I didn't notice the pole limit. I am like you there it don't matter how many poles or hooks you are using if the fish limit is set. I don't see how or why the number of poles or hooks make a difference. Also looks like each person should be able to get their limit on the boat instead of the boat having a limit. My wife and I fish 12 poles at a time and when we get the limit we stop keeping them altho we very seldom get a limit.