fish:fishing

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fish:fishing [2025/12/05 10:12] – created - external edit 127.0.0.1fish:fishing [2026/03/26 18:33] (current) – external edit 127.0.0.1
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-# Fishing+This topic is part of [[gt:bushcraft|Bushcraft & Nature]]. 
 +====== Fishing ======
  
  
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-## What is fishing?+===== What is fishing? =====
  
 Fishing is about trying to catch fish (note the trying!). It can be done in salt or fresh water, with different techniques and approaches for each environment. There are a number of different methods - rod and line, nets, traps, hands, spears and more. This introduction will specifically focus on small-scale fishing for food procurement from UK wild waters. We won’t be talking about fishing for recreation (where you throw back your catch) or large-scale industrial fishing such as trawling. Recreational fishers usually use rod and line (angling) and commercial fishers fish for profit using mostly nets. Fishing is about trying to catch fish (note the trying!). It can be done in salt or fresh water, with different techniques and approaches for each environment. There are a number of different methods - rod and line, nets, traps, hands, spears and more. This introduction will specifically focus on small-scale fishing for food procurement from UK wild waters. We won’t be talking about fishing for recreation (where you throw back your catch) or large-scale industrial fishing such as trawling. Recreational fishers usually use rod and line (angling) and commercial fishers fish for profit using mostly nets.
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 <caption> <caption>
-Sea fishing from the rocks with a rod and line.+_Sea fishing from the rocks with a rod and line._
  
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-A fisherman in Myanmar, using a fish trap. He comes from a village that sits on stilts over the water, one of many communities to rely mostly on fishing for food.+_A fisherman in Myanmar, using a fish trap. He comes from a village that sits on stilts over the water, one of many communities to rely mostly on fishing for food._
  
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-## History+===== History =====
  
 Fishing is an ancient method of wild food procurement, and dates back to the Upper Paleolithic, about 40,000 years ago. Fish were an important part of many hunter-gather(-fisher) people’s diets. Ancient techniques include spear, handmade nets, hooks made from bones or thorns, and catching fish with hands. Many people settled, or regularly migrated to, coastal, estuary and riverside locations. Ancient midden piles of shellfish and fish bones are scattered along the UK’s coastline - lasting evidence of the importance of food from the sea for ancient peoples. Fishing is an ancient method of wild food procurement, and dates back to the Upper Paleolithic, about 40,000 years ago. Fish were an important part of many hunter-gather(-fisher) people’s diets. Ancient techniques include spear, handmade nets, hooks made from bones or thorns, and catching fish with hands. Many people settled, or regularly migrated to, coastal, estuary and riverside locations. Ancient midden piles of shellfish and fish bones are scattered along the UK’s coastline - lasting evidence of the importance of food from the sea for ancient peoples.
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-Prehistoric bone fish hook.+_Prehistoric bone fish hook._
  
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-A small fishing boat.+_A small fishing boat._
  
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-## What are the benefits of fishing?+===== What are the benefits of fishing? =====
  
 It's potentially more sustainable to catch fish than to buy them.  Bought fish may involve trawling, large amounts of by-catch (accidentally caught fish or other animals that die in the process but aren't used for food), as well as the fuel used in the boats and for transport. It's potentially more sustainable to catch fish than to buy them.  Bought fish may involve trawling, large amounts of by-catch (accidentally caught fish or other animals that die in the process but aren't used for food), as well as the fuel used in the boats and for transport.
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-It often starts like this.+_It often starts like this._
  
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-A well-earned meal after a day's fishing - there's nothing like cooking your catch right where you caught it.+_A well-earned meal after a day's fishing - there's nothing like cooking your catch right where you caught it._
  
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-## What can I do?+===== What can I do? =====
  
-As with many practical skills, it really helps to have a teacher - so either ask someone you know, or if you see someone out fishing, you could ask them for guidance and tips. Asking for advice in a tackle shop can be helpful too, especially as they will have local knowledge of the area. There are [courses](http://lowimpactorg.onyx-sites.io/directory/categories/fishing-courses) on fishing, and plenty of [books](http://lowimpactorg.onyx-sites.io/books/fishing/) and [online resources](http://lowimpactorg.onyx-sites.io/lowimpactlinks/fishing/). You can also hire a guide to take you fishing.+As with many practical skills, it really helps to have a teacher - so either ask someone you know, or if you see someone out fishing, you could ask them for guidance and tips. Asking for advice in a tackle shop can be helpful too, especially as they will have local knowledge of the area. There are courses on fishing, and plenty of books and online resources. You can also hire a guide to take you fishing.
  
