Offering day campers the opportunity to go fishing in a pond or stream is a terrific recreational opportunity. However, fishing tackle can be complicated to manage, particularly with a large group of inexperienced campers. A few simple, "low maintenance" poles that would be appropriate for campers.
Cane Poles
Simple, low-tech poles made from bamboo or synthetic materials, are very good for bobber fishing in small ponds and streams. The fishing line is tied to the tip of the pole and casting is achieved by swinging the bait like a pendulum and plopping it into the water a few feet from shore. There are no reels to deal with. Retrieving the bait, or hauling in a fish, is as simple as walking the pole up the bank and literally dragging the fish to shore.
Zebco Baitcast Rods
Zebco has been making a line of affordable crank rod and reel combinations for years. These poles allow for casting by depressing a large button on the reel and throwing the bait out over and into the water. The bait or the catch can be reeled back to shore using the crank. These Zebco units prevent the kind of snags and backlash snarls common with other bait casting reels because the line is entirely enclosed in the housing
Mini Baitcasters
Several firms produce fishing poles with simple baitcasting reels that are shorter than the standard 5- or 6-foot long fishing rod. These mini rods, which can be as short as2 or 3 feet, can be very easy for children to operate. These rods also make good "flippin' sticks" for experienced adults because of their maneuverability.
Power Casters
Several specialty rod and reel combinations take all the need for power and casting skill out of fishing altogether. These "electric fishing poles" use batteries or springs to literally shoot the bait and line out of the end of the pole. The automatic reeler mechanism brings the fish in.
References
- "Pole Fishing: A Complete Guide"; Mark Wintle and Graham Marsden; March 1, 2008
- "Fishing Essentials for Dummies"; Peter Kaminsky; Apr. 4, 2002
- "Knack Fishing for Everyone: A Complete Illustrated Guide (Knack: Make It easy)"; Scott Bowen and David E. Dirks; March 3, 2009
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