Improve my catch rate

I'v recently started pole fishing and my catch ratio is averaging about 4 to 1
that is 4 bites -2 missed 1 lost fish and 1 landed fish. Is this about normal or am i doing something wrong.
I fish a commercial lake at about 10 metres, 6 feet deep and fish 2 to 6 inches over deapth, size 16/18 hooks and 10 elastic. Fishing for roach and skimmers + tench to 3lb carp to 5lb The reason for this question is I fished my first match last week-end and finished 9th out of 21 So I could have done much better if I had banked more fish

i am new to pole fishing but all i was ever told was if the elastic is too strong it will bump off a few small fish but it will catch the bigger ones
your depth hook size etc sounds great but i would personally try a number 6 elastic 4lb mainline 3lb hooklink & 18 hook
i hope this helps in some way
good luck


i always tend to have a strong elastic in case i catch a biggun but i do lose a lot of small fish like this ....& as you say in a match .....big problem

Why are u fishing so far over depth ?
When u fish the pole the idea is to get as direct with the bite as poss unless there is under-toe on the water try fishing dead depth or about 1inch over .

you have not told us what is in the lake or what elastic u are fishing with if u are bumping fish then your elastic may be to tight try using the preston pulley bungs as they allow u to fish with a light elastic however you have the power to tighten it if req when still playing the fish.

[madcaravanner]

Originally Posted by jonboy

I'v recently started pole fishing

I fish a commercial lake at about 10 metres, 6 feet deep
and fish 2 to 6 inches over depth,

There's your problem
with a pole the very most over depth I would fish is 1 inch (2.5cm) if the water is moving
going over depth with a pole in still water is a waste of time and ruins presentation