Fishing can seem quite confusing and daunting if you’ve never done it before, but this guide will help break it down for you and give you our best beginner fishing tips and tricks!
Fishing is great for appreciating nature, taking time for yourself, and getting a great reward for hard work, so we can see why you have chosen to start your fishing journey.
1. Get A License
Before you start on your fishing journey, all anglers should have a valid fishing license issued by the Environment Agency.
2. Sumners Ponds
When you’re choosing where to go, it’s always best to read the reviews and talk to other anglers. You can read our 526 5-star reviews on our TripAdvisor page.
Visit our website for more information on our fishing lakes, the fish species and tips.
Our ponds and lakes are for coarse fishing, which is the most common type of angling. It involves fishing in freshwaters and returning the fish safely to the water after they’ve been caught.
3. Fishing Etiquette
It’s very important to learn good fishing etiquette from the beginning.
A few tips are:
- Don’t invade someone else’s fishing spot
- Look after the fish once caught
- Be clean
- Be considerate of others around you.
4. Gear
A spinning reel and rod combo is best for a beginner, as they are sold together which means they are usually easier to set up. Our fishing bailiffs are more than happy to help set you up and guide you if you’re nervous.
Next, you’ll need to buy bait. Maggots, luncheon meat and corn usually work best in our lakes/ponds.
You’ll also need to buy a needle-nose plier/disgorger to retrieve the hook from inside the fish’s mouth.
5. Fishing Knots
Knowing your knots is a very handy fishing skill to have. Here are a few you’ll need to know to get started:
- Clinch knot
- Palomar knot
- Double surgeon’s knot
6. Reading The Water
This is a great skill to have, as this can help you know where the fish may be hiding and can increase your catch numbers.
7. Catching A Fish
This can be exciting and daunting at the same time. To learn more about casting, hooking and landing, YouTube will be your best friend as you can visually see how to do it best (and our fishing bailiff’s can help if you get stuck!).
Also, never throw a fish back into the water, always get down close to the water to release the fish.
We also have a great fishing checklist blog, which highlights all the things you need to bring when fishing.
We hope this has helped you ease your nerves about fishing for the first time. Don’t forget, our fishing bailiff’s are always on hand to help, and we have a small tackle and bait shop in case you forget anything!
Sumners Ponds also has a great cafe, Cafe by the Lake, which will quench your thirst and feed your belly.
