Banksticks

We’ve taken care to stock banksticks that match different angling preferences, so it’s easy to find a model that suits your approach to fishing. If you’re a mobile angler who frequently changes spots, opt for lightweight aluminium banksticks. These will reduce the burden on your shoulders when carrying tackle over long distances.

Is your preference long-session fishing where stability is paramount? You must be the type of angler who values reliability over time. To support this style, opt for stainless steel banksticks that provide rock-solid stability even in challenging ground conditions. Want to fish with multiple rods without adding excessive weight? Choose carbon banksticks that offer an ideal balance of strength and low weight.

Problems with hard ground at your venue? Opt for screw-in banksticks with helical tips that grip securely without requiring force. If you fish soft, muddy banks, pointed tip models will penetrate easily and provide reliable support. The pointed ends of banksticks allow them to be pushed directly into the ground for stability. For high bank fishing where line clearance is crucial, extended banksticks will help you achieve the perfect rod angle to avoid snags.

A quality bankstick must not only support your fishing rods effectively, but also withstand the demands of regular use. The choice of material plays a crucial role in performance. Aluminium is a material worth serious consideration for most anglers. This lightweight metal offers excellent durability while being pleasant to handle in all weather conditions. The advantages of aluminium also include its natural corrosion resistance, which means your banksticks will maintain their appearance even after exposure to water and moisture. Aluminium banksticks are also ideal for anglers who prioritise portability, as they significantly reduce tackle weight compared to steel alternatives. Carbon banksticks provide strength while saving weight, but they can scratch easily on rough surfaces, so careful handling is advised.

Don’t overlook stainless steel either. Stainless steel provides superior strength and stability, making it perfect for anglers who expect maximum performance from their equipment. You don’t have to worry about bending or failure under load either. However, stainless steel banksticks are highly durable but heavier compared to aluminium ones. Carbon banksticks offer the ultimate in weight reduction, though you should keep in mind they require more careful handling on hard surfaces to maintain their pristine finish.

Setting up banksticks properly is essential for effective bite detection and rod security during your session. The key is achieving the right spacing between your banksticks to allow optimal rod presentation. Place them at intervals that provide enough room for landing fish without tangling lines. For three-rod setups, consider using a buzz bar system that connects multiple banksticks and creates a stable platform for your rods. When positioning your banksticks, think about the angle needed to achieve the correct rod height and line lay. This helps reduce line tension and improves your chances of detecting subtle bites. Most anglers find that pushing banksticks into the ground at a slight backwards angle provides better stability and rod support. Banksticks are generally preferred for their versatility in angling setups compared to rod pods.

If you’re using bite alarms, ensure your banksticks are driven firmly into the bank to prevent false signals from movement. In recent years, anglers have increasingly adopted the practice of using snag ears or line clips to prevent rod loss during powerful takes.

Difficult fishing conditions require adapted bankstick techniques to maintain effective rod presentation. When faced with hard ground that resists standard pointed banksticks, screw-in models provide the ideal solution. These specialised designs allow you to twist them into compacted soil or clay without excessive force that might bend conventional types.

For windy conditions, consider lowering your rod positions and increasing the number of support points to improve stability. You might also want to double up on banksticks or use storm poles in extreme weather to prevent tackle damage. High bank fishing presents its own challenges, but extended banksticks help you achieve proper line clearance over vegetation or steep drops. The key is to set your rods high enough to avoid line drag while maintaining bite detection sensitivity.

When boat fishing, shorter banksticks work better in rod holders, giving you the flexibility to adjust angles in confined spaces. For night fishing sessions, consider marking your bankstick positions with reflective tape or small lights to help navigate safely around your setup in darkness. Remember that challenging conditions often require patience and willingness to adjust your approach based on what the venue demands.