 This introduction focuses on sea fishing techniques. Freshwater fishing for food is not usually cost-effective or feasible, as there are so many restrictive laws, licenses, permits etc. Every stretch of fresh water has different rules and regulations and will be owned by different people. In addition, freshwater fishing usually means fly fishing – the hardest technique to master, with its own type of rod, line and reel. This introduction focuses on sea fishing techniques. Freshwater fishing for food is not usually cost-effective or feasible, as there are so many restrictive laws, licenses, permits etc. Every stretch of fresh water has different rules and regulations and will be owned by different people. In addition, freshwater fishing usually means fly fishing – the hardest technique to master, with its own type of rod, line and reel.
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-One reason it's very important to dispose of your fishing equipment safely.+_One reason it's very important to dispose of your fishing equipment safely._
  
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-### Sea fishing+==== Sea fishing ====
  
 We're lucky to live on an island with a large amount of coastline, from rocky outcrops to stretches of sand. This provides us with a wide variety of fishing options. There are various ways you can gain access to the sea; fishing from a boat is more expensive and complicated, but you're likely to be more successful. Fishing from the shore, it’s best to cast from piers and rocks to gain access to deeper water than from a beach. We're lucky to live on an island with a large amount of coastline, from rocky outcrops to stretches of sand. This provides us with a wide variety of fishing options. There are various ways you can gain access to the sea; fishing from a boat is more expensive and complicated, but you're likely to be more successful. Fishing from the shore, it’s best to cast from piers and rocks to gain access to deeper water than from a beach.
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-One of the joys of fishing - spending time by the sea at the quietest times of day.+_One of the joys of fishing - spending time by the sea at the quietest times of day._
  
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 Different environments require different tactics, and will yield a different catch: Different environments require different tactics, and will yield a different catch:
  
-### Rocky outcrops+==== Rocky outcrops ====
  
 The advantage of fishing from rocks is that you can gain access to deeper water than from a gently sloping beach. Rocks also provide excellent habitat for fish to feed and live. It can be tricky to fish in rocky areas, however, as your gear can easily get snagged. The main disadvantage of this location is its numerous dangers – in particular being cut off by the tide, or being swept out to sea by a surging wave. It’s a good idea to have a recommendation from someone as to where you might find a safe place to fish from – and where you might find plentiful fish like a shoal of mackerel. It’s best to take a rod, fixed-spool reel and line for fishing from rocks. The advantage of fishing from rocks is that you can gain access to deeper water than from a gently sloping beach. Rocks also provide excellent habitat for fish to feed and live. It can be tricky to fish in rocky areas, however, as your gear can easily get snagged. The main disadvantage of this location is its numerous dangers – in particular being cut off by the tide, or being swept out to sea by a surging wave. It’s a good idea to have a recommendation from someone as to where you might find a safe place to fish from – and where you might find plentiful fish like a shoal of mackerel. It’s best to take a rod, fixed-spool reel and line for fishing from rocks.
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 <caption> <caption>
-Fishing on a UK beach may require more than just rod and line. You'll probably also want a bit of extra shelter. Pic: [Marks of Mana](https://unsplash.com/photos/H72hXwqTKnQ?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText)+_Fishing on a UK beach may require more than just rod and line. You'll probably also want a bit of extra shelter. Pic: [Marks of Mana](https://unsplash.com/photos/H72hXwqTKnQ?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText)_
  
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-### Beaches+==== Beaches ====
  
 Avoid crowded beaches where swimmers may have already scared away all the fish. Head to a beach at dawn or dusk when the light is low and the fish may be closer to shore. Some fish, such as dogfish and plaice, feed on the smaller creatures that live in the shoreline waters and sand. For beach fishing you'll need a rod, fixed-spool reel and line – and of course some bait. It's best to avoid really rocky beaches, as they can snag your hooks. Avoid crowded beaches where swimmers may have already scared away all the fish. Head to a beach at dawn or dusk when the light is low and the fish may be closer to shore. Some fish, such as dogfish and plaice, feed on the smaller creatures that live in the shoreline waters and sand. For beach fishing you'll need a rod, fixed-spool reel and line – and of course some bait. It's best to avoid really rocky beaches, as they can snag your hooks.
  
