The Ultimate Pole Fishing Guide 2024

Pole fishing can be a thrilling experience, but if you are new, or just don’t know where to start, this guide aims to teach you everything about fishing with a pole!

Pole fishing is an angling method in which an angler uses a long, flexible rod to fish.

It is one of the most popular types of fishing, especially in competitive angling, which is also known as match fishing.

A set amount of anglers sit on the bank, or on a raised platform called a seat box, and cast their lines out into the water using a rod, or they connect sections of a pole together, attach some elastic using a variety of baits to attract fish.

This article discusses how pole fishing can be a fun and exciting activity for anyone, regardless of experience level.

We’ll will teach you the basics of pole fishing, from where to find good fishing spots to the best techniques for landing your fish – from roach to skimmers, silverfish and F1 carp.

We’ll also cover some of the most common mistakes made by beginners, so you can avoid them before you start pole fishing!

pole fishing basics

The Basics of Pole Fishing

Pole fishing is a type of fishing that uses a long, flexible pole to fish.

The pole is generally made from carbon fiber or fiberglass, and can be up to 16 feet in length. Elastic is attached to one end of the pole which is then used to connect a rig to, which includes a hook and bait.

Once you have a fish hooked, you then lift the pole to set the hook.

You can then begin to ‘shimmy’ the pole towards you, removing each section as you go until the fish is close enough to the bank to land.

But what equipment do you need to start pole fishing?

Choosing A Fishing Pole

So you need a pole to begin with. There are various lengths available on the market, so it’s important to choose one that is suitable for the type of fishing you want to do.

Here is a quick rundown of pole sizes:

7.5m, 9m, 11.5m, 13m, 14.5m and 16m.

Carp margin poles are used for fishing close to the bank in shallow water, where you need a pole that is stiff and has a lot of power to land fish.

Match fishing poles are used in competitions, where the angler needs to act fast, so a pole that is light and responsive is required.

Power poles (also known as a power top kit which is a special section that you connect to your pole) are used for fishing in deeper water, where you need a pole that can reach the fish and has enough power to land them.

Pole Top Kits

A top kit is the name given to the final section of pole that you attach your elastic to.

There are various types of top kits available on the market, each with their own benefits.

Some top kits have a screw thread attachment, which means you can unscrew them and change the elastic if needed.

Others have a push in attachment, which is quick and easy to use but you can’t change the elastic.

The type of top kits available include;

  • Match Kit – This is the most popular type of top kit and is used in match fishing. It has a screw thread attachment and is generally made from stainless steel or anodised aluminium.
  • Carp Kit – This type of top kit is used for fishing for carp. It has a push in attachment and is made from carbon fiber or anodised aluminium.
  • Power Kit – This type of top kit is used for fishing in deeper water. It has a screw thread attachment and is made from stainless steel or anodised aluminium.
Fishing with a pole

Pole Elastic

Elastic is what gives the pole its power. It is generally made from latex and is available in a variety of diameters and tensions.

The diameter is measured in millimeters (mm) and the tension is measured in pounds (lb). For example, 14mm/26lb elastic.

The tension of the elastic will determine how much force is needed to pull the pole towards you, and the diameter will determine how much ‘give’ there is in the elastic.

The most common diameters are 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm and 16mm. The most common tensions are 22lb, 24lb, 26lb and 28lb.

PTFE Bushes

PTFE bushes are used to protect your pole from wear and tear, and also make it easier to remove the pole from the water.

PTFE is a special type of plastic that is very strong and durable.

PTFE Bushes

PTFE Nose Cone

Used to protect the pole from damage when it is being used in rocky areas, a PTFE cone is placed on the end of the pole to prevent it from being damaged.

Side Puller

A side puller is a bead that grips the elastic to hold it into place. usually these are made from thermoplastic rubber.

Anglers can use side pullers as elastic tensioners by simply pulling some of the elastic out to allows you to tighten up the elastic – albeit temporarily.

Pole Pots & Cups

Choose from feeding cups to deliver bait to a target, or cupping kits that make it easier to instantly adjust the length of your top kits – useful if your match or power kits are different lengths.

Pole Socks

A unique piece of tackle designed to prevent your pole sections from sliding forwards. Can be attached to seat box arms for further customisation of your pole setup.

Pole Fishing rigs

Rigs are what you will use to catch fish. As you may imagine, there are many different types of pole rigs.

Each pole rig typically consists of:

  • Fine diameter mainline
  • A hooklength
  • A pole float (Various weights)
  • A hook (Various sizes)
  • Shots
  • Pole winder (to secure the rig onto)

Most are ready to fish out of the packet, and which pole rig you choose depends on the species you are fishing for.

Pole Shot Guide

If you want to make sure your rig is fishing efficiently, we’ve together a super handy guide to shots and shotz to make sure your float is weighted correctly.

Shot NameWeight
SSG1.6g
AAA0.80g
BB0.40g
Size 10.24g
Size 40.17g
Size 60.10g
SizeWeight
80.063g
90.049g
100.034g
110.026g
120.020g
130.012g

Pole Floats

A pole float is a small, buoyant device that is attached to the line above the rig.

It is used to help keep the bait suspended in the water and also acts as a strike indicator, showing when a fish has taken the bait.

They can be bought separately, or as part of a pole rig.

