Fishing Basics

Basic equipment needed:

If you are new to fishing and are keen to understand the fishing basics, then take a look at the list below to determine what equipment you will need to begin. You can choose either a rod, a pole, or both; a pole may be easier for a beginner. When you have decided on your equipment, check out our guides further down the page to find out how to set up a rod or a pole, how to land a fish, and where to fish.

Here is a list of equipment you will need for either a fishing rod or a fishing pole. Once you have these, you are ready to learn the fishing basics.

Rod Pole
Fishing Rod
Fishing Pole
Fishing Reel
Pole rig
Fishing Line
Landing Net
Landing Net
Landing Net Pole
Landing Net Pole
Fishing Chair or Box
Fishing Chair or Box
Unhooking Mat
Unhooking Mat
Disgorger
Disgorger
Bait Box
Bait Box
Bait
Hooks
Floats
Leads
Weights
Bait

How to Set Up a Rod

When setting up a rod, you will find it is either 2 or 3 sections; these sections will slot in to each other. Once you have all your sections fitted together, check all of the eyes are in line. Next, you will need to attach your reel; to do this, you will place your reel foot (t-shaped section) on to the reel seat of the rod (as pictured below) and tighten to secure the reel to the rod.

You will need to pass your line back through the bail arm and then straight through the rod eyes to the end. Once you have threaded your line all the way through, pull the line so you have roughly the length of the rod worth of line from the smallest eye.
 
Feed your line through the eye at the bottom of the float; the length of the line between your float and hook depends how deep you plan to fish. Place a weight either side of the float to keep the correct position, then attach your hook by feeding the line through the eye of the hook and tying a knot. Place a weight on the line, around 8-inches from the hook, to allow the bait to sink faster. The correct weight will be marked on the float.
Fishing Reel

How to Set Up a Pole

When purchasing a pole, you will find it is in a number of sections; this will vary depending on the fishing pole you choose. Once you’ve chosen your pole, it is advised to get the elastic set up in store (this is not an easy procedure for beginner’s). When your pole has initially been set up, you will have to choose your pole rig. Pole rigs have different strength line and different size hooks, so you will have to choose your pole rig depending on what fish you are targeting.

Attach the pole rig to the pole elastic connector: To do this, unravel your pole rig and connect the loop on the line to the pole elastic connector (pictured below). Pull the sleeve of the connector to the end, which secures the line.

Place your bait of choice onto the hook; for bait recommendations, check our Species page.

When fishing with a pole, you can add or remove sections depending on how far out you would like to fish; the pole sections will be numbered and can easily be pushed in or pulled out to adjust the length of the pole.

Fishing Equipment

Landing a Fish

Once you have hooked a fish and brought it within a close proximity to you, you will need to get the head of the fish to the surface of the water; keep the fish’s head at the surface and use your landing net to get underneath the fish. When you have the fish within the net, lift gently out of the water. Place the net on top of an unhooking mat (shown below), as this reduces risk of injury to the fish. Carefully remove the hook from the fish and out of the net before returning the fish to the water; use your landing net to return the fish. For examples of equipment you will need, check our Equipment page.

Where to Fish

When you get to a lake, have a look around; you should be looking for locations where fish may be surfacing. You should also be checking for lake features, such as islands and lily pads (examples pictured below); it is a good idea to fish as close to these features as possible. In the warmer months, margins (the edge) or shallower areas of the water will be good for Carp. The depth of which you fish will depend on what species you intend to catch; take a look at our Species page to find out more information. 

Carrs Angling Lakes