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:
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!
How we test the best margin poles
These margin poles were tested by experienced members of the Angling times team. We have been using and abusing these styles of poles since their conception, and have tamed some truly huge fish from the snaggiest pegs imaginable!
Team members, Mark Sawyer and Tony Grigorjevs have been testing a variety of margin poles, for the biggest commercial fishery carp, to see how they perform and give them a thorough workout.
Our decision process of what makes the best margin poles takes into account various factors including price point, overall strength, weight and packages to ensure we can give you the best advice, so you don't have to worry about breaking an expensive pole when fishing for big margin fish.
The following list includes a mixture of the best available for all types of margin fishing to help find a reliable length of carbon for you. Find out how we test our gear, HERE.
Be in no doubt, the Aero Power Margin is an incredibly strong 8.5m carp cruncher, made to cope with the largest of fish in any situation.Ideal as a stand-alone margin pole when strength is of the utmost importance, it is also compatible with Shimano’s latest and affordable Aero X3, X2 and X1 poles, which are ideal should you require extra length.
The pole is built from a high-quality lightweight carbon that makes the Aero Power Margin easy to use at its full length for extendedspells without causing arm ache or back pain. Its awesome power is made possible by a clever combination of high-tensile carbons, advanced tapered section design and some serious joint reinforcement. Moving on from the build technology, there’s a range of features that emphasise Shimano’s commitment to producing the very best.
Aero Joint is a reinforcement that improves longevity, the Aero Alignment System maximises stiffness, while Shimano’s Ultra Sound Finish delivers super-smooth shipping under all conditions.So that you can choose your preferred puller kits, a reinforced band is positioned on the second section of all the top kits.
For me, this is the pole’s only fault – I really would have liked a pre-fitted side puller kit. However, it’s not a deal breaker, and your local tackle shop could have it sorted out for you in a jiffy.
As for performance, this super-modern and super- lightweight margin pole is one heck of a lot better than anything that went before! If I was a regular on any small commercial water where it’s all about filling your boots, I would definitely buy this pole. It’s easy to fish with, and bulletproof.
CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW OF THE SHIMANO AERO POWER MARGIN 850 HERE!
Pros
- Lightweight and very easy to use
- Bucketloads of pulling power
Cons
- Needs fitting with a side puller slot, although reinforcing band is built in
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.
The Guru A Class Margin 800 8m 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 strength and fish playing action of Guru’s 8m Power Margin pole is great and this all-carbon wonder proved to be tough as old boots, able to handle commercial carp of any size. What was surprising is that the section joints all come apart without sticking, even when soaked through, which is a massive plus when playing big carp.
The pole’s stiffness is much as you’d expect from one at this price point, it's by no means saggy, but don't expect it to be poker straight at full length either. However, it’s easy to ship and handle thanks to the super glide paint and friction free matt tape finish and it comes with a spare Power Carp top kit to boot!
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 in.
Pros
- Very strong.
- Ideal for beginners.
Cons
- Not the most extensive package.
The 8.5m Edge Monster Margin has been designed to hook and land big fish at short range with ease. It’s much more than just a heavy handed power tool, though. Strength is certainly one of its many attributes and if any carp in your local fishery takes the hookbait when this pole is in use then it is likely to be on the end of a losing battle.
The walls of each section ooze muscle power and no matter how much force you exert when trying to get the upper hand against your quarry, you can rest assured you aren’t going to suffer breakages, even when using the thickest elastics.
Hook a fish close to a snag and you’re going to need quick reactions to prevent it from delving into the maze of sunken branches. In order to do that you need a pole that slides through your hands in a quick and fluid manner. The gloss finish on the butt section and mini extension does exactly that and the transition into the rest of the sections is smooth. Put simply, you can ship the Edge Monster Margin back in a flash, rain or shine!
TAKE A LOOK AT OUR REVIEW OF THE PRESTON INNOVATIONS MONSTER EDGE 8.5M POLE HERE!
Pros
- Ridiculously strong pole.
- Perfect for any situation where big fish are involved.
Cons
- Package could be slightly bigger.
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
The Preston Dura Carp 600 Margin Pole is a robust 6-meter pole engineered for durability, balance, and stiffness. Featuring extra-strong sections and reinforced joints, it is capable of accommodating strong elastics and handling large fish.
This pole is particularly well-suited for scenarios where reliability and power are paramount. Weighing 405 grams and compacting to 138 cm, it’s an ideal whopper stopper to have in your holdall and at a reasonable price it’s a perfect option for those swims that may put your expensive long pole at risk.
Pros
- Super strong, lightweight and compact
- Budget friendly margin pole
Cons
- The sections don’t interchange with Preston’s longer poles
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 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 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 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.
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.
Margin pole frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a margin 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 pole 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.
What is a margin pole?
A margin pole is a fishing pole designed to be much stronger than an ordinary pole as it is used to catch the biggest fish from a lake, such as carp. They were created to fish heavy at short ranges.
What is the difference between a pole and a whip?
A pole is generally put over sections that slide into one another, a whip will be telescopic in design.
What is the best pole elastic for carp fishing?
When fishing for big carp, we recommend a hollow or hybrid elastic with a rating between 14-20.
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.