Ask most match anglers what has improved their catches the most and many will say the pole. By removing the reel line and letting you lower a rig precisely onto your feed, the pole offers a level of control and presentation that is hard to beat. It looks daunting at first, but the basics are simple — and our lakes are a great place to learn.

Why fish the pole?

The magic of the pole is presentation. There is no reel line bowing in the wind, no casting, and no chance of your rig landing three feet from your feed. You lower the float directly over your bait, hold it dead still, and see every bite. That precision is why pole anglers so often out-fish rod-and-line on hard days.

Understanding pole elastic

Instead of a reel’s clutch, a pole uses elastic threaded through the top sections to cushion the fight. Getting this right is the single most important thing for a beginner.

  • Silverfish (roach, skimmers, rudd): light elastic, around grades 4–6.
  • Mixed and better fish: grades 6–10.
  • Carp: strong solid or hollow elastic to absorb powerful runs.

Too light and you will be smashed by a good fish; too heavy and you will bump small ones off. Matching the elastic to the fish you expect is the key.

Setting up and plumbing

Make up a simple pole rig with a small float, a spread of shot or an olivette, and a hooklength to suit your bait. As with float fishing, plumb the depth carefully so your bait sits just on or off the bottom, and fish tight over the spot you are feeding.

Shipping in and out

This is the part that takes a little practice. You ship the pole back over a roller placed behind you, breaking it down at the same section each time to land your fish with just the elastic-fitted top kit. Take it steadily at first — smoothness matters far more than speed, and it soon becomes second nature.

Feeding accurately

Because the pole lets you fish so precisely, accurate feeding pays off. A pole cup lets you deposit bait exactly where your rig will sit, while a catapult or hand-feeding keeps a steady trickle going in. Keep your feed tight and consistent, and the fish will settle and feed with confidence.

Margin magic

One of the pole’s great strengths is fishing the margins for carp in warmer weather. Lower a bait tight to the bank, hold on, and be ready — margin carp bites are often savage. It is some of the most exciting fishing you can do on our lakes.

Give it a try

The pole opens up a whole new level of control and enjoyment. Pick a comfortable length, fish tight to your feed, and you will quickly see the difference. Take a look at our three lakes, check the prices, and come and give it a go.