have a different weight elastic fitted inside.

All you need then are some rigs (see above), some bait, a landing net and something to sit on and you are off.

NB. Never fish without carrying a disgorger and always try to use barbless hooks wherever possible.