Modern margin poles were created to cope with the strain that increasingly heavy commercial carp can exert. Although modern fishing poles are stronger than they’ve ever been, they do have their limitations, so when it comes to extracting the biggest of fish from the snaggiest of margin homes, many pole anglers will reach for their dedicated margin pole.
With thicker and stronger sections coupled with bigger bore top kits, they are much better suited to this brutal kind of fishing and reduce the risk of costly breakages. As an added bonus, many manufacturers’ margin poles are interchangeable with their range of long poles, meaning you can share a cupping kit or even top kits between them.
The best margin poles at a glance...
• Best Handling Margin Pole: Matrix MTX V2 Margin 2 11m - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best In Class Margin Pole: Daiwa Tournament Pro X Margin - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Value Margin Pole: Preston Innovations Edge Monster Margin 8.5m - View offer on Go Outdoors
• Best Margin Pole Package: Drennan Acolyte Pro 9.5 Margin - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
Being stronger and often cheaper than a standard pole, margin poles are also an ideal first-time pole. So, whether you are an experienced pole angler looking to upgrade your summer margin gear or a novice to the pole market, here’s our guide to the best margin poles out there!
Best margin pole (National Angling Awards 2023 winner)
www.ebay.co.uk
The Maver MV-RXX Margin 9m is a beast of a pole boasting incredible wall strength and the brute power to tame the biggest of margin-dwelling creatures. Created with high-grade carbon fibre to produce a responsive and lightweight feel, it incorporates all the exclusive resins and patented finishes available to Maver.
At 9m in length, it is fully compatible with all X-Series top-kits, making it a perfect companion to owners of RXX and RXS models, as well as any other pole that utilises 18mm bore top-kits. As margin poles go, the package is stunning, including three top kits and a cupping kit, making it a fully functioning and usable pole in its own right.
Pros
- Strength in abundance for tackling snaggy margins.
- Compatible with the RXX and RXS models.
Cons
- Really only designed for big fish on commercials.
Best companion margin pole
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
To complement the new range of Preston Superium X Poles, The Superium 8.5m Margin pole is a super-strong option, perfect for catching big weights in matches or for anglers who don't require a longer pole. This premium margin pole is a great companion to any other Superium X pole, as the top kits are fully interchangeable.
Dura wrap technology and strategic reinforcements ensure exceptional durability and longevity, ensuring that your Superium pole will stand the test of time. The Superium X top kits feature updated depth markers in 1-inch increments, allowing for precise rig tuning on the bank.
Pros
- Great commercial pole for beginners.
- Rated to 20 elastic.
Cons
- Due to the improved fishing performance, the pole isn't quite as strong as some others.
Best handling margin pole
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
Built on the same mandrel and using the same advanced carbon technologies as its illustrious MTX V2 stablemates, Matrix’s seven-sectioned powerhouse MTX2 V2 Margin 2 11m pole is strong enough for any commercial fishery.
With MST layering technology, Glide anti-friction taped sections which lock reassuringly together, reinforced 1k carbon weave joints and protective nose cones in the No3 and No4 sections, it also comes with a mini extension. The three top kits are pre-fitted with PTFE bushes and Revolve Side Pullers. Carry sleeve included.
At 11m, this is not just a margin tool but a complete power pole and a perfect partner to complement any other MTX packages.
Pros
- Great finish, aids shipping back quick to draw fish out of snags.
- All sections reinforced for added strength.
Cons
- Does lose a bit of rigidity at its full length.
Best budget margin pole
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The Guru A Class 5.5m margin pole is a fantastic pole for those who just want an out-and-out bagging pole and don't tend to fish far out. It will cope with the biggest of fish on commercials thanks to its 400 tensile carbon sections, it has been designed for durability, strength and performance.
The butt sections feature a super glide paint finish and a friction free matt tape Finish on the thinner sections, both combined significantly improves speed and efficiency, even during those tricky conditions when wet sticky hands can slow you down.
The pole only weighs 335g and performs really well, it is also available in an 5.5m version for those who like to fish a little closer out.
