Fishing is a great hobby. As well as catching some delicious fresh fish that you can cook up at home (depending on where you fish), fishing is a wonderful opportunity to bond as a family. Even if you don’t catch anything, it’s a nice day out where you can relax and enjoy nature at its best.
As with any other activity, a bit of planning can make your fishing trip far more enjoyable and likely to be successful. Here are some tips to help you out.
Get a Fishing License
If you plan on going fishing with a rod and line in England or Wales, then you should get a rod fishing license. There are different rules for Scotland and Northern Ireland, where you only need permission to fish.
Every member of your fishing group should have a license, except for children under the age of 13. Junior licenses for teenagers under 16 are free, but you still need to get one. While getting a license might seem a pain, you risk a fine of £2,500 if you don’t have one.
You should also get permission from the landowner if you’re fishing on private land. While you’re at it, research the laws and regulations for fishing in your chosen area. Find out where you can and can’t legally fish. There are also closed seasons for some areas and types of fish, so make sure that your trip isn’t out of season.
It’s important to do all of this research in advance, as there’s nothing worse than a trip being called off or cut short because you’re breaking the law. The fines and the hassle simply aren’t worth it.
Decide What to Catch and Where to Go
Different bodies of water hold different fish. Once you’ve found out which nearby areas and types of fish are allowed, then you can plan your trip in earnest. Reservoirs, lakes, and ponds are typically open all year round, but remember to double check.
The type of fish and location of your fishing trip also determine whether you can keep a fish. Some areas require you to release the fish you catch. Others have regulations related to the size of the fish and the type of fish. If you want to fish for food, then this will determine where you choose to fish.
Once you know what you want to catch and where, you can make sure that you use the right tactics for that particular species. You can also pick the right bait and lure for that fish, increasing your chances of catching it.
Equipment and Supplies
As well as your fishing rod, hook, and line, you will likely need other equipment to make sure that you make your catch. As mentioned before, the type of fish you’re planning to catch will influence your tactics and supplies. For example, winter carp bait is designed to catch that specific fish.
You’ll also want appropriate clothing, food and drink to tide you over, an ice box to keep your fish fresh, and a first aid kit. Spare tackle also never hurts. Once you’ve got your gear, you can go fishing.
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