when did pole fishing start in the UK

[tivvy625]

Hi can anyone tell me when the pole fishing started in the UK.

[crofton blade]

I got my first pole in the early 70s and they were just starting to be used up this way but I think the Southerners were ahead of us.
Poles in those days were really heavy as well. 6 metres and you struggled to hold them!

[BOF]

Way before the fishing reel or winch was invented that's for sure. Ok so no elastics, just a hosehair line tied to the tip, which was Greenheart or Whalebone in the 17 / 1800's. Google Isaac Walton for a guide to his dates.

BOF

[Sam Vimes]

I remember there being little in the way of modern pole fishing in the UK in the early 80s. The significant change came after the continentals gave the home nations an absolute kicking in one of the world championships. Pole fishing took off in the UK in a big way after that. However, it wasn't brand new to the UK, just a rather method that had lapsed somewhat.

canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/fishing/related-articles/the-fisheries-and-angling-team/the-history-of-the-london-roach-pole

[chunkymonkey]

Fascinating article, thanks for posting it.

[BOF]

Thanks Sam, that article was very informative.

I remember those "kickings" back in the 70's. It was more than one, by the way, it took us quite a while for the powers that be to accept the fact that when float fishing at short range a pole angler will stuff a rod and reel man every time.

The Italians and French simply handed our lads their heads each time, because even when we had the poles to compete with, they were not used much at home. We would use them in the Championships, but with the exception of canal anglers as soon as we came home we would be back to the rod and reel again, long trotting on rivers week in week out.

BOF