Pros
- Very strong.
- Ideal for beginners.
Cons
- Not the most extensive package.
Best overall margin pole for performance
www.ebay.co.uk
Tri-Cast thought outside the box with this Excellence Power Margin 10m pole, looking for something capable of extracting huge fish from long corner margins – the sort of areas that standard margin poles can’t reach. Being so strong means that the balance isn’t great at full length, but it’s fishable. But a section less at 11.7m, you get the sort of feel rivalled only by the best margin poles.
The top kits are a little different, being very short and powerful. Supplied with two top kits, cupping kit and a bag, and available at 10m, 11.7m and 13.4m.
Fish the margins that no one else can reach! A serious carp extraction tool.
Pros
- Superb performance for a margin pole of its length.
- Being a Tri-Cast, it has immense strength.
Cons
- Can be tricky to get hold of.
Best value margin pole
www.gooutdoors.co.uk
The Preston Innovations Edge Monster Margin 8.5m pole is strong enough to knock the stuffing out of the largest of carp while retaining sufficient balance and rigidity to be comfortably fished at its full length. The all-carbon Edge comes with a spare Power top-2 kit in addition to the one included, both of which are pre-fitted with Roller Pulla side bushes and large-diameter PTFE tip bushes. Also available at 10m.
It’s one of the best-selling margin poles for a reason! Superbly strong and balanced, it comes pre-fitted with a puller system.
"The Edge Monster oozed strength, and I could pile on the pressure knowing that the fish would give up long before the pole did".
Read our full Preston Innovations Edge Monster Margin 10m pole review
Pros
- Ridiculously strong pole.
- Perfect for any situation where big fish are involved.
Cons
- Package could be slightly bigger.
Best in class margin pole
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
Daiwa’s Tournament Pro X Margin 9m was designed as a compatible section ‘power partner’ for all of the company’s UK-built poles. With a high wall strength in its lower sections to ensure the no-nonsense treatment of big carp, it comes with two spare 5.8m Interlastic Cloud Kits that can be used with elastics as heavy as Red Hydro. One of the longer margin models on the market, it can reach along to the next platform with ease.
If you already own a UK-built Daiwa pole, then this is this is the choice for you! Not only can you share top kits and a cupping with your main pole, but also the bigger sections should you suffer a breakage.
Pros
- An exceptional margin pole.
- A perfect option to back up top-end Daiwa poles.
Cons
- Comes at a hefty price and is the most expensive margin pole on offer.
Best margin pole package
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
Built on the same mandrel as the Acolyte Pro Carp, the Drennan Acolyte Pro Margin carp 9.5m is even stronger. At 9.5m long, it comes with a reversible mini extension, two Margin Kits and even a Ghost Margin kit – a white-coloured top kit designed not to spook fish.
You also get a range of bushes, puller beads and roller cones, along with skid bungs, EVA nose cones, a pole pot and a bag.
ith three top kits and a load of extras, all you need is a rig and some elastic, and it’s ready to fish
Pros
- Very reliable pole.
- Lots of spares in the package
Cons
- Not as strong as others at this length
Best margin pole package
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The Guru N-Gauge XS Margin pole is a versatile and powerful tool designed for anglers who need a shorter pole for extreme fishing situations. At 10.0 meters, this pole is ideal for those who prefer fishing at closer range, such as on commercial fisheries.
The Rigid Joint System on the XS Margin pole provides stability and prevents the pole from bending under pressure. All top kits are fitted with UK Manufactured PTFE Bushes, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.
The N-Gauge XS Margin pole comes with a 10.0m True Extension and two additional ZERO400 Carp Power 5.8mm Top Kits, providing you with the flexibility to customise your setup for different fishing conditions. The ZERO400 Cupping Kit is also included in the package.
Pros
- Strong pole designed to compliment the N-Gauge & Aventus Pro 16m poles
- Top kits are pre bushed and fit all other poles in the Guru range
Cons
- Its fast taper means it can feel bigger in the hands than other poles
Best newcomer margin pole
www.fishingtackleandbait.co.uk
Daiwa Matchman Power Margin 7m Pole, is a tool specifically designed to tame those big margin dwelling carp in commercial fisheries all over the country.
