Whether you’re brand new to angling or a seasoned fisher looking to sharpen your edge, you’ve come to the right place. This page is packed with practical fishing tips to help you make the most of your time on the water. From baiting basics to tackle tweaks and tactical advice, we’ve pulled together some of the best tried-and-tested tips to boost your success—without overcomplicating things.
1. Know Your Waters
One of the golden rules in fishing is to know the water you’re fishing. Is it a still lake, a fast-flowing river, or a tidal estuary? Different environments call for different tactics, baits, and gear setups. Take a bit of time to observe the conditions. Notice how deep the water is, how clear or murky it appears, and whether there’s any surface activity like jumping fish or moving weed beds. A little recon goes a long way.
2. Match the Hatch
You’ve probably heard this phrase before, and for good reason—it works. “Match the hatch” means choosing bait or lures that resemble what the fish are naturally feeding on. Insects, small fish, worms, or crustaceans all make good patterns to mimic depending on where and when you’re fishing. If you’re not sure, ask around at a local tackle shop or observe what’s crawling or swimming nearby.
3. Pack Light, Think Smart
It’s easy to overpack and end up with half your kit untouched. Bring only what you need for the day: a versatile rod, your chosen rigs, and a few proven baits or lures. The lighter your load, the more mobile you can be—and often, that mobility can help you find fish rather than waiting for them to find you.
4. Check the Weather and Tides
Weather can change everything. Overcast days are often better for fishing, as fish feel more confident venturing into the shallows when the light is low. Wind direction, water temperature, and air pressure can also have an effect. If you’re fishing tidal waters, knowing the tide times is critical—many species feed actively around the rising and falling tides.
5. Learn to Read the Water
Reading the water is as much an art as a science. Look for signs like ripples, eddies, overhanging trees, and submerged structures. These features often hold fish because they provide shelter and feeding opportunities. In rivers, target areas just behind rocks or at the inside bends where currents slow. In lakes, aim near drop-offs, weed beds, or shaded areas during hot days.
6. Keep It Quiet
Fish are far more sensitive than we often realise. Heavy footsteps, loud talking, or the sound of tackle clunking around can send them fleeing. Try to keep your approach as stealthy as possible. On calm days especially, keep movement minimal and cast gently to avoid spooking your target.
7. Use Fresh, Quality Bait
Whether you’re fishing with live worms, frozen mackerel, or boilies, make sure your bait is fresh and well-presented. Stale bait won’t attract much attention, and poorly hooked bait won’t stay on long enough to do its job. Always take a moment to check your hook presentation—it’s a small detail that can make a big difference.
8. Sharpen Your Hooks
Even the best bait won’t help if your hook is dull. Make it a habit to check your hooks regularly. If they’re even slightly blunt, give them a touch-up with a hook file or simply swap them out. A sharp hook means better hook-ups and fewer missed strikes.
9. Stay Patient, Stay Observant
Fishing teaches patience like nothing else. But don’t confuse patience with passivity. Pay attention. If you haven’t had a bite in a while, consider changing your approach—try a different bait, cast to a new area, or adjust your depth. Often, a small change can spark a big result.
10. Respect the Environment
It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: always leave your fishing spot better than you found it. Take all litter with you, avoid disturbing wildlife, and handle fish with care if you’re practising catch-and-release. A little respect ensures these waters stay thriving for future anglers.