Fishing Tips, Written by an Enthusiast
Coarse Fishing Tips is run by Ian Boughton, who grew up fishing with his father before stepping away from the sport for around 25 years. If you're after a more subtle approach for roach on still waterways, my latest article explains exactly how a small spade end feeder improves presentation on canals. Using A Small Spade End Feeder For Roach In Canals After his father passed away in 2017 following a battle with cancer, Ian picked up his old tackle again and began sharing what he was learning along the way.
The site covers coarse fishing across species including carp, barbel, tench, roach, perch and silverfish, along with practical topics like rigs, baits, float and pole techniques, and tackle selection. Fishing from high, steep banks can make casting awkward and accurate bait placement difficult—but a long pole turns this challenge into a distinct advantage. My latest guide explains exactly why, and how to use it effectively. The Advantages of a Long Pole for Fishing High Banks
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Latest Articles
What Size Landing Net for Carp Fishing?
Published 27 February 2019. A look at re-evaluating a carp fishing rig and choosing a landing net sized correctly for the fish and swim being targeted.
How to Make Maggots for Fishing
Published 20 February 2019. Covers sourcing bait supplies in the UK and the process of preparing maggots for a session.
How to Fish for Barbel on Rivers
Published 25 September 2018. Practical notes on tackling barbel in river conditions, drawn from personal fishing trips.
More Beginner Reading
Recommended Tackle
Tackle picks are based on hours of research and hands-on testing, aiming for gear that is reasonably priced without sacrificing quality. Recommendations cover feeder rods, fishing poles, reels and float rods, and reference brands such as Shimano, Daiwa, Drennan and MAP, with AnglingDirect suggested as a retailer.
From the Site
"In modern times fishing poles have become the staple of any coarse and match angler."From the Fishing Poles guide
"Shimano and Daiwa dominate the coarse fishing reel market — here's what to look for before buying."From the Reels guide
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Coarse Fishing Tips is owned and updated by Ian Boughton (ian@coarsefishingtips.com). The site uses Google Analytics and manages its newsletter through MailChimp, and is set up to be GDPR compliant. Full details are on the Privacy Policy and Cookies page.
Getting started with coarse fishing can feel intimidating, especially when you are new to the sport and unsure where to begin. The good news is that coarse fishing is one of the most accessible freshwater pursuits, requiring little more than a basic rod, a simple float setup, and a handful of baits such as maggots or sweetcorn. Taking time to learn the fundamentals, like how to choose the right float for the depth and conditions, will build your confidence quickly. Many beginners find that starting on still waters rather than fast-moving rivers makes the learning curve far gentler and far more enjoyable.
The choice between float fishing, pole fishing, and feeder fishing often confuses newcomers, yet each method has its place. Float fishing is arguably the most traditional and straightforward, offering clear visual feedback every time a fish takes the bait. Pole fishing provides remarkable precision and control, allowing you to present your bait delicately in tight spots close to margins or beneath overhanging branches. Feeder fishing, meanwhile, excels on rivers and larger lakes where casting distance and holding the bottom become important. As you progress, you will naturally develop preferences, but trying all three approaches will make you a far more versatile angler.
Selecting the right tackle matters more than many beginners realise, though that does not mean you need to spend a fortune. A well-balanced rod and reel combination suited to the species you are targeting will serve you far better than the most expensive gear used incorrectly. For silverfish like roach and perch, lighter rods with sensitive tips allow you to feel delicate bites. For larger species such as carp, tench, and barbel, you will need sturdier rods with reliable reels and a smooth drag system. Quality line, suitable hooks, and dependable rig components are just as important as the rod itself.
Rigs can appear complicated at first glance, but understanding a few core principles will demystify them. The helicopter rig, for instance, is a popular choice for casting long distances over weed or uneven lake beds, with the hook length rotating freely around the mainline to reduce tangling. A well-tied knot is the unsung hero of every rig, and taking time to learn reliable knots will save you from losing fish and tackle. As you gain experience, you will learn to adapt your rigs to different waters, weather conditions, and target species, which is where much of the satisfaction in this hobby truly lies.
Coarse fishing offers more than just the chance to land a big fish. It provides a peaceful escape, time spent in nature, and a genuine sense of accomplishment as your skills develop. Whether you are fishing a quiet river for barbel, hunting tench on a misty stillwater, or simply enjoying a few hours catching roach on the float, every session teaches you something new. The community of coarse anglers is welcoming, and local waters are often rich with opportunities to learn from others. With patience, observation, and regular practice, the sport will reward you for many years to come.