BCTAC Guide to Pole Fishing

A pole is made of carbon fibre and because of this is very light. Poles come in several sections that fit together and make one big long pole usually 13-14 meters in length. Each section is usually about a meter in length so you can put as many or as few as you need together so you can fish at different lengths depending where the fish are in the lake or river.

Here's a picture of a match were everyone is using a long pole to fish the far bank where the carp are feeding right along the margins. Behind them they have got a pole roller to rest the pole on as they move it back and unship it at the right section by twisting and pulling the pole section apart then they can land there fish. Because they don't have to cast out they can just drop there bait right on the same spot every time and be very accurate in how they present there bait to the fish. Some of them have put a small pot on the end of there pole called a pole pot which they fill with pellets or maggots and can tip straight on top of there feeding area just under the tip of the pole. It is a very accurate way of fishing and give you superb presentation resulting in more fish in your net. This is why its such a good method and one you should learn.

So how much is a pole to buy and what should I be looking for?

Well a good pole is not cheap. Top of the range poles can cost over £1000.00 pound. But you can by a good pole for much less. £200.00 pounds will get you a very nice pole for general use and if looked after will last you a long time.

Length of the pole is important but generally a 13 meter pole or a 14 meter pole is the right length to go for. Take your time when looking to buy your first pole and try a few out before you make up your mind asking the advice of your local tackle shop and other anglers before you buy it. Once you have your pole take good care of it as the sections are expensive to replace.

Once you have bought your pole you will have to put elastic in the end of it and also in the other top kits that come with your new pole this is called elasticating your pole and you will need the following accessories.

This fits in the end of a section of your pole and the pole elastic is wound on to it. The elastic comes out the end of your pole tip through a ptf bush and is attached to a little connector called a stonfo. The Pole elastic is first threaded through the pole with a pole threader.

Putting the correct elastic in your pole is really a job for your Dad or the tackle shop to do for you, but the main thing to remember is that you must use the correct strength of elastic for the fish your going to catch. For Carp you will need strong elastic depending on how big they are. For Roach and river fish a much lighter elastic will be needed. Be sure to ask your tackle shops advice and tell them what sort of fish you are going hoping to catch.

Other stuff you will need. A pole roller and a pole tulip for holding your pole sections safely. Also pole fishing is best done on a good box with adjustable legs so you can sit straight and even when using your pole. You will also need some ready tied up pole rigs which are great for beginners, later on you can make your own up.

I know its not cheap but you don't have to get it all straight away and there's always birthdays and Christmas. hint hint mum and dad...

Pole roller v type Pole roller Bar type Pole tulip Pole fishing box Pole Float rigs on winders This may help if you are...

Pole rigs are made up on plastic winders and contain the pole float the shot to weigh it down in the water and the line and the hook. You can buy them ready tied (easy) or make them up your self (not so easy). I suggest you buy them ready made to get you started.

Floats Floats and more floats. Which one is the right one to use. Lets make it simple they come in 3 types pear shape tear shape and rugby ball shapes. Pear shape pole floats are good for river Tear shapes and rugby shapes are good for still waters. There are many many types to chose from but if you buy ready tied rigs they tell you on the packet what they are used for so you cant go wrong.

All kinds of pole floats Ready tied rigs make it easy Tear shaped pear shaped Rugby ball Rigs on winders

All these baits will be great for pole fishing. Maggots will catch any fish going, pellets are great for commercials, sweet corn is cheap and easy to use, casters are fantastic for roach when used with hempseed ,and worms are great for big fish and all fish. Ground bait is the stuff you need to keep them in your swim and comes in hundreds of types. Take this lot with you and you wont have any problems getting the fish to take your float under. If you cant afford much then just take worms or sweet corn or just maggots and hemp seed.

Last but not least you will need a plummet to find the depth of the swim and a catapult to fire your bait out with or you could use a little pole pot on the end of your pole. And don't forget to take a disgorger with you! See the section on stupid mistakes to avoid.

I hope this little guide has helped you a little bit if you have any question just email me at mark@bctac.co.uk and I will be happy to help you out.