My experience is similar to Peter's, fish appropriately for whatever you are actually targeting. You've just got to accept the reduced chance of landing unwanted big fish.
In that respect, it's no different to using a rod and line. If I'm targeting roach with rod and line, I don't use a carp rod (or even an Avon or barbel rod), and matching heavy line, just because there's a chance of connecting with a 20lb+ carp.
It's also been my experience that you stand as much chance of landing the unexpected bonus fish when fishing light with a pole as you do with a similarly light rod and line. Both can be pretty hairy experience. I suspect that feeling more or less in control with pole or rod will come down to your skill and experience with either.
Despite having far greater experience of rod and line compared to pole angling, I've actually landed bigger fish on lighter lines (18lb carp on a 1.5lb bottom) with a pole than I have with rod and line. I would concede that a fair dollop of luck was involved, but that's always the case when a large fish is hooked on light line, regardless of the method.