-### Piers+==== Piers ====
  
 Piers create a wonderful habitat for fish and the creatures they feed on, with the legs of the structure offering sanctuary from strong currents and tides. You'll have more luck fishing from the side of the pier rather than the end, and which side is determined by the direction of the main current. There are advantages to being in the lee of the current, but by being upstream, the scent of your bait will waft towards the fish feeding around the pier. Piers create a wonderful habitat for fish and the creatures they feed on, with the legs of the structure offering sanctuary from strong currents and tides. You'll have more luck fishing from the side of the pier rather than the end, and which side is determined by the direction of the main current. There are advantages to being in the lee of the current, but by being upstream, the scent of your bait will waft towards the fish feeding around the pier.
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 <caption> <caption>
-Fishing from a pier on a cloudy day - perfect weather to catch fish. Too much sunshine and the fish hide deeper down to avoid being seen or getting too warm.+_Fishing from a pier on a cloudy day - perfect weather to catch fish. Too much sunshine and the fish hide deeper down to avoid being seen or getting too warm._
  
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-### Charter boats+==== Charter boats ====
  
 Most harbours provide opportunities to go out on a charter boat in summer and autumn. They usually have equipment for hire too. The skipper decides where you go, and can offer some tips. It's possible to catch a lot of fish this way, but with hire costs, it may turn out more expensive than buying fish from a shop. The main advantage is that you'll be able to access shoals of fish such as mackerel more easily. Most harbours provide opportunities to go out on a charter boat in summer and autumn. They usually have equipment for hire too. The skipper decides where you go, and can offer some tips. It's possible to catch a lot of fish this way, but with hire costs, it may turn out more expensive than buying fish from a shop. The main advantage is that you'll be able to access shoals of fish such as mackerel more easily.
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-Angling from the side of a boat, over deep waters+_Angling from the side of a boat, over deep waters_
  
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-### Estuaries+==== Estuaries ====
  
 Check for specific rules covering your local estuary. Wading in estuary mud with an incoming tide can be dangerous. Go with someone else, and let others know where you're going too. Wear wellies or waders and pack light! In estuaries, you're more likely to catch dabs or flounders, although other fish may be moving through - like salmon and sea trout. Check for specific rules covering your local estuary. Wading in estuary mud with an incoming tide can be dangerous. Go with someone else, and let others know where you're going too. Wear wellies or waders and pack light! In estuaries, you're more likely to catch dabs or flounders, although other fish may be moving through - like salmon and sea trout.
  
-### Catching a fish+==== Catching a fish ====
  
 It is of course important to know what to do if you catch a fish! You need to be sure you know how (and are willing) to kill and gut fish. If you aren’t going to eat it immediately, make sure you take a cool box with ice blocks to keep your catch fresh. Fish can start to spoil really quickly on a warm day. It is of course important to know what to do if you catch a fish! You need to be sure you know how (and are willing) to kill and gut fish. If you aren’t going to eat it immediately, make sure you take a cool box with ice blocks to keep your catch fresh. Fish can start to spoil really quickly on a warm day.
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-A beginners' guide to the equipment you might need and how to use it.+_A beginners' guide to the equipment you might need and how to use it._
  
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-### Regulations+==== Regulations ====
  
 For sea fishing, there are few rules if you're using a rod and line. You're allowed to fish almost anywhere around the coast, with no close seasons. There are minimum landing sizes and some restrictions on what you catch in some areas, such as sea bass. It's worth checking for the area and time of year you are planning to fish. The legality and ethics of sea fishing with nets is a bit more complicated. We wouldn’t recommend it for UK seas. The main risk is that nets are too indiscriminate in what they catch – anything from seals to illegal fish sizes. In any case, you would need a boat to do it effectively. For sea fishing, there are few rules if you're using a rod and line. You're allowed to fish almost anywhere around the coast, with no close seasons. There are minimum landing sizes and some restrictions on what you catch in some areas, such as sea bass. It's worth checking for the area and time of year you are planning to fish. The legality and ethics of sea fishing with nets is a bit more complicated. We wouldn’t recommend it for UK seas. The main risk is that nets are too indiscriminate in what they catch – anything from seals to illegal fish sizes. In any case, you would need a boat to do it effectively.
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 <caption> <caption>
-Atlantic mackerel: fish are the most commonly eaten wild food in the UK.+_Atlantic mackerel: fish are the most commonly eaten wild food in the UK._
  
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-### Safety+==== Safety ====
  
 The coastline can be very dangerous – beaches and piers are generally safer than rocks. Take the sea and it’s changeable weather seriously, but don’t let it put you off. Check the weather before you go and particularly avoid disorientating sea mists or storms. It’s very important to be aware of the tide times, and the speed of the incoming tide. It’s generally a good idea to have more than one exit planned, and make sure you're not going to be cut off by the incoming tide. It's possible to be swept off rocks by a surging wave – so be very careful when fishing from a rocky shore. For scrambling on rocks covered in spiky barnacles and slippery seaweed you need some sturdy footwear. The coastline can be very dangerous – beaches and piers are generally safer than rocks. Take the sea and it’s changeable weather seriously, but don’t let it put you off. Check the weather before you go and particularly avoid disorientating sea mists or storms. It’s very important to be aware of the tide times, and the speed of the incoming tide. It’s generally a good idea to have more than one exit planned, and make sure you're not going to be cut off by the incoming tide. It's possible to be swept off rocks by a surging wave – so be very careful when fishing from a rocky shore. For scrambling on rocks covered in spiky barnacles and slippery seaweed you need some sturdy footwear.
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-It's best to avoid busy beaches for fishing - for safety so that you don't accidentally hook someone, and also because most of the fish will have been scared away.    Pic: [Charisse Kenion](https://unsplash.com/photos/za09WisBYRQ?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText)+_It's best to avoid busy beaches for fishing - for safety so that you don't accidentally hook someone, and also because most of the fish will have been scared away.    Pic: [Charisse Kenion](https://unsplash.com/photos/za09WisBYRQ?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText)_
  
