Fishing Term: Bankstick
Definition
A bankstick is a piece of fishing equipment used to provide support and stability for fishing rods. It is essentially a rod holder or support system designed to keep fishing rods securely in place while fishing from the bank of a lake, river, or other water body.
Key features of a bankstick include:
- Tubular Design: Banksticks are typically tubular in shape, resembling a long and slender rod. They are often made of materials such as aluminum or stainless steel, which provide strength and durability.
- Adjustable Length: Many banksticks have an adjustable length, allowing anglers to set the height according to their preferences or the specific fishing conditions. This adjustability is useful for accommodating different rod lengths and adapting to changes in terrain.
- Pointed End or Spike: The bottom end of a bankstick often has a pointed tip or spike. This spike is designed to be inserted into the ground, providing stability and preventing the bankstick from easily tipping over.
- Threaded Top End: The top end of the bankstick typically has a threaded section or attachment point. This allows anglers to attach various accessories, such as rod rests, bite alarms, or other fishing gear.
- Twist Lock or Cam Lock Mechanism: Adjustable banksticks often feature a twist lock or cam lock mechanism. This mechanism allows anglers to secure the desired length by twisting or clamping the sections together.
- Multiple Banksticks: Anglers often use multiple banksticks to create a rod pod or bankstick system. A rod pod consists of several banksticks connected by a frame, providing support for multiple fishing rods simultaneously.
Using banksticks involves the following steps:
- Adjust Length: Set the bankstick to the desired length based on the fishing conditions and rod length.
- Insert into the Ground: Insert the pointed end or spike of the bankstick into the ground, ensuring that it is securely anchored.
- Attach Accessories: If needed, attach accessories such as rod rests, bite alarms, or other gear to the threaded top end of the bankstick.
- Place Fishing Rod: Place the fishing rod into the rod rest or holder attached to the bankstick.
Banksticks are particularly useful when fishing from the bank, providing a stable and organized way to support fishing rods. They are commonly used in carp fishing, specimen fishing, and other types of coarse fishing where multiple rods may be used simultaneously.