Introduction To Coarse Fishing

Angling provides an ideal way to get away from it all, while offering the thrill of the catch or the initial adrenaline flow as the float bobs under or the bite alarm shrills out on the bank side.

The word ‘coarse’ simply refers to freshwater fishing, with the exclusion of trout or salmon fishing. Getting started can be relatively inexpensive with starter kits as cheap available for around £30 (approx. $40). There is always the option of buying second-hand equipment with many tackle shops or even online auction sites providing a useful source of cheap pre-owned gear.

As the angler becomes more experienced, the equipment range can become mind boggling. Luckily however, most anglers are keen to share their expertise (and their used tackle and gear) with anyone willing to listen; most of those who have built up their knowledge over the years will readily give you the benefit of their insight.

Some people will regularly fish the same waters so will often have knowledge of the best places to fish and even the exact spots to present your bait. Take advantage of this local knowledge to ensure you have a fish-packed day.   

Legal requirements of coarse fishing

Anyone taking to the sport will have to be aware of their legal requirements in the areas you are fishing. For example, in parts of the UK you need to possess a rod licence in order to fish and the Environment Agency are more active than ever in clamping down on those without the necessary paperwork.

The Environment Agency requires that any angler aged 12 years or over, fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in England and Wales should have an Agency rod licence. Money brought in from licences helps fund the Environment Agency’s work in managing fisheries.

Licences are available for a full season licence for coarse, and there are also 8-day and 1-day tickets also available. Licences are available online or at local post offices or by contacting the Environment Agency direct. Anyone caught fishing without one faces a hefty fine.

Unlike England and Wales there is no national rod licence in Scotland and one is not required for coarse fishing in Ireland.

In other countries the legal requirements can vary. For example, in the US you’ll need a recreational licence in Pennsylvania, Oregon and Indiana due to past over-harvesting issues.

In Australia, different states have different laws that for fishing, but you will need a licence of some description which can be obtained through the state or online.

We’d advise wherever you are planning to fish to ensure that you have checked if you need a fishing permit, and then obtain the correct one. Also, don’t forget on many private waters, as well as the licence to fish you usually also have to pay a fee for your day’s fishing to the owner of that fishing venue.