5m pole from Argos
With an impromptu session this weekend, I needed a whip (a light pole with no reel) for an introductory session for a child. I didn’t have time to get to any of the local tackle shops (Welwyn, Luton, St Albans & Hemel) but Argos do a cheap 5m telescopic pole for £22 and I was able to pick it up for free from Sainsbury’s the next morning. So would I recommend it?
Zwim 5m Elasticated Tele Fishing Whip from Argos
£22 including a spare elasticated tip, a pre-tied rig (hook size 16, main line 7lbs, hook line 5lbs) and a disgorger.
Initial impressions
The whip is 115cm before you extend it, it looks smart and you get a pre-tied rig and a disgorger (essential for every fishing session) so add some bait and you are ready to fish. The hook is on the big side for minnows but perfect for many other species beginners will come across even at stocked fisheries and would suit using worms, corn, maggots, bread etc - ie the most of common baits. I was impressed by the spare tip that comes with the pole - firstly because a spare tip is always useful but also because the tip is elasticated. Interestingly the tip that comes ready to use is not elasticated and given it is advertised as an elasticated whip this was a disappointment.
How does it fish?
Extending the pole it feels that a young child, ie under 13, might find it a little heavy but at £22 that is to be expected. Holding the pole a little further from the butt will make it feel lighter.
Sadly on my only trip out with it so far we didn’t catch anything (I think the fish were preparing to spawn as we saw only three fish caught between 8 anglers over five hours…).
Should you buy it?
It’s a decent option but consider:
1) supporting a local tackle shop who will also have entry level poles, be able to give you advice on other bits of tackle you’ll need and suggest the best places to go fishing.
2) the entry level Decathlon poles (caperlan) which come in a wider range of sizes (4m or even 3m is much easier for smaller children to handle) and which feel lighter.