Rod Holders

Choosing the right rod supports for coarse and pole fishing

Rod supports are essential if you want to fish comfortably and safely, whether you are coarse or pole fishing on a lake, canal or river. They keep your rod in the correct position, reduce fatigue and help you react quickly when you get a bite.

A good support should provide stability, precise height and angle adjustment, and good compatibility with your seatbox station or banksticks. The model you choose depends on your technique, the type of bank you are fishing from and the weather conditions, especially wind and current.

The main types of rod supports

There are several families of rod supports so you can adapt your setup to every coarse and pole fishing situation.

• Simple banksticks: pushed into the bank, they are lightweight, quick to set up and perfect when you need to move regularly along your swim.
• Rod rests and rest heads: screw directly onto banksticks or station arms. They hold the rod gently in place, with V-shaped, U-shaped or grooved anti-slip designs.
• Front and side station supports: designed to hold the rod in front of you or to the side, ideal for long poles or precision styles of coarse fishing.
• Buzz bars and crossbars: allow you to position several rods or create a very stable support on uneven banks.

Depending on how you fish, you can combine several solutions: a sturdy bankstick for the front of the rod, backed up by a rear support for extra security.

Positioning your rods according to the swim and season

On canals or stillwaters, a stable rod support keeps your rig perfectly in place, especially when the water is calm. On rivers or in strong current, longer banksticks and supports angled down towards the water help reduce wind resistance on the tip.

In cold weather, when bites are more delicate, a well-adjusted support cuts out unwanted vibrations and makes it easier to read the slightest movement on the float. In summer, during long sessions, good rod positioning reduces fatigue and makes fishing more enjoyable.

Care and durability of your rod supports

To extend the life of your supports, rinse regularly any parts that have been in contact with mud and sand, then dry them before putting them away. From time to time, check that screws and joints are tight, especially on adjustable arms and buzz bars.

Aluminium and other strong alloys offer an excellent compromise between weight and strength. Support heads with a soft coating protect the rod blank and reduce slipping, even in the rain.

FAQ - Rod supports

Which rod support should I choose to start coarse or pole fishing?
To start, a simple kit with two adjustable banksticks and V or U-shaped rod rest heads is more than enough. You can then add station arms or a buzz bar as your fishing develops.

Do I need different supports for rivers and lakes?
On rivers, go for longer banksticks and supports that let you angle the rod to manage the current more effectively. On calm lakes or canals, shorter, more compact models are usually sufficient.

How can I stop the rod from slipping off the rest?
Choose rest heads with an anti-slip coating and set the angle so that the rod sits securely in the cradle of the support, without putting excessive pressure on the blank.