Category: Lessons Fishing UK

Fishing Tackle Shops in the UK

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Amazing Fishing Stories is a wonderful collection of tales of adventure with rod and line. This eclectic collection includes thrilling battles with monsters of the deep, epic acts of endurance and more poetic pieces on secret spots where legendary fish are said to lurk. Read extracts on our fishing tackle pages and you won’t be able to wait to buy the book, hard copy, audio or Kindle. About Paul

Also see Fishing Poles

About Paul Knight

Paul Knight is a hugely experienced fisherman and leading figure among UK anglers, who has traveled to remote parts of the globe to reel in stories with rod and line. He has worked on offshore trawlers as well as fished idyllic salmon streams. His knowledge of fishing equipment is vast as you will see from his tales. Paul has written for a range of fishing magazines for more than 20 years. His wide experience, remarkable network of fishing friends and wonderful writing style make him the perfect author of such a collection of unforgettable tales.

Note: We do not sell or promotes Amazon products. You can easily fins Paul’s book online.

 

Sea Fishing

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What is it called when you go fishing in the ocean?
Saltwater Fishing – fishing in salt waters (oceans). Also called “tidal waters fishing”.

Targeting a species and learning all the methods and situations that can increase your catch rate can be a very important factor in increasing you catch rate when sea fishing. There are a vast number of different species, such as Pollock, fish that can be found in many different locations and can be fished for using many different methods. Where to fish for many species include;

  • Rock and reef marks are very popular locations for fish.
  • Both inshore and off shore wrecks will produce various fish pollock to a good size.
  • Piers  will produce fish all year around but. generally these fish are not of a great size.
  • Weed beds and deep kelp  hide a lot of predators and prey.
  • Broken ground can hold all sorts of species including the pollock. Some fishing techniques
  • Lure fishing. Deep sea wreck fishing often requires heavy weights to take a jelly worm or metal lure to the sea bed.
  • Saltwater fly is effective when fish are in shallow water and fish can be of all sizes and at a whole range of locations including piers, reefs and weed beds.  Flies that mimic small fish and prawns work well, sea trout flies and saltwater flies are popular.
  • Float fishing can be used almost anywhere in shallower water.Common baits are sand eel and fillets of fish bait.
  • Ledgering can work well using the normal  baits fish.
  • Live baits work well for many fish usually resulting in a strong take and suitable equipment needs to be used.

Common  Catches when Sea Fishing

The sky’s the limit, or in the case of sea fishing, the sea’s the limit. Even fishing inshore waters, anglers can catch everything from tarpon to flounder. Anglers fishing the northeast coast can expect flounder and cod to congregate in bays and river mouths. Striped bass and bluefish fall for lures from surf-casters, as will weakfish and sea trout.

Farther south, red drum (redfish), tarpon, and bonefish excite anglers as they cruise the shallow flats of bays. These fish can be taken on traditional gear or fly-fishing tackle, nothing special needed for sea fishing. Snook fight like the saltwater version of the large-mouth bass, and sharks cruise off many coasts. With sea fishing, you don’t really know what you’re going to catch next, which is part of its great allure.

Sea Fishing Video

 

Top 5 Places to Fish in Alaska

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  • Chilkat River
  • Susitna River
  • Kenai River
  • Kah Sheets Lake
  • Kasilof River

Alaska is known worldwide for truly amazing fly fishing. It is no wonder that every year fishermen come from all over the world to catch a piece of the action. But once you decide to take a fishing trip to Alaska, where do you go to find the best fly fishing opportunities? There are countless options to choose from, depending on what part of the state you will be visiting.

Chilkat River

Located in the south-east part of the state, the Chilkat River is an ideal place for fly fishing for salmon. There are five types of salmon common in Alaska ‘s Chilkat River including silver, red and king salmon. Dolly Varden, steelhead and trout are also available. This area also serves as an important habitat for the bald eagle, so you could find eagles fishing alongide you. The Chilkat River is near Skagway and Haines, so you can use either of those cities as a base to fish from.

Susitna River

Running through the mountains of south-central Alaska, the Susitna River is another great place to go fly fishing. Some of the fish species present in the Sustina include rainbow trout, all types of Pacific salmon (as well as the king, red and silver), Arctic grayling and Dolly Varden. The suburbs of Sustina are near, so you can stay in the city and then take seaplane excursions from there to the river.

