POLE MANAGEMENT

Your pole may come with various different spare sections. These can be used either alongside or, in some cases, instead of other sections. Making the switch could make a difference to the end result when you hook a fish.

❱ ❱ LONG POLE

A lot of poles come with two No4 sections - the section that attaches the rest of the pole to the top kit. One is of a standard length and the other in much shorter. If you are fishing the long pole in open water, always rely on the short version and keep the long one in your rod bag. This stiffens the pole up a little, increasing its reaction on the strike. This can make a lot of difference when hitting quick bites.

❱ ❱ DOWN THE MARGINS

Your pole is likely to come with two different types of top kit – match and power. The interior walls of the power kits are stronger and, when big fish are on the menu down the edge, you should always use one with your heavy elastics to prevent any breakages occurring. Some poles have generic kits that are made up of three pieces ( power kits are generally made of two) and removing the thinnest piece will convert it to a power kit.

❱ ❱ GAIN THOSE INCHES

Isn’t it frustrating when you can’t reach a feature by a matter of inches? If you’ve had that problem in the past then a lot of poles can solve it. This is in the form of mini extensions that go in the butt sections of your pole to give you that little bit more reach. They can also be used as an elbow rest, allowing you to fish fifish the absolute full length of the main pole in comfort.