Starting out

At its most basic level all you need to find is a rod, a reel with line on it, ‘end tackle’ (also referred to as terminal tackle or rig) that is tied to the end of that line, some bait, and what you’ll need to look after any fish you might catch and indeed yourself.

You can go and buy a relatively cheap full set of rod, reel, line and end tackle but take care that the rod is the right sort for the nature of fishing you’ll be doing and note that if you can stretch to buying each of the components seperately you’ll get a better reel/line combination that can reduce your tangle rate. If initially renting a reel would help you to step up to buying the components seperately e mail Jon directly, the club does keep some reels that we can rent you for a month or two as you find your feet.

Your local tackle shop can guide on the best places to go in your local area, the nature of rod, reel, line and end tackle you’ll need for that, and sell you bait. Its pretty essential that you have that discussion. YouTube is then full of advice on how to set up and our only advice is to keep it simple. Start with a fixed spool reel, not a multiplier reel; use end tackle that’s relatively light and uncomplicated (although if you’re using a lead weight where the currents can be strong do use one with the metal spikes that clip to the side); and if you can afford it buy a rod rest or make your own so that you haven’t got to hold the rod all the time. Again you’ll find YouTube videos on how to make a rod rest and we’d recommend use of timber or simply a length of plastic pipe that you can bang into the ground and slide your rod into. Ancillary equipment includes a pocket knife, a fillet knife and a pair of scissors. The fillet knife is helpful if you catch a nice fish that’s fit for the table – gutting it at the beach side means it will keep and taste better, and you won’t have what comes out at home to deal with.

When we say you’ll need things to look after any fish you might catch its really important to be able to lift the fish out of the water, hold the fish in a manner that will reduce the risk of damage whilst its with you and to remove the hook without undue stress/harm. So if you’re going to be fishing off rocks get a landing net and if its off a pier get a drop net. Take a cloth or towel, along with a basic disgorger.

In terms of looking after yourself, its good to have warm waterproof clothing, a head torch, a seat to sit on (foldable chair from the garden shed will do nicely to start with) and a good flask, for starters. If you’re casting out a lead weight its essential to have a finger stall to protect your index finger on the cast – or better still buy what’s called a breakaway cannon to strap to your rod. Further ancillaries can be added hereon in – enjoy loitering round your local tackle shop or surfing the internet for the rest.

This is important to be alert to at all times when sea fishing, and particularly when you are starting out. ‘Worse things happen at sea’ is an expression with justification. Do be bold enough when you are in the local tackle shop to ask if there are any currents, soft sand or tidal movements to be particularly aware of and on the ground take care not to put yourself in danger. Always check on the high and low tide times before you set out, and always make sure you manage the battery power on your mobile and torch gear in case you do get stuck or have an accident.

The most important rule is to put fish first – so be aware of minimum take home sizes. See Minimum Size Limits for shore caught fish. And as you land fish, take care of them whilst they’re with you – returning them to the sea quickly and gently if this is where they’re destined, killing them relatively quickly if not.

The only other points to be aware of are taking home your rubbish (particularly line and used hooks, disposing of line ideally through line bins at tackle shops), not getting too close to others that have arrived at your chosen fishing location before you, and not playing your radio at a volume to disturb the peace of others. A good number of people fishing are here to find peace and quiet.

Someone with a plastic bag on its' hand, walking at the beach

Enjoy your fishing!

The build up to a trip, the research you put into it and the expectation is to be treasured as much as the trip itself. Talking round the subject with tackle shop owners, other fishermen and fisherwomen, and people in the fishing community using forums like we have here in this club, can be very rewarding. For you as a person and for your success out on the shoreline.