How to Make a Long Fishing Pole

fishing image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com

Long fishing poles are typically 9 feet or more in length. Often, these long poles are used by anglers fishing from the banks of streams and rivers and are necessary to present lures or baits through the brush along the water. These longer specialized poles are available from many tackle and sporting goods stores. However, you can easily make a long pole at home. This can be a great project for involving new anglers and youth.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Bamboo pole
Fine tooth saw
Knife
Sandpaper
Fishing line
Fluorocarbon leader
Scissors
Hook and bait or lure

Step 1

Obtain a long length of bamboo from a garden center, home or hobby store. Select a length that tapers at one end and is at least 8 or 9 feet long.

Step 2

Trim the ends of the bamboo to remove any rough cuts or splits in the ends of the bamboo. Cut the ends flush with a fine tooth saw. Do not remove too much of the taper end, as this is important to provide some action for the pole.

Step 3

Remove any shoots from the length of the pole with a knife. Also use the knife to smooth rough growth joints of the bamboo. Finish smoothing the bamboo with sandpaper, paying special attention to the end where you will be holding the pole.

Step 4

Cut a V-shaped notch 1 inch from the end of the pole on the tapered end. Use a knife to make a shallow V cut that will be used to hold fishing line in place. Do not cut the V notch so deep that the integrity of the pole is compromised.

Step 5

Tie a 12- to 15-foot length of monofilament fishing line to the end of the pole with a uni knot. The 8- to 10-pound test is a good starting point and can be adjusted as needed or by preference. Form the uni knot by passing 5 to 6 inches of line around the end of the pole so that the line rests in the V notch. Pull the free end of the line along side the main line. Turn the free end back toward the pole to form a loop and wrap the free end around the doubled line and through the loop four times. Moisten the knot and pull down tight.

Step 6

Tie a 2- to 3-foot length of fluorocarbon line to the end of the main line with a surgeon's knot. Overlap the two lines for 6 inches to 7 inches. Form a loop with the doubled line and feed the free end of the main line and leader through the loop two times. Moisten the knot and pull down tight. Trim excess line from the free ends with a sharp pair of scissors.

Tips & Warnings

Attach a hook or lure to the end of the fluorocarbon leader with another uni knot.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

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