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Match and Pole Rods

Match and pole rods are the go-to choice for anglers seeking pinpoint precision, delicate presentation, and maximum bite detection—especially in competitive coarse fishing and commercial venues. These rods are crafted for accuracy, efficiency, and speed, making them ideal for landing high numbers of fish quickly and cleanly. Since 1988, we’ve supported match anglers and club competitors with a wide selection of high-performance match and pole rods, offering both beginner and tournament-grade options from the world’s top brands.

Why Choose Match or Pole Rods?

✅ Designed for high-efficiency, competitive fishing
✅ Unmatched sensitivity for bite detection
✅ Excellent control over float rigs and light tackle
✅ Quick handling for repeated casting and netting
✅ Optimised for silverfish, F1 carp, and smaller commercial species

Whether you prefer float fishing at distance or tight control over a pole margin rig, these rods are precision tools for serious anglers.

Match Rods vs Pole Rods: What’s the Difference?

Rod TypeMatch RodPole Rod
UseFloat fishing with reelPole-only fishing with elastic
ControlMore distance, less controlFull control over bait presentation and strike
SetupRod + reel + float + rigPole section + elastic + hooklength
Best ForLakes, rivers, commercials with casting neededMargins, close-in work, tight swims
Fish TypeRoach, bream, F1s, light carpSilvers, F1s, margin carp

Types of Match Rods

TypeIdeal For
Waggler RodsFloat fishing with fixed wagglers in still or slow waters
Stick Float RodsRunning water, rivers, trotting with centrepins
Pellet Waggler RodsCommercial carp fishing at mid-range with pellet floats
Light Match RodsSmall fish, light lines, delicate bites

Types of Pole Rods

TypeBest For
Margin PolesStrong, short poles for carp and close-in fishing
Full-Length Match Poles11m–16m poles for precision over longer swims
Whips / Telescopic PolesUltra-fast beginner fishing without elastic
Power PolesReinforced for big carp and commercial venues

Top Brands for Match & Pole Rods

  • Preston Innovations – Designed for the match angler, from starter to pro

  • Daiwa – Known for durable, lightweight rod construction

  • MAP (Match Angling Products) – Excellent mid- to high-end poles

  • Matrix – Trusted in competition circles for engineering and innovation

  • Colmic – Premium poles with continental performance standards

  • Sensas – Pole specialists with options for all budgets

Choosing the Right Match or Pole Rod

For Match Rods:

  • Venue Type: Stillwater or river?

  • Casting Distance: Waggler (~15–40m), Pellet Waggler (10–25m)

  • Target Species: Silvers (light), F1s/Carp (medium)

  • Rod Length: 10ft–13ft depending on swim width and casting needs

For Pole Rods:

  • Length Needed: 9–16m depending on fishery rules and swim size

  • Power Rating: Light for silvers, power poles for carp

  • Elastic Setup: Choose based on fish size (soft #4–6 for silvers, solid or hollow #12–18 for carp)

Key Features to Look For

✅ Ultra-light blanks for fatigue-free long sessions
✅ Fast recovery tips for accurate float casting or pole control
✅ Strong joints and reinforcements for commercial fishery abuse
✅ High-modulus carbon construction for balance and feel
✅ Match kits, cupping kits, and extensions for pole adaptability

🧠 FAQ: Match and Pole Rods (10+ Questions)

1. What’s the best match rod for pellet waggler fishing?
A shorter (10–11ft) pellet waggler rod with a soft action is perfect for accurate casting and battling carp.

2. How long should a pole be for commercial fishing?
11m–13m is ideal for most commercial venues, with margin poles (6–9m) great for close-in carp action.

3. Can I use a match rod for river fishing?
Yes—choose a longer, softer rod (13ft+) for controlling stick floats or trotting.

4. What elastic should I use in a pole for carp?
Use a hollow or solid elastic rated #12–18, depending on your pole strength and target size.

5. Are pole rods suitable for beginners?
Yes—whips and telescopic poles are great for learning the basics and catching silvers without a reel.

6. What’s the difference between a power pole and a match pole?
Power poles are reinforced for larger fish (like carp), while match poles focus on lightness and finesse for silverfish.

7. Do I need a cupping kit with my pole?
Highly recommended—cupping kits help you feed bait accurately, improving your catch rate.

8. What’s a top kit?
A top kit is the removable front section of a pole, often elasticated, and interchangeable for speed and versatility.

9. Are match rods suitable for feeder fishing?
No—they’re made for float work. Use feeder rods with heavier casting ratings for feeders.

10. Can I use braid on a match rod?
You can, but most match rods are optimised for low-diameter monofilament for stealth and float control.

11. What rod is best for F1 carp fishing?
A light pellet waggler rod or soft-action margin pole is ideal for this hybrid species in commercials.

Match-Grade Gear Since 1988

Whether you’re gearing up for a weekend match, joining your first club league, or upgrading to a tournament-level pole system, we stock the UK’s most trusted match and pole rod brands—available with kits, elastics, rigs, and expert guidance. With over three decades of angling experience, we’re here to help you fish faster, smarter, and better.

🎯 Precision starts with the right rod. Shop online or in-store today.

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