Making Homemade Fishing Poles
- 1). Obtain a seven-foot or longer length of cane to use as a fishing pole. You can purchase cane pole lengths from hobby and craft stores, garden centers or home centers. The length of the pole is based on personal preference and where you will be fishing. A longer pole, for example, in the nine- to 10-foot range might be more suited to bank fishing where brush and undergrowth must be fished through.
- 2). Trim the ends of the pole with a knife so they are flush and do not have splinters or splits. Attempt to trim the handle end of the pole just below a growth segment or ring to help prevent further splitting and create a more durable handle end. Use sandpaper to smooth the tip, handle and any rough areas along the length of the pole.
- 3). Cut a small V-shaped notch in the small end of the pole for attaching a fishing line. Measure back from the tip of the pole 1 1/2 to 2 inches and cut a small V with a knife. Do not cut the V deeper than 1/4 inch into the tip. Cutting deeper can weaken the tip and may potentially lead to a break off while fishing.
- 4). Cut a length of fishing line with scissors that is at least one and a half times as long as the pole you are making. Attach the line to the pole at the point where the V was cut earlier. Wrap one free end of the line around the V notch two times and secure it with a uni knot. Tie the uni knot by pulling the free end alongside the main line forming a double line. Turn the free end back toward the pole forming a loop alongside the double line. Wrap the free end of the line around the double line and through the loop three times. Moisten and pull tight.
- 5). Attach a hook to the free end of the line with a Palomar knot. Form the knot by passing several inches of line through the eye of a hook. Turn the line and pass it back through the eye so that you have a loop on one side and a double line on the other. Tie an overhand knot with the loop and double line and pull the loop around the bend of the hook. Moisten the knot and pull tight.
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