Fishing is the most popular recreational sporting pastime in the United Kingdom, and it’s not hard to see why!  It allows you to relax, enjoy the surroundings, and you may even get the chance to spot some wildlife. 

There are thousands of places to go fishing across the country – there’s no need to worry if you don’t live near the seaside; there are plenty of rivers, lakes and canals you can use.  Follow our top tips, and you should be reeling in your rod in no time!


Always be careful when selecting where to fish, as there are many fishing regulations, which differ between regions.  Certain areas have restrictions on the use of live bait, and on how many fish you can keep.  In some places, you have to release all the fish you catch, so never start fishing without finding out the rules of the fishing area.  The Environment Agency has a list of safe places where you can fish – click here to visit their website.

One of the easiest ways to catch a fish is called bait fishing.  This method is simple and effective, because all you have to do is put your bait on a hook, throw the line in the water, and the fish can’t resist!  The most commonly found species in the UK include salmon, pike, trout, roach, bream and barbel.

1. Choose your location.  Although it may sound obvious, make sure the water you are fishing in actually has fish in it!  Check local fishing reports (which can be found in newspapers) or ask at angling shops in the area.
2. Choose your hook.  Once you have read the fishing reports, you will know the kinds of fish you are likely to find, and you need to make sure your hooks will fit into the fish’s mouth. Again, an angling shop will be able to advise you on your hooks, but a general rule is that the smaller the hook, the bigger the chance of a bite.
3. Choose your bait.  You can either collect your own, or purchase live bait from an angling shop.  Worms, salmon eggs or grasshoppers are ideal. If you have plenty of bait you can start dropping it into the water where you are, as this will start attracting fish.
4. If the water is swift, such as a river or stream, attach weights to your line about 12 inches above your bait.  This will keep your bait in place about an inch above the floor of the water, right where the fish are likely to be.  If the water is not moving rapidly, use a bobber, or a float to keep your bait under the water.  This attaches to your line, and you can place the bait below the bobber.
5. Cast your line by jerking the rod backwards, and letting the line with the bait on swing out into the water.  Waiting for a bite can take a lot of patience, but once a fish bites, it is a good idea to drop some more bait into the water, because fish often live in large groups. If you are waiting for more than fifteen minutes without a bite, try moving somewhere else and try again.
6. Once you have a bite, hook the fish by jerking your rod backward and upwards.  Then pull the fish in by lifting the rod vertically and reeling in your line. Once the fish is near enough to you, you can use a net to capture it and bring it to the shore.
7. Remove the hook.  Try not to rip the hook out, but back the hook out, so it comes out the way it went in.  If you plan on releasing the fish, keep it in the water.  If you plan on eating it, get it out of the water as quick as possible.
8. Check your line isn’t damaged, get some more bait ready, and start again!

• You usually need a license to fish.  Before your trip, check if you need a license by contacting the Environment Agency, or visiting their website.
• Be prepared for the unexpected – take weather proof clothing with you.  This will keep you comfortable and warm if the weather turns against you!
• Protect yourself from the sun – wear sunglasses and sun cream.
• If possible, don’t go fishing alone - if you do, take a mobile phone (but remember to leave it on silent!)
• Remember to fish ten metres away from the next person, and make sure there isn’t anyone stood behind you when you cast.
• Protect your hands.  Some fish have needles or spines, which can cause pain when grabbed.  If handling the fish, a sturdy pair of gloves is recommended.
• Look out for overhead power lines.  Also remember that electricity at high voltages can jump gaps, so a rod does not have to come into direct contact with power lines to cause injury.