Can Walking Poles Be Used for Fishing Rod Support?

For the angler who loves to hike into remote lakes and streams, every ounce in the backpack matters. The idea of carrying a dedicated fishing rod holder can seem like unnecessary weight and bulk. This leads to an ingenious question: can the trekking poles you're already using for the hike double as a fishing rod support? The answer is a resounding yes. With a bit of creativity, your walking poles can transform into a versatile and effective tool for bank fishing, allowing you to relax and wait for a bite without holding your rod for hours.

The Perfect Partnership: Why Poles Are Suited for the Task

Trekking poles possess several inherent design features that make them surprisingly well-suited for this secondary role:

• Adjustable Height: The telescopic nature of most poles allows you to set the perfect height for your fishing spot, whether you're sitting on a bank, standing in the water, or perched on a rock. This ensures your rod tip is at an optimal angle for detecting bites.
• Sturdy Construction: Built from aluminum or carbon fiber to support a hiker's weight, poles have more than enough strength to handle the static load of a fishing rod, even in a moderate current or wind.
• Portability: This is the core benefit. You eliminate the need for a separate, single-purpose item, adhering perfectly to the lightweight backpacking philosophy.
• Secure Tips: The sharp carbide tips are designed to dig into the earth, providing a stable base that resists tipping.

How to Set Up Your Makeshift Rod Holder

Creating a stable setup is straightforward and requires minimal, if any, additional gear.

1. Positioning and Planting: Find a firm spot on the bank close to the water. Extend your pole to a comfortable height—often slightly shorter than your walking length—and plant it firmly into the ground at a slight angle away from the water. This angle provides better leverage against a fish pulling on the line. On rocky ground, you may need to wedge it between stones.
2. Cradling the Rod: There are several effective methods to secure the rod:The Strap Method: The simplest technique uses the pole's own wrist strap. Loosen the strap to create a large loop. Place your fishing rod's handle in this loop and gently tighten it. The reel seat will typically rest securely against the pole's grip, creating a stable cradle.The Notch Method: Some trekking poles have a notch or indentation in the top of the grip, originally designed for easier grasping. This notch can perfectly cradle a fishing rod handle.The Hybrid Approach: For the most secure hold, combine the strap and the notch. Place the rod handle in the notch and then use the strap to lightly lash it in place.
3. For Two Rods or Ultralight Setups: If you have two poles, you can create a bipod support for a single rod for maximum stability, or set up both to fish with two rods simultaneously. For ultralight or tenkara rods, the pole itself can sometimes be used as a fixed-line fishing system in a pinch.

Limitations and Pro Tips for Success

While effective, this method has its constraints. It works best in soft ground like dirt, sand, or gravel. Very hard or rocky terrain can make it difficult to plant the pole securely. For all-day fishing in one spot, a dedicated holder might be more convenient.

To get the best results:

• Always use the pole's basket if you have it, as it prevents the tip from sinking too deep into soft ground.
• Keep your reel's drag set appropriately in case a strong fish strikes, to prevent the entire pole from being pulled into the water.
• Never leave your rod unattended for long periods, as a large fish could easily pull the setup over.

In conclusion, using a trekking pole as a fishing rod support is a brilliant piece of backcountry improvisation. It solves a practical problem with elegance and efficiency, perfectly embodying the multi-use gear ethic. For the hiker-angler, it’s a simple trick that turns a strenuous trek into a more leisurely and enjoyable multi-sport adventure, proving that the best gear is the gear that works the hardest for you.