Rods, Reels and Tackle

[ Index ] [ Equipment ] [ Clothes ] [ Permits and Licences ]

Set up costs are fairly cheap and you can buy everything you need for as little as Ł30. This includes a junior telescopic rod, reel, lines, floats, hooks and weights. As you develop your interest you may want to invest in better or additional equipment but good quality rods and tackle are expensive, so take plenty of advice from a tackle shop.

Equipment

Rods, Reels and Lines
You can buy individual rods designed to catch almost every type of fish but as a beginner you need one rod that will catch almost anything! Generally, fibre glass rods are slightly cheaper; carbon fibre rods are lighter. Here are some examples of the types of rods available:

With a float or match rod (11 to 13 ft), you can catch small fish and larger fish that are not too powerful.
A ledger rod (light and heavy)is slightly stronger than a float rod.
A carp or pike rod takes the weight of these large fish.
Fly rods are designed for trout, salmon or grayling fishing.

You will need a suitable reel and lines to match your rod. Fixed-spool reels are the most commonly used reels in freshwater fishing. A good tackle shop will advise you about the type of rod, reel and lines you need. Always take advice before you buy and shop around because prices do vary.

Tackle Box
In your tackle box you need hooks, floats, weights (lead-free) and bait or if you are fly fishing you need a selection of flies. The right hook or fly is important for successful fishing. Barbless hooks are popular because they do less damage to the fish's mouth. If you are using bait, you may need several kinds because different species of fish are attracted to different types. Again your local tackle shop will advise you about what you need.

Other equipment
Many anglers use a landing net. It is almost essential if you are landing big fish. Rod rests and a seat for you to sit on are also useful, especially if you intend to have a full day fishing!

Clothes and Footwear

Buy thermal/ waterproof clothing and footwear to keep you warm on the chilliest of days but remember it is almost impossible to fish with gloves on. Take something to warm your hands on occasionally. Chemists and specialist stores often sell small, pocket-size handwarmers. Many angling suppliers are keen fishermen themselves and so this is the best place to go to find out what's available.

Waders cost from around Ł20, thermal suits from around Ł30 and insulated boots from around Ł35.

Permits and Licences

It's compulsory for all fishermen over the age of twelve to have a rod license wherever you fish. Contact your local Post Office for costs and details. To fish in most stretches of water you also need a permit. Some places allow you to buy a day permit, that can cost as little as Ł1.50, but others only sell weekly, monthly or yearly permits. Local angling clubs have details of the costs involved. (See Information)

The River Authority for your region can tell you where and when to fish in your area and the costs involved. Although some types of fishing is seasonal, it is possible to fish in certain waters throughout the year. Many large reservoirs and lakes discontinue fishing over the winter, but there are rivers, streams and ponds where it is possible to fish providing you have a permit.

(See Information: National River Authorities for more details.)


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Last modified on: Tuesday, July 1, 1997.