Never fished before - want to start!

[BobDylan]

Hi there,

I've wanted to get into fishing for a while now, but never got round to it.

I made the first step recently by actually purchasing some fishing stuff! The problem is that I have no idea how to fish (never done it before) and don't really know anyone that fishes that can help me!

I bought a very basic beginners rod (made by a company called Shakespeare, which also featured a reasonably helpful 'Coarse fishing guide' booklet - it cost about 50 quid in all).

Anyway, I live in Bristol and was wondering if anyone knows where the hell I should fish!?

Just as importantly, I need to know what licenses/permits I need - it all seems a bit complicated!

Any help would be much appreciated!

Am off to look at some other threads, hoping there might be a South West or Bristol thread!

[Bungz]

First stop is to pick up a EA coarse rod licence.

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk...ing/31497.aspx

[MRG2000]

Welcome to the forum ......

Might be a good idea to pop into your nearest tackle shop ,they will be able to help you with all your questions ,and be able to advise you on local fishing spots and theright gear you need to tackle them.

I'm sure a few of the freshwater members will be along to give you some pointers too shortly

[BobDylan]

Originally Posted by Bungz

First stop is to pick up a EA coarse rod licence.

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk...ing/31497.aspx

Excellent, I now have a license. Well that wasn't too tricky!

I'm gonna try and do some fishing tomorrow afternoon. I'll let you know how I get on!

Thanks for the responses!

[Bungz]

Now either drop down a local tackle shop or google around for a local club, most clubs have pretty decent websites.

[the pyromaniac]

I don't care where you are in the world, local "hole in the wall" tackle shops tend to be your most reliable sources of information. I would vouch strongly for Shakespeare for beginner-level rods & reels, and that is what I steered my fellow American and partner in crime Bearded Alex to buy a few months ago. For chasing roach, dace, bream, gudgeon, minnow, and perch they're usually pretty good.

I hope you find yourself hopelessly addicted like the rest of us soon!

[BobDylan]

Originally Posted by the pyromaniac

I would vouch strongly for Shakespeare for beginner-level rods & reels!

Luckily enough, that's what I've got!

Thanks for all the responses everyone.

I have now been fishing 3 times. First time was a bit of a disaster. Second time I learnt a bit more, but still no sign of any fish. Third time (yesterday) was pretty much the same situation.... then at the very end, literally seconds before I was going to pull my rod out for the last time, I managed to catch a fish!

Have enjoyed myself each time and am looking forward to my next trip out. I still have a huge amount of learning to do, even the basics. I haven't really grasped how to use a float properly (ie weighting.... often my float is under the water, other times it's not).

Also, when unhooking a fish, am I meant to use a particular instrument? I have some white stick that I was told to use, but I just used my hands instead. Is that OK?

Anyway, the big question is, can anyone name what type of fish this is:



According to the plaque by the side of the river, it is a fish called a 'Dace'... but a couple of people I have shown the picture to have said it is a Roach. Any ideas?

Thanks!

[scottish_and_mental]

welcome to the forum Bob and of course to the wonderful world of fishing
theres some great sea fishing near Brizzol if you ever get fed up of fishing in puddles
congrats on your first catch too - nice one

[BobDylan]

Ha, thanks for the friendly welcoming post. I'll be up for trying sea fishing as well, but thought I better start in the puddles and see how I get on!

I have no idea about sea fishing, I presume it's pretty similar? (ie. can I use the same rod and stuff?!). Do people mostly go in boats for sea fishing? (sorry about the no doubt stupid questions!)

[LittleFish]

Congratulations on your first fish which is a Roach