The more you learn about fishing, the more complicated it seems. What type of line do I need? Should my rod be fast action? Moderate power? What on earth is a free spool reel? There’s a never-ending list of seemingly unnecessarily complicated questions that detract from just how simple fishing is and should be.
If you want to start fishing you need a venue, probably a fishing license, a rod, reel, line, hook and bait. Everything else can be seen as superfluous. Sometimes, even when you become more experienced, the best type of fishing is just floating a crust down a slow-moving river. And that’s probably the best place to start.
So finish this article, find yourself a venue using our guide on how to find a fishing spot, watch a few YouTube videos to learn how to tie a knot and you’re ready to start fishing.
What’s on this page?
How do I start fishing?
If you want to start fishing your best option is to go with someone who can show you the ropes. Fishing can be fiddly, frustrating and expensive. A carp fishing setup, even a relatively basic one, can cost hundreds of pounds and individual lure fishing rods can cost the same.
To ensure you stand the best chance of enjoying the sport (or pastime?), going with someone who has access to all the kit and – crucially – a venue, is the best way to start fishing. Learn as much as you can from your more experienced companion and just enjoy the slightly mindless, almost meditative sensation fishing brings with it.
What if I don’t have anyone to go fishing with?
If you don’t have anyone to go fishing with, the road to starting fishing is more complicated. There’s no two ways around that. We’ve been lucky to have friends and family members to go fishing with and learn the ropes. But that shouldn’t put you off as the best way to learn is to do. So if you don’t have anyone to go with;
- Decide on the type of fishing you’re doing
- Identify a venue
- Purchase a beginner kit
- Understand the basics of fish care
There are also some fantastic fishing YouTube channels that have taught me more than anyone else, including;
Fish with Carl
Arguably the best channel for budding carp and coarse fishermen out there, Fish With Carl is a beautifully gentle way into fishing.
Snagged Bro
Snagged Bro are a couple of predominantly pike fishermen from the midlands who tend to fish canals and – more recently – out of the back garden. A lovely way of understanding that fishing is good for the soul.
The Ginger Fisherman
The Ginger Fisherman is a truly fantastic channel for learning about watercraft, fish care and how different fish should be caught and handled. Particularly pike. We love this channel because it shows you you don’t have to travel miles to find some fantastic fish. You just need to put in the effort and be patient.
The Fish Locker
Almost certainly the most knowledgeable UK fisherman on YouTube who I believe still holds the UK record for shore-caught bass at almost 20lb, John Locker (of The Fish Locker) is one of the most compelling, interesting anglers around. Probably better for intermediate anglers, some of the sea fish John catches are remarkable.
What type of fishing is best for beginners?
The type of fishing that’s best for beginners really depends on where you live, the water(s) you have access to, your budget and the amount of time you have. But in general, float fishing for coarse fish in smaller lakes or ponds is probably the best option for beginners.
Float fishing requires minimal setup and watching a float is one of the most engrossing ways to spend an afternoon. It’ll quickly help you understand whether you have the patience to spend inordinate amounts of time on the bank. And, crucially, handling the type of fish you tend to catch with floats (roach, rudd and other small silver fish) is straightforward.
Whilst we love lure fishing and think it’s the most enjoyable type of angling, it can be incredibly expensive and a little tricky. Particularly if you’re handling pike or other sharp-toothed, potentially dangerous predatory fish.
What do I need to start fishing?
In order to start fishing you need;
- A fishing license (unless you’re sea fishing)
- A venue
- A rod and reel
- Fishing tackle
- Fish care equipment (a landing mat and fishing net as a minimum)
What do I need to know before going fishing for the first time?
That fishing can be tough. And slow. You might not catch anything for hours. Days even. But when you do finally catch something that’s the only part of the day you remember. It can go from being completely pedestrian to wildly exhilarating in seconds.
But it’s also important you understand that there are lots of different types of fishing you can try. Whilst there isn’t something for everyone, you can spend hours on the bank with some friends and a few beers on a sunny afternoon. Or you can go out on solo hikes across cliffs and through forests to find sea fishing marks across the entirety of the UK coastline. You can make it as relaxing or as challenging as you want. And that’s part of its beauty.
Venues
It’s useful to know that different venues have different rules and regulations you need to follow. Lots of carp fishing lakes won’t allow you to use braided fishing lines, because they can damage the fish. And whilst the majority of hooks are sold with barbs, most venues will never let you fish there again if they find you using barbed hooks. So you’ll need to crimp the barbs on each hook to prevent damaging the fish.
