Ok, so you've decided to take the kids fishing - You've looked on-line and realised that fishing can be a minefield of tackle! What do you need to get on the bank and catch some fish? We've listed everything below:
If you are over 16, you need to purchase a rod licence from the environment agency. A one day licence will cost you £6 and is available here: https://www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence
If you are aged 13 - 16, you still need to register for a licence - but it won't cost you a penny. Children under 13 don't need a rod licence.
You'll also need a licence to fish the water you choose - This may be a day ticket or a season ticket. If you are thinking of a heading to the canal, you can get all the info you need on the canal and rivers trust website ( https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/fishing/places-to-fish ). If you're heading to a local lake, make sure to ask how much it is for a day ticket and where you can purchase it from.
You're going to need some food to both attract the fish to where you are and to place on the hook to try and catch some fish! Maggots are the best bait for most course fish in the UK and you can buy them from your local fishing tackle shop. Half a pint of maggots will be fine for most short sessions. Maggots come in lots of different colours, so ask for mixed to make sure you get a few of each.
You'll need a tub to keep them in with small holes in the lid. You can buy a specific bait tub from the tackle shop, or an old takeaway tub or margarine tub will suffice - Just poke some holes in the top with a needle to make sure the maggots have some air.
If you don't fancy a trip to the tackle shop, sweetcorn and bread are great baits that you may have already at home. Use a small piece of sweetcorn on the hook or a tiny piece of bread.
Ok, the magic question - what tackle do I need?
Here's the lists of things you'll definitely need and some you might want to take:
Definitely:
Maybe:
Landing nets help you get slightly bigger fish out of the water - depending on where you are fishing, they may be a necessity. Taking something to sit on is all about comfort!
You can get everything you definitely need for your first time fishing with your first months Angling Academy subscription - https://www.majoroakfishing.co.uk/Home/OrderNow/
Make sure you are dressed for the weather - it's better to be too hot and take layers off than be too cold.
Have some bug spray with you - Water attracts insects and midges love a good nibble in the summer months!
Take snacks and drinks - They will get you through the times when the fishing is slow!
Make it about more than catching fish - Enjoy the experience. A good fishing trip isn't about if you caught fish or not. Enjoy the water and the wildlife. Enjoy being together as a family.
Take your phone - You don't want to miss the photo opportunity when the first fish is caught!
