If you’re thinking of trying out fishing for the first time or are new to the sport and looking to start building up your own kit, it can be tricky to know where to begin. With so much equipment out there to choose from, being faced with a fishing alarm or a seatbox can leave you wondering what is what. We’ve pulled together the top 5 necessities to get you off to a great start and ready to hit the bankside.
1. Pick the right tackle for your trip
Tackle consists of all the key equipment you will need for a fishing trip, including your rod, reels and lines. There is so many different brands and features on offer, so narrowing down your decision is based on the type of fish you’re hoping to catch. Whether you plan on carp fishing, sea fishing or coarse fishing, tackle is tailored to the kind of fishing trip you are going on and will cater to your needs. There is no one rod for all anglers so researching the different options or speaking to an expert will help you make the right decision.
2. Know the different types of bait
Finding the bait to appeal to the fish you are trying to catch can make the difference between a successful day at the bank or walking home with nothing. From live bait to artificial boilies, being kitted out with the best kind of bait will help boost your chances of success. There are a variety of different colours, sizes and flavours available which are designed to suit different conditions, for example, bright coloured boilies are ideal for murky waters as it helps them get noticed by fish. Knowing what waters you are heading into and researching the best kind of bait for this will help you be best prepared.
3. Dress to suit the conditions
We all know what the British weather can be like, going from glorious sunshine to a sudden rainy spell in the blink of an eye. Layers are key on a fishing trip, travelling with multiple thin layers which can be added or removed as and when required; a waterproof coat definitely doesn’t go amiss too! A common mistake made is to underestimate the power of the sun, even during the colder months, the sunlight beaming down can lead to skin damage so sun cream, sunglasses and a hat are always advisable.
4. Establish if a licence is needed
Across the UK, a fishing license is required if you are fishing for certain fish such as freshwater fish, salmon, trout, smelt or eel. Being caught without a license can result in hefty fines so travelling prepared is important. You can opt for anything from single day licenses to 12 month licences and the money goes to the Environment Agency towards improving England’s fisheries; a worthwhile cause which benefits anglers of all levels.
5. Measure your success
Being able to measure the weight of your catch is part of the fun, being able to keep track of your progress and aim to beat your personal best. Keeping a note of your different catches and any changes to your tackle that could have had a positive or negative impact will help you move forward and continue to improve your angling skills!