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-### Gear+==== Gear ====
  
 It won't cost too much to get you started – all you really need is a good rod and reel. The tackle industry is massive so be careful not to get lured into buying more than you need. It makes sense as a beginner to limit your scope to just a couple of types of fish (those easiest to catch) – and therefore less gear. It won't cost too much to get you started – all you really need is a good rod and reel. The tackle industry is massive so be careful not to get lured into buying more than you need. It makes sense as a beginner to limit your scope to just a couple of types of fish (those easiest to catch) – and therefore less gear.
  
-### Mackerel fishing - a good place to start+==== Mackerel fishing - a good place to start ====
  
 Fishing for mackerel is generally most cost-effective in terms of time and investment for yield. At the right time of year, you can fill your freezer with highly nutritious food. Mackerel are plentiful and bite easily. You're likely to find them in UK waters between May and October. However, nothing is guaranteed. Its all about being in the right place at the right time. Mackerel swim in shoals, so if you hit a shoal - great! Fishing for mackerel is generally most cost-effective in terms of time and investment for yield. At the right time of year, you can fill your freezer with highly nutritious food. Mackerel are plentiful and bite easily. You're likely to find them in UK waters between May and October. However, nothing is guaranteed. Its all about being in the right place at the right time. Mackerel swim in shoals, so if you hit a shoal - great!
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-It's important to know how to gut a fish. Do it straight away to stop fish from spoiling.+_It's important to know how to gut a fish. Do it straight away to stop fish from spoiling._
  
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-A great introduction to mackererl fishing from rocks+_A great introduction to mackererl fishing from rocks_
  
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-### When to go+==== When to go ====
  
 Good kit is one thing – but it’s almost more important to carefully choose where to go and when. Learn about tides, weather, season and times, and how they affect fish. Because some fish are migratory, check which season they'll be inshore. You also want to avoid spawning time. Late summer the fish are at their prime having spent the warm months feeding well. You also need to pay attention to legal ‘seasons’ - when you can catch certain fish. Good kit is one thing – but it’s almost more important to carefully choose where to go and when. Learn about tides, weather, season and times, and how they affect fish. Because some fish are migratory, check which season they'll be inshore. You also want to avoid spawning time. Late summer the fish are at their prime having spent the warm months feeding well. You also need to pay attention to legal ‘seasons’ - when you can catch certain fish.
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-You shouldn't need too much fishing gear to get you started - a good rod and reel can often be picked up second-hand. Pic: [Evan Wise](https://unsplash.com/photos/Gl1jwLrvl8A?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText)+_You shouldn't need too much fishing gear to get you started - a good rod and reel can often be picked up second-hand. Pic: [Evan Wise](https://unsplash.com/photos/Gl1jwLrvl8A?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText)_
  
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-## Further resources+===== Forum =====
  
 +This topic belongs to the section [[gt:bushcraft|Bushcraft & Nature]]. You can ask questions or add information on the corresponding [Forum section](https://forum.growingthecommons.org/t/bushcraft).
  
 +===== Further resources =====
  
-## Specialist(s)+- [British Sea Fishing](https://britishseafishing.co.uk/) - lots of information 
 +- [World Sea Fishing](https://www.worldseafishing.com/forums/) - forum 
 +- [Planet Seafishing](https://planetseafishing.com/) 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 +===== Related topics ===== 
 + 
 +- [Bushcraft](bush:bushcraft) 
 +- [Canoes & kayaks](cano:canoes) 
 +- [Coastal foraging](coas:coastal_foraging) 
 +- [Commoning](comg:commoning) 
 +- [Coracles & currachs](cora:coracles) 
 +- [Crayfish](cray:crayfish) 
 +- [Food smoking](fosm:food_smoking) 
 +- [Game / wild meat](game:game) 
 +- [Ponds](pond:ponds) 
 +- [Sail boats](sail:sail_boats) 
 +- [Low-impact seafood](seaf:seafood) 
 +- [Wild food](wild:wild_food) 
 + 
 +===== Specialist curators of this topic =====
  
  • fish/fishing.1764929572.txt.gz
  • Last modified: 2025/12/05 10:12
  • by 127.0.0.1