Fishing Poles

The Ultimate Guide to Fishing Poles

Fishing poles are the preferred choice for match anglers and pleasure fishers alike. Offering unrivalled precision, sensitivity, and control, a good pole lets you present your bait exactly where the fish are — and hold it there with pinpoint accuracy that a rod and reel simply can't match.

Whether you're fishing a commercial carp lake, a canal, or a river, the right pole setup can make a huge difference to your catch rate.

Why Fish a Pole?

  • Precision presentation — ship the rig to exactly the right spot, every time
  • Superior bite detection — elastic and a sensitive float give instant indication
  • Better control — hold back against flow, lift and drop the bait, and stay in contact throughout
  • Ideal for short to mid-range fishing — typically 4–16 metres depending on venue and conditions

Choosing the Right Pole

Poles come in a wide range of lengths, weights, and price points. Key things to consider:

  • Length: Most commercial fishery anglers use a 10–13 metre pole. Longer poles give more reach but require more strength and practice to handle.
  • Weight: A lighter pole reduces fatigue over a long session. Look at the balance point and swing weight as well as overall weight.
  • Stiffness: Stiffer poles are more accurate and easier to ship, but a degree of flex helps when playing fish on lighter elastics.
  • Package: Many poles come with a top kit or two included. Check what's in the package before buying.

Pole Elastic: Getting It Right

Elastic is the shock absorber between you and the fish. Choosing the right grade is essential:

  • Grades 1–4: Ultra-light for small roach, perch, and skimmers on fine lines
  • Grades 5–8: All-round elastic for F1s, bream, and general commercial fishing
  • Grades 10–14: Heavier elastic for carp on commercials — absorbs powerful runs without bumping fish
  • Solid elastic: Used in the stonfo or side puller system for big carp on strong lines

Always match your elastic to your target species and line strength. Too heavy and you'll bump fish; too light and you risk breakages.

Pole Rigs

A well-tied pole rig is the foundation of good pole fishing. Key components include:

  • Float: Slim wire-stemmed floats for still or slow water; heavier bodied floats for rivers and wind
  • Mainline: Typically 0.10–0.18mm depending on species and conditions
  • Hooklength: Step down 0.02–0.04mm from your mainline for a natural presentation
  • Hook: Match hook size to bait — size 18–22 for maggot and caster; size 14–16 for pellet and corn

Top Tips for Pole Fishing Success

  • Always plumb up carefully and set your depth accurately before you start fishing
  • Keep your rig tight to the float — avoid slack line on the surface
  • Ship the pole smoothly and quietly to avoid spooking fish
  • Feed little and often to keep fish in your peg without overfeeding
  • Use a cupping kit to introduce groundbait or pellets accurately at the start of a session

Shop Our Range

Browse our selection of pole fishing essentials including floats, elastics, rigs, and bait to get the most from your next session.