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 Fish A Small River With A Centre Pin And Stick FloatFishing a narrow river with a centrepin reel and stick float is a precise, enjoyable way to learn watercraft. The method suits shallow runs, glides and steady…
  2. Best hinged stiff link rig for shy biting carpA hinged stiff link rig separates the bait from the hook section, allowing the hook to turn aggressively when a carp mouths the bait. It is especially useful…
  3. Fishing a Stick Float with a Slow Trot for Summer BarbelA stick float and a controlled slow trot can be one of the most enjoyable ways to catch barbel in warm weather. The float travels naturally along the current…
  4. The right way to plumb a swim for accurate float fishingPlumbing the depth is the foundation of reliable float fishing. It tells you where the bottom lies, whether the lakebed is level, and how much line should sit…
  5. Using a Spod Rod to Introduce Pellets for Big Summer CarpA spod rod gives you a controlled way to put a worthwhile bed of pellets around a summer carp hook bait. It is especially useful when fish are spread over a…
  6. How to Pre-Bait a Lake Swim for Carp Over Several DaysPre-baiting is the steady process of putting small amounts of food into a chosen lake swim before you fish it. Done carefully, it can encourage carp to visit…
  7. Chub Beneath Overhanging Trees: A Close-Range River PlanOverhanging willows, alders and hawthorn are classic chub territory. They offer shade, cover and a steady supply of insects, berries and scraps washed from the…
  8. Fishing for roach with a single maggot on a light pole rigRoach are ideal fish for learning how delicate presentation really works. They often feed confidently, then become suspicious when a hook is too large, the…
  9. The Best Knots for Feeder HooklengthsThe best knots for tying hooklengths to a feeder system depend on whether you want speed, strength, easy hook changes, or a neat presentation. For most coarse…
  10. How To Use A Centershot Feeder On Rivers For ChubA centershot feeder is a useful way to present a small, accurate trail of groundbait when chub are holding near cover, crease lines, or the deeper edge of a…