DiamaterBreaking Strain
0.06mm12oz
0.07mm1lb 2oz
0.08mm1lb 12oz
0.09mm2lb
0.10mm2lb 6oz
0.11mm2lb 14oz
0.12mm3lb 4oz
0.14mm4lb 12oz
0.16mm5lb 10oz
0.18mm6lb 8oz
0.20mm7lb 12oz
0.22mm9lb
0.24mm10lb 4oz
0.26mm11lb 6oz

Pole Rollers

A pole roller is a must if you want to quickly retrieve and ship our your fishing pole!

Basically a roller on a stand, it makes it easier to connect and disconnect each pole section like a well oiled machine!

Some pole rollers also come with an integral pole support, which helps to take the weight of the pole when you’re not fishing. This is especially useful when you’re retrieving your pole from deep water.

Most importantly though, a pole roller prevents any damage from occurring.

Available as singles, or with multiple sections (for many poles), some also come with V rests to better organise your pole fishing setup.

Pole Elastication

Before we move onto how to use a fishing pole, you will need to learn how to elasticate it!

First, choose an elastic that can handle the fish you are targeting. If any big carp are present – you will need stronger pole elastic to handle them (12 to 14 is sufficient for carp around 4lb).

Dacron connectors are used to connect your elastic to your rig. They are easy to use, and can be quickly swapped out if needed.

To attach the pole elastic to your pole, simply thread it through the pole’s internal elastication points. Once you have done this, use a side puller bead which stops your elastic at the puller.

You can use a puller tool to help with this, along with a pair of scissors for trimming.

Now you are ready to fish!

Again, we find watching a video really helps to learn about pole elastication.

How To Use A Fishing Pole

Know you have an idea of the tackle required to put together a setup that gives you every chance to land fish quickly, lets talk about how to fish a pole!

Here are some key steps:

1. Get your pole, rig and bait ready. Make sure you have enough pole float shots to ensure the pole float sits at the correct depth in the water.

2. Find a good spot to fish. If you can, find an area where there is some water movement as this will help keep the bait suspended in the water column.

3. Once you have found a good spot, set up your pole roller and pole support (if you’re using one).

4. Now it’s time to start fishing! Begin by gently lower your rig into the water. If you’re using a pole pot or cupping kit, fill it with bait before lowering it into the water.

5. Once your rig is in the water, hold the pole in your dominant hand and use your other hand to feed line out as needed.

6. Keep an eye on the pole float – when it starts to dip under the water this usually means a fish is taking the bait.

7. Strike! When you see the pole float dip under, quickly pull the pole towards you to set the hook.

8. Start shipping in your pole. Begin to remove sections so that the pole is shorter and easier to control.

9. Once the fish is close enough, use your landing net to scoop it out of the water.

10. Now it’s time to put the fish safely back into the water, or a keepnet, and start all over again!

Pole fishing is a great way to catch fish, and with a bit of practice you’ll be catching them like a pro in no time!

We’ve handpicked this video below, which teaches you the basics of pole fishing.

Pole Fishing For Beginners

This part of the article discusses some easy tactics to using your fishing pole.

Pole fishing can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. If you’re just starting out, the most important thing is to keep it simple and have fun!

One of the great things about pole fishing is that you can fish for a variety of different species using the same tackle. This means that once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start to experiment with different rigs and baits to target the fish you want to catch.

Here are some tips for pole fishing for beginners:

1. Start by using simple pole float rigs. These are easy to setup and require minimal tackle.

2. Use bait that is easy to cast and doesn’t weigh too much. Good options include maggots, casters or sweetcorn.

3. When you’re starting out, it’s best to fish in shallow water where you can see the pole float at all times. This will help you to detect bites more easily.

4. Keep your pole fishing trips short to begin with. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start to extend your sessions.

5. Have fun and experiment! pole fishing is a great way to catch fish, so don’t be afraid to try different things until you find what works for you.

pole fishing tips

Pole Fishing Tips

Now that we’ve covered the basics of pole fishing, let’s take a look at some more advanced tips that will help you catch even more fish!

1. Use pole floats of different sizes and shapes to fish at different depths. This will help you to target fish that are holding at different levels in the water column.

2. When fishing in deeper water, use heavier baits and rig weights to keep your rig down in the water column.

3. Use a pole winder to quickly and easily retrieve your rig when you need to cast again. This is a great time-saving tool that all pole fishers should use!

4. Experiment with different types of pole fishing rigs until you find ones that work for you. There is no one perfect rig for pole fishing, so it’s important to find ones that suit your style of fishing and the conditions you’re fishing in.

5. Use a pole roller to help protect your pole when you’re shipping in fish. This will help to extend the life of your pole and keep it in good condition.

pole fishing for beginners

Storing Your Fishing Pole

Once you’ve finished pole fishing for the day, it’s important to store your pole correctly to ensure that it is in good condition for next time.

1. Start by taking your pole apart and removing all of the end tackle.

2. Give your pole a thorough clean with fresh water and a soft cloth.

3. Once your pole is clean, dry it off completely with a clean towel.

4. Inspect your pole for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If you find any, make sure to repair or replace those parts before using your pole again.

5. Store your pole in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use.

6. We recommend investing in a pole holdall and a top kit case to make sure your fishing pole lasts!

Pole Fishing: Final Thoughts

Pole fishing can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to have the right equipment and know the right tips in order to maximize your chances of success.

In this article, we’ve provided you with some essential pole fishing tips as well as a beginners guide to pole fishing gear.

With a bit of practice and by using the right equipment, you’ll be catching fish like a pro in no time!

We really hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to pole fishing!

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Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API