Whether you’re tying your first knot or experimenting with advanced rigs, this page is here to help you level up your fishing game. Our how-to guides cover a range of skills—from basic techniques to specialised tactics—designed for anglers of all abilities.
Learn the right methods, avoid common mistakes, and get more from every session on the water.
1. Getting Started
New to fishing? Start here with the absolute basics:
- How to Set Up a Rod and Reel
- How to Cast Accurately
- Understanding Float, Feeder, and Ledger Tactics
- How to Choose the Right Line and Hook Size
These guides use simple terms, clear steps, and diagrams (where possible) to get you up and running.
2. Essential Knots Every Angler Should Know
Tying strong, reliable knots is a crucial skill. Master these, and you’re halfway there:
- Improved Clinch Knot – Great for hooks, swivels, and lures
- Palomar Knot – Strong and easy for braid
- Loop Knot – Ideal for giving lures more action
- Blood Knot – For connecting lines together
Each guide walks you through the steps with tips on when and why to use them.
3. Rigging Up: Popular Rigs Explained
Whether you’re float fishing on a canal or going after big carp on a stillwater, the right rig can make all the difference.
- Basic Running Ledger Rig
- Hair Rig for Carp
- Feeder Rig for Stillwaters
- Paternoster Rig for Pike or Sea Fishing
We’ll break down the components and show you how to build each rig from scratch.
4. Baiting Tactics
Getting your bait right is just as important as where you cast it:
- How to Hook Maggots, Worms, and Sweetcorn
- Using Groundbait Effectively
- Fishing with Pellets and Boilies
- How to Make a Simple Baiting Spoon or Catapult Mix
Find out what works best for each species and condition.
5. Seasonal Strategies
Adapt your tactics with the seasons:
- Winter: Downsizing gear, fishing slower, deeper tactics
- Spring: Fish waking up—great time for float and feeder fishing
- Summer: Surface action, warm-water species active
- Autumn: Prime time for predators and big catches
Each season offers something unique—our guides help you make the most of it.
6. Handling Fish Safely
Respect for the fish is part of being a good angler:
- How to Unhook Fish Properly
- Using a Landing Mat
- Tips for Safe Catch and Release
- When to Keep vs. When to Let Go
Good fish care = better fishing for everyone.
7. Intermediate and Advanced Tips
Ready to take things further? Try:
- How to Use a Marker Float for Depth and Features
- Spodding and Spombing Basics
- Fishing Snags and Weedy Waters
- Using Technology: Fish Finders and Bite Alarms
More technical, but explained simply.