Fishing tips from the experts
How to be the best - some tips from those in the know ...
Fishing is fun, there’s no doubt about that. Over 4 million people go fishing regularly and nearly 1 in 10 people in this country have at least tried it - in fact, more people go fishing than watch football matches each weekend!
You don’t need to be an expert to catch fish which is one reason why lots of people do it, but some simple tips can help you catch lots more and some big ones too. So what’s needed to become an expert? We asked two highly regarded anglers based in the Thames Valley to reveal their secrets.
Stuart has fished from the age of 7 and caught his first ever fish, a perch, from Burheath Lake near Reading.
Denise started fishing at the same age alongside her dad, sister and brother, catching her first ever fish, a bleak from the River Thames at Pangbourne. Since then, both Stuart and Denise have gone on to win prestigious awards as national match fishing championsas well as catching huge fish from exotic locations all over the world.
Stuart, who jointly owns the Reading Angling Centre says “there’s so much to learn, it would take too long to know everything, but it is important to start with the basics.” He advises “when learning to fish, a simple starter kit consisting of a short fishing pole and float rig is sufficient to catch fish on just about any pond, canal or river.” He adds “pole kits are cheap and easy to set up and use. Once you have used a pole it is easier to progress to the rod and reel, which require a little more practice.”
Stuart considers his best fish to be a 16lb 4oz barbel from a Thames tributary, although his 84lb Indian Golden Masheer is a very good second best.
Denise says “I like fishing so I can beat the boys, who always think they are best. I know a lot of girls and women who really enjoy fishing. It’s a great way to compete as the important skills include patience, attention to detail and persistence, and in my experience women are better at all of these!”
Denise regards each of her 9 South of England lady’s championship wins to be highlights of her fishing experiences and a 64lb Golden Masheer a very happy moment to savour.
“The ideal way to get started is to join a fishing club with a junior section where advice and teaching sessions can be arranged. To learn quickly, always ask questions and watch other people who know how to fish.” Denise adds “to become an expert you need to go fishing regularly and try a variety of methods. Catching fish isn’t always easy, but it is very rewarding when you succeed.”
See Colin and Denise in action ...
So, there you have it; these few simple tips will get you and your friends fishing shoulder to shoulder with the experts. Search our fishing pages to find out some good fishing locations near you, as well as tackle shops where you can get advice about fishing clubs, tackle, baits and methods.
Happy fishing!