The Definitive Guide To Coarse Fishing

Coarse fishing is fishing for any freshwater fish other than trout and salmon — carp, bream, roach, perch, chub, tench and dozens of other species. It’s the UK’s most popular form of angling, can be enjoyed year-round on lakes, canals and slow rivers, and starter gear costs under £100.

This guide covers the three kinds of UK fishing (so you know where coarse fits), the main species you’ll target, the gear you’ll need, and how to keep fishing through every season. Whether you’re picking up a rod for the first time or returning after years away, the basics are here.

The 3 types of UK fishing

There are three kinds of fishing in the UK:

• Coarse fishing — every freshwater species except trout and salmon. The focus of this guide.
• Game fishing — trout and salmon only. Typically in rivers and lochs.
• Sea fishing — saltwater species off the coast.

Coarse fishing is the most accessible of the three. Most UK villages and towns have a fishery or tackle shop within a short drive, and the entry cost is the lowest. Local tackle shop owners are typically happy to point a beginner in the right direction.

The main UK coarse fish species

These are the species you’re most likely to catch in UK still and slow-moving waters:

• Carp — the UK’s most-targeted coarse fish. Common in still waters; specimen carp can exceed 50 lb.
• Bream — bronze-coloured fish that form shoals in lakes and slow rivers.
• Tench — a hard-fighting fish with olive-green flanks. Most active in summer.
• Roach — small, silvery and very widespread. Often a beginner’s first catch.
• Rudd — similar to roach but with bright red fins. Prefers still water.
• Perch — striped predator. Takes a worm or small lure readily.
• Chub — a chunky fish with a large mouth. Lives in rivers.
• Barbel — torpedo-shaped, river-dwelling, hard-fighting.
• Dace — small and quick. River species.
• Gudgeon — small bottom-feeder. A common catch in canals.
• Eel — long-bodied freshwater species. Less common than they used to be.
• Catfish — large, bottom-dwelling. Found in certain stillwater venues.
• Grayling — silvery, sail-finned. Technically grouped with game fish in some regions.
• Ruffe — small spiny perch relative. Found in canals and slow rivers.

Coarse fishing gear: what to buy first

Starter kit (under £100):

• Rod and reel — a basic 12-13 ft float rod with a balanced reel is the cornerstone.
• Line — 8-10 lb breaking strain for most coarse work.
• Floats — loaded waggler floats are the most versatile. Start with three sizes.
• Hooks — size 10-14, barbless. Pre-tied to hook lengths makes life easier for beginners.
• Disgorger — small plastic tool to remove hooks safely.
• Landing net — a basic 18-inch net for safely lifting fish to the bank.
• Unhooking mat — protects the fish’s scales while you remove the hook. Essential for catch and release.

Useful additions (under £50):

• Split shot weights — for fine-tuning the float depth.
• Plummet — a small weight that attaches to the hook to gauge water depth.
• Bait box — for maggots, sweetcorn or worms.
• Scales — to weigh your catch. Important for match angling.
• Folding chair or bag-seat.

Coarse fishing through the seasons

Spring (March-May)

Water warms up and fish become more active. Tench and bream feed hard after winter. Good time to target stillwater specimens. Layers and a waterproof jacket cover the temperature swings — pack a wax jacket and wool jumper.

Summer (June-August)

Peak coarse fishing season. All species are active, especially carp, tench and chub. Early mornings and late evenings outproduce midday. Pack a brimmed hat for sun protection.

Autumn (September-November)

Predators come on. Perch and pike are at their most aggressive — autumn is the best time for lure fishing. Layers matter: a Walker & Hawkes wax jacket over a wool-blend jumper handles the temperature drops.

Winter (December-February)

Coarse fishing doesn’t stop in winter — it just slows down. Roach, chub and grayling remain catchable. Add some layers such as knitwear and socks to keep you warm and dry. Bring a flask of tea.

Frequently asked questions