When it comes to stealthily and strategically placing your rigs and bait, it’s hard to be more accurate than when using a baiting pole. They offer the perfect solution to positioning rigs without the risk of spooking the fish, whilst opening up opportunities to fish around the lake where casting a rig is impossible.
Whilst they may seem a bit gimmicky and a lot of messing around to begin with, once you have used one, you’ll find it difficult to not continue using one every trip, that’s how effective they are at baiting up, and can add an extra dimension to your angling, giving you the edge you have been looking for.
The best baiting poles at a glance:
When using a pole, you can be 100% confident that your rig has got to the lakebed, not only tangle free, but with your loose offerings directly around it. Even the most accurate Spombing cannot achieve this scenario, and we know just how effective being really accurate can be at putting more fish on the bank. Here is our guide to the best currently available, all do a similar job but have varying features included.
How we test the best baiting poles
These baiting poles were tested by experienced members of the Angling times team. We have been using and abusing gear like this for decades and have probably used most, if not all of them during our time on the bank, so we know the best from the rest!
Tackle testers, Mark Sawyer and James Furness have been testing a variety of baiting poles in varying scenarios to ensure they perform how they are supposed to! Whether it be accurately placing rigs at close range, shipping them under overhangs, or even on top of feeding fish, these poles have been thoroughly tested on so we can give a rounded review!
Our decision process of what makes the best baiting poles takes into account various factors including price point, build quality and usability to ensure we can give you the best advice on factors that will make an actual different to your angling.
The following list includes a mixture of our favourites for all types of specimen fishing you are likely to encounter! Find out how we test our gear, HERE.
In my opinion, The Nash Bushwhacker Pro Baiting Pole system is the ultimate baiting pole on the market, which with add on sections can be shipped as far as you are willing to push it. This pole really does make your fishing much more accurate and can safely position rigs in places where casting is impossible, somewhere the carp won’t be expecting it.
The kit still comes with the spoon and 15m of pole, but the Pro version now has improved features on the spoon itself to make fishing that bit easier still. There is now a headlight mount, allowing you to clip a headtorch onto front of the spoon so you can ship out with ease and accuracy during darkness.
There is also a Deeper mount and a leading bridge to further assist with stealth. The Deeper can be anchored to the front via a specialised mount and shipped out to the chosen area for investigation. The leading bridge allows line to be positioned through a metal clip, that when inverted allows the lead to drop to the bottom and transmit the make-up of the lakebed back to the rod, saving endless casting with a marker rod which may spook carp in the area.
Pros
- Unlimited ability to extend the pole with extra sections
- Unique leading bridge and sonar attachment
Cons
- Can be difficult to use in the wind
Strongest Put-Over pole
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The Cygnet baiting pole comprises of 8 carbon/composite sections to take the pole to 12m in length, ideal if you fish smaller intimate waters and don’t need a longer pole. Thanks to its rigid design it is easy to manoeuvre, especially in windy conditions where more flexible poles can be difficult to use.
The end section of the pole has a thread on it to allow you to attach a spoon or whatever else you may feel like, such as weed cutting blades to remove overhangs or snags, allowing you to create your own spots to get a rig in, which can be a massive edge!
Pros
- Rigid design
- Strong sections
- easy to maneouvre
Cons
- Limited length at 12m
Best long range baiting pole
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Available in a 12m or 18m set, the Corus Long Reach Baiting Pole offers a great solution to delivering rigs with stealth and accuracy.
Unlike some poles on the market, the Corus pole has sections made from carbon fibre, which reduces the overall weight and helps the pole stay rigid even in windy conditions. Numbered sections also make for a quick and efficient set up.
Parallel 1.5m extensions can be purchased to take the pole to lengths in excess of 30m, so you can push rigs out as far as you dare. The scoop holds a nice amount of bait, up to 900g in fact, which is more than enough to get a bite. There is a slot on the spoon to hold an isotope for increased accuracy at night, the pole also comes with a bespoke neoprene case for safekeeping.
Pros
- Unlimited extensions
- Strong, rigid design
Cons
- Sections can pull apart so make sure they are secure
Best baiting pole for small venues
Saber’s new 18m carbon baiting pole comes as a standard 16m pole with a 1.75m extension to take you further.
