Free Shipping Over £100* Excludes Highlands, Islands & Northern Ireland. T&Cs apply.  Klarna available.

Beginner Kits/Tips/Tricks

Cheaper kits designed by us, to get you out fishing. Most of our kits come with the essentials to get you out fishing, on the beach to on the bank, we have you covered.

🎣 Beginner’s Guide to UK Fishing , Simple knots, rigs, and advice for getting started

Whether you’re fishing from the shore, a lake, spinning for predators, or heading offshore, simple rigs and good presentation catch fish.

Start basic.

Build confidence. Enjoy the process.


SEA FISHING (BEACH & HARBOURS)

Simple rigs

• Two Hook Flapper – A great all-round rig. Both hooks fish along the seabed.

• Pulley Rig – Ideal for rough ground or bigger fish. Helps reduce snags when retrieving.


Shock leader (sea fishing only)

Rule: 10lb leader strength per 1oz of lead

Example: 5oz lead = 50lb shock leader

Knot: Uni-to-Uni

Why use one?

• Prevents snap-offs

• Protects your line

• Safer casting

What to do

• Fish often feed close in

• Keep rigs simple

• Present bait neatly

• Recast every 20–30 minutes

• Move if nothing happens


FAQs

Q: Do I need to cast far?

A: No — many fish are caught within 30–60 yards.

Q: Why no bites?

A: Often bait presentation, tide timing, or fish not feeding.

Q: Calm sea = bad fishing?

A: No — calm conditions can fish extremely well.


COARSE FISHING (LAKES, RIVERS & CANALS)

Simple rig

• Hair Rig – Bait sits just off the hook for better hook-ups. Ideal for boilies, wafters, or pellets.

What to do

• Stay quiet

• Feed little and often

• Keep hooks sharp

• Wet hands before handling fish

• Unhook quickly and safely


FAQs

Q: Do I need complicated rigs?

A: No — simple rigs catch plenty.

Q: How often should I recast?

A: Only if bait is gone or presentation looks wrong.

Q: Is location important?

A: Yes — location is everything.


LURE FISHING (SPINNING & LIGHT FISHING)

Knots to know

• Uni Knot – For tying lures and swivels.

• Loop Knot – Gives better lure movement.

What to do

• Keep moving if there’s no action

• Vary retrieve speed

• Fish different depths

• Watch for surface activity

• Expect blanks — it’s part of lure fishing


FAQs

Q: Retrieve fast or slow?

A: Start steady. Adjust if needed.

Q: No takes?

A: Change lure size, colour, or depth.


BOAT FISHING

Simple rig

• Flowing Trace – Lets bait move naturally along the seabed.

What to do

• Listen to the skipper

• Match lead size to drift

• Keep lines tidy

• Wind steadily when retrieving fish

FAQs

Q: Is boat fishing difficult?

A: No — rigs are simple and guidance is usually given.

Q: Why heavy leads?

A: To hold bottom while drifting.


ESSENTIAL KNOTS (ALL STYLES)

Learn these and you’re covered:

• Uni Knot

• Improved Clinch Knot

• Uni-to-Uni Knot

• Simple Loop Knot


FINAL TIP

Fishing success comes from simple rigs, reliable knots, neat bait presentation, patience, and time on the water.

Fishing isn’t just about catching — it’s about learning, relaxing, and enjoying being outdoors.