Homemade Cane Pole

The other day, I gave you a few family fishing tips since our holiday plan was to take the kids fishing. Today, I'd like to share my favorite fishing method as well as how to make a fishing pole of your very own.

I love to fish as much, if not more than, my husband but fishing gear can get quite expensive. I prefer to fish with a homemade cane pole. I've had better luck with a cane pole than my husband has with his store bought pole. I've caught catfish, blue gill, crappie, and many other fish off a cane pole. They're easy to make, take only a few minutes and a couple supplies you're likely to have in your tackle box.

Directions to make a cane fishing pole.

1. Find a long straight stick (NOT a thin switch) at least five feet long that bends slightly when pulled at one end. A dry stick will break when you try to bring a fish in while a stick too long or short provides difficult handling when pulling your fish to the bank. Some folks prefer longer poles but I prefer the handling of one a little shorter than my height. Experience will tell you which length works best for you but starting with something around your overall height is a good starting point.
   
2. Cut some fishing line at least one plus a half the length of your pole. If in doubt cut it double the length or longer. Length of the needed fishing line depends on where you're fishing (dock, bank, around logs, etc) but I air on the side of caution by cutting my line longer.
3. Wrap your fishing line a few inches from end of the stick several times and tie it off pulling hard to make sure the knot is secure.
4. Tie a hook to the other end of your line, add any weights, bobbers, lures, etc.
5. Add your bait then toss in your line.

If your line is to long then wrap the line around the end of the stick a few times till you acquire the length that's manageable for you. My kids prefer fishing with a cane pole. I use smaller sticks and shorter line for their poles. They don't have to figure out how to time the casting and the line always goes where they want it! When you get a bite, all you do is snatch the pole up and your fish is caught.

When you are done fishing, either wrap the line around the pole securing the hook to the pole or remove the fishing line, toss the stick in the woods or the water, and place the line back in your tackle box for next trip. NEVER toss used fishing line in the water-other fish can get tangled, snag on boater's engine propellers, or further endanger other wildlife.

Here are some great fishing resources to get your fishing trip started!

Tying a Clinch Knot -the knot I use to attach my hook to my line plus they have other great knots you can use too.
Here's a more professional method to creating a cane pole.
Learn about your states fishing license regulations, marina locations, family hot spots, fishing reports, and MUCH more information here.

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