Built using Daiwa’s High Modulus Carbon (HMC+) it provides a stiff and responsive pole, add their Integrated Taping System (ITS), makes the pole a joy use and pass through your hands.
If you need a pole that can stand up to the rigours of commercial carp fishing then the Daiwa Matchman Power Margin could be the pole you’re looking for.
Available in 7m and 9m models, they come supplied with 2 x 5.8mm power kits and a cupping kit in a holdall.
Pros
- Exceptionally strong and responsive
- Includes a cupping kit
Cons
- Because of its strength, its not particularly light weight
What to look for in a margin pole
Margin poles all offer increased strength, compared to normal poles, in order to tame large fish that can often put severe strain on more expensive tackle. Depending on how far out you want to fish, how big the fish are and what other features you require from a margin pole will dictate which is the best option to choose.
If you have a pole already, most of the manufacturers have built their margin poles on a similar mandrel, so the top kits and generally no4 and no5 sections will fit (do check first) so you have spares. If you just want the strongest available to build a big weight, aim for the poles with the strongest rating.
If you're a beginner or want a pole that will perform well, we recommend going for somewhere in between a pole that is fairly long (8-11m) but sacrifices some strength for rigidity and response, making it easier to hold and use, as it will be far more enjoyable to handle and more efficient all round.
Glossary
Top kit: The last 1 or 2 sections that you place on the end of your pole that contains the elastic that you attach your rig to. Most poles will come with a variety of top kits, allowing you to choose which elastic to fish with and enable you to set up multiple rigs.
Cupping kit: A separate top kit specially designed to attach a pole cup, allowing you to deposit a large amount of bait right where you are fishing.
Side puller: A small hole in the side of your top kit with a bush or roller fitted inside, used instead of a bung to anchor your elastic. The bottom end of the elastic is threaded through the puller and anchored by a bead on the outside of your pole. This allows you to grab the bead and pull some elastic out of the pole, changing its tension when playing a fish. This is useful when a larger fish has pulled a lot of elastic out of your pole, making it difficult to net.
Mini extension: A half-size or smaller, extra-strong piece of pole that goes into the back of a section. This helps protect the bottom end of your pole from damage whilst also allowing you to fish slightly further out when a full-length section would be too much.
Elastic rating: The elastic rating gives you the manufacturer's recommendation of the largest elastic you can safely put in a pole before you risk breakages from over-exertion.
Margin pole: A generally shorter pole of around 8-10m in length that is designed with stronger carbon, reinforced joints and improved wall strength to create a very strong pole to tame even the largest fish.
Frequently asked questions about margin poles
What is the difference between a margin pole, a power/carp pole and a match pole?
A margin pole is a shorter, often 9m or less, super strong pole designed for fishing for very big fish that live close to near bank features. A power or carp pole is almost as strong but designed to be used at longer lengths of up to 16m. A match pole is a lighter, more rigid and easier-to-handle pole that can also be used for big fish and carp, but with care due to their decreased strength.
What do the numbers mean on elastic ratings?
The bigger the number, the more powerful the elastic. As a rough guide, elastics from 2 to 10 are best used in match kits for smaller fish. More powerful elastics, up to a 20, are best used in power kits. Elastics over a 20 are normally only used in margin poles. Always check the rating on your top kits and pole first though.
Why would I use a margin pole instead of a rod?
With no casting required, a far lighter float can be placed with pinpoint accuracy exactly where you want it. With shorter lengths of line in use, you get more control over your float, allowing you to manipulate your bait to appear more natural, induce bites, better combat wind and tow whilst making bites easier to hit. All these factors mean that in the right hands, a pole will normally outscore a rod and line approach fished within pole range.
Author Mark Sawyer holds the position of Tackle Editor at Angling Times, boasting more than thirty years of experience working within different fields of the angling industry.