Kenai River

By far the most famous river in Alaska, the Kenai Peninsula is known for spectacular fly fishing especially salmon in particular king. The Kenai River is located in the south-central part of Alaska and extends from Kenai Lake to Cook Inlet. King salmon, steelhead, coho and sockeye salmon can be found in the area. The king salmon fishing is the most popular fishing on the river, and for good reason. Most of the greatest kings were recorded caught in the Kenai River. The river is easily accessible by car and there are several cities that can be used as a base.

Kah Sheets Lake

A beautiful spot, quieter than most, the lake abounds with sockeye salmon,bass, bluegill and crappie.  Although other options are available booking a cabin close to the lake has to be one of the most appealing options. Otherwise look for accommodation  in Wrangell, Petersburg.

 Kasilof River

Located in the south-central part of the state, the Kasilof River is another place for fly fishing. In the Kasilof you can find many species of fish, same as those available in the Kenai River, but Kasilof has a much more relaxed atmosphere and will be less crowded. Fish species that are most popular here are the red salmon, trout, chinook and coho salmon. The Kasilof is reachable by car, so you can use any number of cities in Alaska as a base.

There are so many great places for fly fishing in Alaska, with these top 5 we have only touched the tip of the iceberg. The Alaska frontier is vast and full of fish ready for you to enjoy. No matter where you go fly fishing in Alaska, it’s sure to be an amazing experience. Great fishing!

Fishing Poles

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Best Fishing Pole

Great video on choosing the best Pole or Rod!

***  Fishing Poles & Whips  ***

More Fishing Poles and Pole Accessories

  • Advanta Power Margin 8.5m Fishing Pole
  • Advanta Pro Carp Power 13m Fishing Pole
  • Advanta Pro SKYkit Short Fishing Pole 1pc Top Kit
  • Daiwa Air Z Pro Pole 16m More Power
  • Daiwa Airity Pro 16m More F1 Package
  • Daiwa Connoisseur G90 16m Pole
  • Daiwa Connoisseur G90 16m Pole More Power Pack
  • Daiwa Connoisseur System Whip 8m
  • Daiwa Generic Interlastic Top Kits
  • Daiwa Matchwinner MW4 16m
  • Daiwa Tournament Pro X 16m More Power
  • Daiwa Whisker X 16m
  • Discover Battle Core Fishing Whip 4m
  • Discover Power Core Margin Pole 5.5m
  • Discover Powertube Carp 9.5m Fishing Pole
  • Discover Tele Whip 3m
  • Drennan Red Range Margin Carp 8m Pole
  • Garbolino UK Power Performance Match 16m Fishing Pole Package
  • Guru A-Class Whip
  • Guru Aventus Zero 900 Fishing Pole 16m + Package + FREE Top Kits
  • MAP TKS 101 3G Series 13m Pole
  • Matrix MTX1 Power V2 Fishing Pole Package 13m
  • Matrix MTX2 Power V2 Fishing Pole Package 14.5m
  • Matrix MTX3 Ultra V2 Fishing Pole Package 16m
  • Matrix Torque Carp Pole
  • Maver MV-R Competition 16m Pole Package
  • Maver MV-R Performance 14.5m Pole Package
  • Maver MV-R X Power Fishing Pole 13m
  • Maver MV-R XS Commercial Fishing Pole Package 16m
  • Maver MV-R XX Commercial Fishing Pole Package 16m
  • Maver MV-R1 Fishing Pole Package 16m
  • Maver MV-R2 Fishing Pole Package 16m
  • Maver MV-R3 Fishing Pole Package 16m
  • Maver MV-R4 Fishing Pole Package 16m
  • Maver Signature Pro Power Pole Package 10m
  • Preston Edge Monster 10m Margin Pole
  • Preston Edge Monster Margin Pole 8.5m
  • Preston Edge Monster Power Top 2 Kit
  • Preston Response System Whip 8m
  • Preston Superium Carp 16m Fishing Pole
  • Preston Superium F1 Short Kit
  • Preston Superium X10 13m Fishing Pole
  • Preston Superium X20 14.5m Fishing Pole
  • Preston Superium X50 16m Fishing Pole
  • Preston Superium X70 16m Fishing Pole

Avanti Poles

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avanti-poles

  • Avanti Competition K7 16 Meter
  • Avanti Dri Zone Pole Holdalls
  • Avanti Dri Zone Pole Holdalls
  • Avanti Flexi-Pots Large
  • Avanti Flexi-Pots Medium
  • Avanti Knee Pole Support
  • Avanti Marco Cortesi Barbless Ready Rigs
  • Avanti Match Top Kit
  • Avanti Pole Rollercoaster
  • Avanti Power Top Kit
  • Avanti Pro V Roller

Avanti Pole Review by Simon Grace

Initial inspection of the kit was very impressive.  There is a lot of kit for your money BUT nothing comes pre-prepared.