The sections have been reinforced for added strength to prevent breakages and increase the rigidity whilst shipping out and placing rigs. The sections are pushed together and are finished with a special coating to prevent them sticking together when wet, a common issue with carbon sections.
The spoon has an improved square, flat profile to help its stability whilst out on the water and has a dividing wall option to help stop your rig tangling or the hook being masked if you’re using livebaits like maggots. Being fully watertight, the spoon can deliver liquids and solid bags too.
Pros
- Non-stick section design
- Lightweight
Cons
- 18m is the maximum length
Best baiting pole for boat work
The Fox Horizon X Baiting Pole is designed to enhance precision in baiting up. This poles purpose isn’t to be extended out in to the lake like some models, this baiting pole is ideal for placing bait accurately in the margins, or as a lever for propelling bait to the spot, and also its perfect for using from a boat to accurately place bait and rigs right under overhanging trees. Made from high modulus carbon, this pole combines strength and flexibility, enabling it to support the weight of a fully loaded spoon while maximising baiting distance.
Featuring Japanese shrink wrap hand grips, it provides a secure and comfortable hold for enhanced control, even in wet conditions. The Horizon X is available in two models: a 6ft one-piece and an 8ft two-piece. The one-piece version offers simplicity and rigidity, while the 8ft two-piece design allows for greater reach while remaining compact for easy storage, thanks to its 2 piece configuration.
Pros
- Compact in size and will store in a holdall
- Solid construction allows to be levered like a rod
Cons
- Takes practice to increase accuracy
What to look for in a baiting pole?
With all baiting poles primarily doing the same job, you have to decide what best fits your needs. If you fish small lakes, then I would be happy using a 12-18m pole as that would suffice in that situation perfectly. However, if you fish a range of lakes, a more versatile option that can be extended would be far more suitable.
If you do a lot of fishing in the dark or like to find spots with a sonar device, then a spoon that can incorporate these would be a massive advantage over one that doesn't. How windswept the lake is can also play a massive role in what the pole sections are made from, a carbon pole will stay straighter in wind than a fibreglass/composite one will. Baiting poles offer a much more affordable and practical option to bait boats, and when fishing at shorter ranges, are better and more subtle options.
How heavy they are can impact how you fish too. Whilst you won't be holding it, you still have to carry it to the swim, so a more compact, lightweight option might be worth considering if you like to stay mobile.
Glossary
Section: A length of carbon or fibreglass around 1.5m long which are put together to give the pole its length.
Telescopic: Tubular sections slide into one another or out of one another to extend.
Put-over: Sections are put together by inserting the male part (thinner end) into the female part (wider end).
Spoon: The plastic device located on the end of the pole for putting rigs and bait in.
Float: Polystyrene or foam in construction, the pole section is pushed through the middle to help the pole stay buoyant.
Ship out: The action of sliding the pole through your hands towards its designated spot.
Parallel section: All sections are the same width, so can be used in any order.
Frequently asked questions
What can I put in the spoon of my baiting pole?
Nearly all the spoons available are watertight, so it really is down to personal preference, you can put anything from PVA bags and liquids to maggots and boilies in, the choice really is limitless.
How do you put a baiting pole together?
This will depend on the product you purchase. Some baiting poles are telescopic, so just release the end cap and the pole will slide out to its maximum length. Put-over poles require a bit more work as you have to insert the male end into the female end for every section. Some have parallel sections with clips that push into each other and lock in place.
How long does a baiting pole need to be?
This is all down to what situations you will use the pole in. If your lake is small and most features are close by, then a 12m pole will be ample. If you need more versatility and you fish a range of waters, we strongly recommend going for one that can be extended as far as you need.
Why are my baiting pole sections sticking together?
A common complaint with a lot of carbon poles is the the action of pushing together wet sections can create a vacuum that can cause sections to stick. If you rub a bit of candle wax onto the end of male section this will help prevent this happening.
Why do my baiting pole sections keep coming apart?
It is always advised with put together poles to insert the sections together then give them a slight twist to lock them into place. It is also worth shipping back carefully as the resistance caused by the spoon and float can be very strong and can cause sections to pull apart.
Author Aidan Bordiuk is an enthusiastic angler who enjoys all fishing disciplines from match fishing to beach casting. He is currently occupying the position of Commercial Content Writer at Angling Times.