Tackle
As there are so many different types of fishing you can do, it’s important you understand different types of fishing have completely different setups. Lure fishing rods are what’s known as fast action, which means they are capable of handling more powerful strikes from fish packed full of fast-twitch fibres. Whereas typical coarse fishing rods tend to be slower action, where the rod bends lower down and is designed for slower fights in calmer bodies of water.
Then if you’re lure fishing, you’ll need to understand the type of lures you should use (this page on the best sea fishing lures is a good place to start), what strength braided line you need, what knots to tie, and the terminal tackle you require. Whilst it can seem unnecessarily complex, keep things simple. If you’ve got a lure on the end of the line, you’re in with a chance.
A good tip for starting fishing is that you can buy pre-made hook lengths and rigs which, for beginner and even intermediate fishermen is a much more straightforward, accessible way to start.
Bait
Even as a complete novice, you should know that you need something to entice the fish in. Whether you’re fishing with lures or bait. The good thing is that most fish are not fussy. Worms, maggots, sweetcorn, spam, bread. The average fish has a similar diet to post-war Britain. As a general rule, you’re more likely to have success with ‘real’ bait like worms and maggots, but all fisheries are slightly different.
The most important thing for you to be aware of as a beginner is that certain rules apply to certain fisheries. Some places will allow live baiting, others won’t. Some will allow deadbaits with treble hooks, others won’t. So just make sure you know what’s what before you go.
As a beginner, fishing with floating bread on the surface, or with sweetcorn and or maggots on a float is probably the simplest, most effective way of catching something.
License
If you’re planning on sea fishing in the UK, you don’t need a fishing license. However, if you’re planning to fish in any pond, lake, canal or river system, you need to buy one.
The good news is that fishing licenses are incredibly affordable. A two-rod license will only set you back £33 for the entire year (and under 13s fish-free) and the money goes towards the upkeep of nationwide venues, facilities and general infrastructure.
How much does it cost to start fishing in the UK?
There’s no denying fishing can be expensive. Once you’ve totted up the license fee, venue ticket, rod and reel, tackle, bait, transport et al you are looking at hundreds of pounds. That’s why it’s important to try it first with someone who has already bought the kit, to make sure you like it enough to spend your hard-earned money on it. There is a cost of living crisis after all.
As an example, the core costs you need to be aware of are:
- Fishing license: £32
- Venue ticket: £10
- Rod and reel: £50-150
- Tackle: £25-75
- Bait: £5
- Total: £195
Ultimately you can spend as much or as little as you want. There’s no reason you can’t pick up some second-hand gear cheaply and start fishing in your local river or stream for under £100. Then start to build up your own little treasure trove of fishing gear. Each month or two we purchase a couple of additional items that improve the quality of our fishing setup.
Can I fish anywhere in the UK?
No, you can’t fish anywhere in the UK as there are some privately owned waters with restricted access. The sea is completely free to fish and has access rights outside of privately owned harbours, jetties and bays that may have governmental or environmental restrictions. However, coarse fishing venues like ponds and lakes tend to be privately owned and require a day or annual pass.
Can I fish in any river in the UK?
Rivers and streams are a little more nuanced and some sections are free to fish, whereas other sections will be owned by angling clubs or single owners. The sections owned by angling clubs tend to be the best bits to fish and – if tickets are available – will provide the best access and opportunities.
Can I fish off any beach in the UK?
Yes, you can fish any beach in the UK, barring those that are placed under environmental or governmental restrictions. Beach and sea fishing is free to the public and cannot be privately owned under UK law.
Can I fish in any pond in the UK?
No, you cannot fish any pond in the UK. Whilst your local pond may be free to fish (although obviously check that first), lots of ponds and small lakes are privately owned and people can be very angry when it comes to fishing rights. Just look at the mess of the UK fishing industry after Brexit.
Can anyone fish in UK waters?
If you are in the UK on holiday and want to do some fishing, you have the same rights as anyone else. privately owned waters will require a ticket. But sections of rivers, canals and streams are free to fish as long as you have a fishing license.
Obviously, the laws are completely different when it comes to commercial fishing vessels and UK and European water access is being divided up as we speak. But for sea fishing, all beaches and rocky outcrops are free to fish. You just need to get there!
Useful resources
Below is a list of useful resources to help you find your local club and venue and to help you get started.
- Freshwater rod fishing rules
- Buy a rod fishing license
- Canal fishing permit(s)
- Angling Trust
- Find a fishing club
- Canal fishing locations
- Find a fishing venue
Harry
Hi, I'm Harry. A keen, albeit exceedingly average fisherman. I've spent the last few years trawling London's waterways with - if I'm being kind - varied success and would love to help you avoid the mistakes I have made.
