new to freshwater fishing

[jb92]

i only ever been fishing in saltwater and i want to also start with freshwater i was wondering if anyone had tips about it such as the licens for the rod different equipment and basically everything else

[Norfolkboy]

You'll need to buy a license from the EA. For an adult it cost 23 quid, and for a child (under 16) is 5 quid. This covers the year.

All the equipment will depend on what you want to fish for.

If fishing for small silvers, with the odd tench and carp etc.. then a match or float rod will be fine. They're nice and light and are used mainly for float fishing. A small fixed spool reel will be fine with 4lb line. Other equipment would be floats, shot, hooks (size 12 - 18) depending on bait size., landing net, discorger.

If fishing for carp you'll want a stronger rod. (2.5lb test curve is what's most commonly used) A baitrunner reel with 10 - 15lb line. Leger weights, swivels, hooks (size 6-10), unhooking mat, forceps, landing net etc..

Baits; maggots, worms, corn, bread, luncheon meat, sweetcorn, boilies etc..

[jb92]

im thinking of buying a few rods as i want to fish for carp trout tench eels catsish and im hoping to go to scotland for salmon any more info

[Pross]

Most (but not all) trout fishing will be done using fly rods as this is the only method allowed on a lot of trout fisheries although there are exceptions. Fly rods are rated using the AFTM system with bigger numbers being for larger waters where you need to cast a bigger fly longer distances often in areas exposed to the wind with the lighter ratings being used on smaller streams where gentle presentation of the fly is necessary to avoid spooking the fish. Again I think most salmon fishing in Scotland is done on fly rods although they are usually more heavy duty and often double handed. Trout can be caught on the kind of set up Dan has described above though. Catfish can be caught on strongish carp and the other species you mention could all be caught on float or carp rods reasonably easily with maybe a spare reel spool or 2 with lines of differing breaking strain.

[aku94]

I can tell you that I use my freshwater kit for both, since I am an avid freshwater fisher, and I really don't fish saltwater often. My reel is stocked with 15 pound test, which I use for "everything". Also, I prefer to use ultrasteel (non-lead) stainless alloy sinkers.

[danna]

A decent carp waggler rod will come in handy.