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The charity making life better by water

Making life better by water

Learn to fish

Fancy having a go at fishing but not sure where to start? Our handy videos talk you through the basics, from setting up your equipment to bringing in your first fish.

Fishing is fun! But there's a lot of equipment involved, not to mention skills and techniques. Take a look at our simple guides to get to grips with the basics of learning to fish.

Learning to fish

Setting up the rig

The benefits of fishing with a short pole or a whip

fishing, angling,

Plumbing the depth

The best way of working out the depth of the canal

Holding a maggot

Bait, hooks and maggots

Using groundbait, wriggly maggots and the right-sized hooks

Boy with a roach

Cast off and catch your fish

The fun begins! Cast off, identify a bite and bring in your fish

All of our staff and pensioners (on production of identity) are entitled to fish on waters where the Trust control the fishing rights without charge (other than any car parking fees). However, they are still bound by the rules of the controlling club.

Unhooking

Learn how to safely unhook your fish

Carp, courtesy of Jack Perks

Types of fish

Find out what types of fish you can catch in our canals and rivers

Learn to fish next steps part 7 - Catch big fish

Want to learn more?

Move on to our next video series, to help you build on your new skills and gain confidence out on the bank

Last Edited: 14 April 2022

photo of a location on the canals

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