How to Make a Fishing Pole

It is not necessary to have expensive, top of the line fishing equipment to go fishing. Go fishing like they did in the "good ole days," and make a pole yourself. Making a fishing pole is an easy project. Include your child on the hunt for the perfect piece of bamboo and the fishing pole will be all the more special.

Things You'll Need

• 8 to 10 foot piece of Golden bamboo
• Fine sand paper
• Damp cloth
• Varnish
• Paint brush
• Fishing line
• Float
• Split shot
• Hoot
• Knife

Instructions

1. Find a bamboo pole that is 3/4-inch or a little larger on the base and about eight to ten feet long. Look for Golden Bamboo, when possible. Choose a piece that is dry.

2. Dry bamboo poles by hanging them up under the eaves of a house or garage. Keep the pole as straight as possible and keep it away from sources of moisture.

3. Let the pole sit until it is completely dry. Lightly sand the bamboo with fine sandpaper. Clean the bamboo with a moist cloth, and let it dry. Coat the pole with a couple of coats of varnish.

4. Adjust the length of the rod by cutting off as much of the base end as needed. Attach a piece of fishing line to the tip that is just a few inches shorter than the pole.

5. Tie a hook and place it at the end of the line, and add a small split shot a few inches up the line from the hook. Attach a sliding float above the split shot.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a tree branch of the same dimensions if bamboo is not available.

• Store the fishing pole out of the weather for a longer life.