As there are NO reviews on the Avanti RSX1000 16m pole, I’ve put my money where my mouth is and made a quick YouTube clip.

Summary wise, this is a GOOD pole…in fact it’s a GREAT pole and don’t let the tackle tarts tell you otherwise.  Yes, at 14.5+m you will be reliant on rollers! At 11-12m I was able to hold the pole myself unaided which felt really balanced and responsive.  The sections all come off cleanly and as a totally new pole fisherman, my learning curve lasted about an hour and from that point I really started to enjoy the feel of the pole as it caught and brought in the fish.  If you are on a budget, this is the pole for you.  If you’re not…go mad! Poles can cost in excess of £1000 for a long one but I hear you can get decent 11m ones for the £600-£800.  That’s still too much than I’m willing to pay but I’m a pleasure fisherman and today was VERY pleasurable.

With a pole, you have various top kits but only one rod so you only pay for the one…hence why I’m going again tomorrow!  Bargain!

Maver Poles

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Prices 2023 – check at Maver Poles

Latest Maver Pole Range

  • MV-RXX 16m £3,999
  • MV-RXS 16m £2,699
  • MV-R4 16m £3,000
  • MV-R3 16m £2,599
  • MV-R2 16m £1,899
  • MV-R1 16m £1,499
  • MV-R X Power 13m £600
  • Signature Pro Power 1000 Pole £288
  • Definition XR 13m/14.5m £1,00 – £1,200
  • Definition XS 13m & 14.5m £750 – £850
  • MV-R competition 16m pole package £1,700
  • Oculus 7m margin pole £300
  • Reality 6m pole £83
  • Reality 9.5m margin pole £110
  • Signature 8m whip 350

Shimano Poles

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Shimano Poles are Back in the Game!

Shimano returns to the pole market with the long-awaited Aero range.

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Shimano Poles Aero Range

The Aero Competition pole range has been many years in the making. Employing a dynamic development program conducted without compromise, the design team has maximised the use of Shimano’s leading carbon engineers.

  • Aero Pro Competition
  • Aero X7 Competition
  • Aero X5 Competition

The Shimano Aero Range is available in 13m and 16m lengths and augers Shimano’s return to dominance of the pole market.

Shimano’s Aero poles come with a choice of packages to suit all pockets and abilities.

Videos of Shimano Aero Poles

UK Fishing Licence

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Fishing Rod Licence

New Style Fishing Licence

New Style Fishing Licence

You need a fishing rod licence to fish for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt and eel with a rod and line in England (except the River Tweed), Wales and the Border Esk region of Scotland.

You need an additional licence to fish in the Thames.

You must always carry your rod licence when you’re fishing or you could be prosecuted. You can be fined up to £2,500 for fishing without a rod licence.  Children under 12 don’t need a licence. However, if you take a child under 12 fishing and hold the rod or help hold it you must buy a licence for yourself.

Types of Fishing Licence

There are 2 types of licence:

  • trout, coarse fish and eel licences that let you fish for non-migratory trout, char, coarse fish, eel and smelt
  • salmon and sea trout licences that let you fish for salmon, sea trout and all of the fish in the licence above

Applying for your licence is easy.

Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Pick the right licence. Decide if you need a Non-Migratory Trout & Coarse Licence or a Salmon & Sea Trout Licence. The Salmon & Sea Trout Licence is more expensive, but also covers you for Non-Migratory Trout & Coarse.
  2. Choose the length. If your trip’s a one-off, consider the 1 or 8 day options. If you’re a regular angler, you can get cover for the full season.
  3. Buy your licence. You can buy it online, in branch or by phone. Full contact details can be found in the right hand column.
  4. Wait for it to arrive. Remember – you’re allowed to go fishing with your email confirmation.

Licence Concessions

  • Senior – for age 65+
  • Junior – for ages 12-16 inclusive
  • Disabled – for those in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (or Personal Independence Payment) and Blue Badge Holders. You’ll need your National Insurance number or Blue Badge number for your concession.