|
Fishing with a cane pole or other long, relatively limber pole is one of the simplest and perhaps oldest fishing techniques where some type of rod is used. Probably preceded only by poles or branches of whatever nature was available, cane poles have been used to catch everything from small panfish to much larger fish such as catfish, bass and even giant tuna on commercial fishing boats of years past.
The cane pole rig is as simple as tying a piece of fishing line securely onto the narrow tip of the pole that may be anywhere from 6 feet to10 feet or more long. The terminal gear is typically as simple as a bait hook and a split-shot for weight. A bobber or float is also often used, especially when youngsters are fishing.
Live bait is the most common bait for this style of fishing, with worms, crickets and baitfish used widely. Natural bait like stink bait, corn, cheese and other can also be used effectively with a cane pole set-up.
Cane poles are limited to close-range fishing because managing a length of fishing line longer than the pole is problematic. This also restricts their use to relatively shallow water, usually 10 feet or less, again depending on the length of the rod (and line). But they can be very effective for accurately placing bait in holes within heavy vegetation, at the edge of a logjam, or other close quarters that hold fish and are within reach of the rod.
Many young anglers learn to fish with a cane pole because of its simplicity and ease of handling.
|
