How to Make Bamboo Fishing Poles

A bamboo fishing pole is simple to make and is all you need to catch fish for those backyard ponds and slow-moving rivers. A bamboo fishing pole can also be used in a boat or canoe by simply dropping the line over the side. Fancy fishing poles with expensive reels work well for pier fishing or to cast your bait into select areas, near an underwater brush pile, for example. But for simple fishing, a bamboo fishing pole works well.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fishing Line
• Sinker
• Fishing Hook
• Diagonal Cutters
• Knife
• Bait

1. Select a piece of bamboo. These can be found at garden shops, where they are used as decorative pieces of wood. The bamboo should be the right length for you. A longer pole will enable you to extend the pole farther out over the water but will be more difficult to handle. A piece that is four or five feet long is a good compromise.

2. Cut a notch around the diameter at the end of the pole you'll be using to tie your line on. This notch should be deep enough so that the line won't slip out of the notch but not so deep as to threaten the integrity of the piece of bamboo.

3. Choose a length of fishing line for your bamboo pole, and cut the line. Remember that as you're holding the pole, there'll be a few feet of line about the water. So if you cut a five-feet length of line, your bait will be three feet below the surface of the water. A five-foot line will work for most fishing applications in which a bamboo pole can be used.

4. Tie the line around the end of the pole with the notch, aligning the line in the notch. Tie a good knot, ensuring the line won't pull off the end of the pole. Try tugging on the line to see if the line slips off. If it does, try tying the line again with a tighter knot.

5. Attach a fishing hook to your line, about six inches above the end of the line. Use a secure knot so the hook will not slide up or down the line.

6. Secure a sinker to the end of the line. Use a sinker that will not be so heavy that you won't feel the fish tugging on the line when biting at the bait. Use diagonal cutters to cut off any excess line.

7. Add bait to the hook and you're ready to go fishing.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a rubber band around the bamboo pole so that you can slide the hook under it for safe storage.
• Use caution when handling fishing hooks. They're sharp and can pierce skin.

Resources

• Fishing Regulations

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!