Things to remember: your equipment
- You fish on the near side (towpath side) of the canal with a whip (short pole) and on the far side of the canal with a long pole.
- A ready-made rig contains a line, a float, weights and a hook. You attach this to your whip.
- The float is there to tell you when the fish is biting. If you see the float go under the water, it means you have a bite.
- The weights are there to make sure the float sits correctly in the water, with not too much of the tip showing.
- The hook is there to hold the bait.
Choosing a place to fish
Areas to avoid:
- Close to locks or in lock chambers
- Water points
- Swing bridges
- Overhead powerlines
- Directly next to a boat
Things to look out for:
- Cover and habitat which are good fish holding areas
- A flat peg
Setting up your station
- Make sure you have everything within easy reach
- Avoid blocking the towpath
- Look out for pedestrians and cyclists
Remember: Stay safe. It's safer to fish as part of a group, and children must always have the permission of a parent or guardian.
Before you go fishing you need a rod licence if you are 12 years of age or older. You also need permission from the fishery owner/angling club.
