Coarse Fishing Tips
Calm lake with two ducks swimming, a swan in the distance, trees and small village buildings along the shoreline under a blue sky

Practical how-to guides, rigs, baits and tackle advice from an angler sharing what he's learned on rivers, lakes and canals across the UK.

Start With Beginner Tips

New to coarse fishing? Browse guides on rigs, baits, floats and pole techniques written from hands-on experience.

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Journal

  1. How to Tie a Safe Barbel Rig for Snaggy RiversBarbel are powerful river fish that often feed close to weed, roots, submerged branches and broken stone. These areas provide cover and food, but they also…
  2. Using bread flake for surface fishing for carpBread is one of the simplest baits for catching carp from the surface. It is inexpensive, easy to carry and highly visible when a fish is prepared to feed in…
  3. Canals 101: Finding the best spots for mixed coarse fishingCanals are excellent venues for beginner anglers because they offer a wide range of depths, features, and species within a short walk. A single session may…
  4. Feeder Fishing on Fast Rivers: Weights and RigsFeeder fishing on a powerful river is a practical way to present bait where float tackle can struggle. The current carries loose feed downstream, pushes the…
  5. How to Fish a Loose-Feed Maggot Approach for RoachRoach are one of the best fish for learning how feeding, presentation, and timing work together. A loose-feed maggot approach is simple, affordable, and…
  6. A Beginner’s Guide To Fishing The Waggler Float On RiversFishing a waggler on a river is one of the most enjoyable ways to learn coarse fishing. The float travels naturally with the current, giving you a clear visual…
  7. Choosing the right hook size for coarse fishHook size has a direct effect on presentation, bite detection and how safely a fish can be landed. A hook that is too large may look unnatural, while one that…
  8. Pole fishing for crucian carp: tactics and tipsCrucian carp are a rewarding target for a beginner because they can provide plenty of bites while still demanding accurate, delicate fishing. They often live…
  9. How to find and catch perch in heavily weeded lakesPerch thrive in lakes with dense weed because it provides cover, oxygen, and a steady supply of insects, fry, and small invertebrates. These green areas can…
  10. The best groundbait mixes for river fishing in winterWinter river fishing rewards subtlety. Cold water slows the metabolism of roach, dace, perch and other coarse fish, so a large carpet of food can fill a swim…