which is the best pole rod to buy a beginner?

For excellent value, lightness and strength I'd say the Daiwa Yank n Bank (10 metres) is about as versatile starter pole that you'll find. Best used at nine metres and less it is light enough for simple river pole work as well as tackling commercial fisheries. Expect to pay around £125.

Good suggestion from Mark. Also, most of the better companies have something similar. Definitiely a good idea to go for something robust (usually described as a carp pole) for a beginner as it will stand up to the odd bit of clumsiness. When you progress to something lighter/better, it can serve for margin/heavy duty clsoe range work, so you'll get good use from it. Fox and Maver also make good inexpensive margin poles - around 10 metres/£100 ish.