Can you help with a fishing question?

Question

I want to start fishing but have no friends that are in to it so haven't really got anyone to talk to. I want to start off with the small stuff, my ambition being to end up chartering my own boat to like-minded individuals who'll pay to go deep-sea fishing.

So what do I need to get started in fishing? My budget is about £100 for equipment, if this is any good- is buying second hand an option? What do I need? I will be fishing in the local river (a hotspot) as there isn't really anywhere else where I live.

As my ultimate aim is to get in to sea fishing, is it wise to start on a river- or should I begin by fishing off of the beach? Are they two distinct disciplines with few interchangeable skills?

Thanks for your help!

PS, anyone with experience of charter boats, your advice is more than welcome! Is it a good life?

Answer 1

FISHING HURTS!

(Have you seen Finding Nemo? If so, then you know that fish are friends, not food)

If you want to do something outdoorsy, please let it not involve killing and torture.

PLEASE.

Answer 2

The first thing you will need if you are over the age of 12, is a licence, do not make the mistake of not purchasing one, for the money and the work that is done with that money they are an excellent purchase, and you are caught fishing without one, you can face a criminal record and heafty fine.

£5 for 12 to Adult
£25 for Adults

Buy from the post office, but wait till April the 1st, as the new one starts for the 2007/8 season.

If you intend to sea fish from the outset, then you dont need a licence.

Someone has already mentioned Argos, the stuff is ok, but the kits tend not have a landing net, so make sure you purchase one of those too, theres nothing worse for the fish to be hoinked out to hand, especially if its of a decent size.

Look for a local community project, there are plenty about, they can be a very good way to start out.

or Look for a website in your area, you may find someone to help you out.

Good luck.

Answer 3

There are a lot of good answers here for you to look through and try to decide which one fits you best. The one thing I recommend is that you go and watch some of the locals while they are fishing get an idea about their gear and talk to them about getting onto the sport. I am yet to come across a decent fisherman that will not talk to you about fishing and try to help you get started.

If you go to your local pro shop and do not know anything about what you need you will be a sucker for the guy who gets the commission on the sale. Make sure you have a good idea about what you need to start with before going shopping. Once again this goes back to talking to some of the local fishermen. Make sure you are comfortable with and able to operate the equipment you get or you will not be happy with your fishing experience.

River fishing is different from beach fishing which is different from deep sea fishing which is different from pond and creek fishing. Each type has similarities but all are very different in how you fish the areas.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

Answer 4

I have 2 boats i use 1 for pleasure and the other for fishing.

First and foremost goto nightschool and learn some navigation skills!!!! ok i know we have got gps e.t.c but what if that packs up how will you know what way to head if its dark and you cannot see land.
You should also know bouyage,this are what certain bouys mean

Ask at colledge or somewhere about a day skippers course this will cover all the basics and more,years ago it was about £80 the cousre was a couple of hours a night and went on for a few weeks,do it if you are serious about doing charter fishing,The health and saftey rules for charter boats are very strict and your boat would have to have many saftey features.
Is charter boat fishing a good life,all depends really how much expect to earn really.The weather palys a big part in what you earn aswell if the wind picks up to force say 6 to 8 then most charter boats wont take you out as you would not enjoy it and also can be dangerous.
i think the average charter cost about £200 for the day,this depends on the size of the boat,but the RED DIESEL you use is very cheap but dont know to much about the special insurance you`d need to allow you to take peopl out and charge them.

And another thing is,when i used to book a charter boat i`d get feedback off some anglers who had used this boat before,as you dont want to go out with some muppet who knows nothing!!! so get yourself some experience before you go into charter fishing.


As for the fishing side of things,start off cheap and then progress upto decent gear and then hopefully with time you will gain some experience helping you to catch more fish.

Also if you are going to buy a boat DONT BUY PETROL they drink it make sure the engine is runs on diesel.

good luck

ps try
www.rnli.co.uk or
www.rya.co.uk or .com cannot remember which one it is
both sites will give you some good information

Answer 5

You can start on the river or the sea. The best gear to start with is a 7ft medium action rod and a medium action spinning reel. You can pick a setup like this for fairly cheap. You will however wan't to spend a little extra for good line. I would suggest using 20lb spider wire braided line, not mono. I have caught tons of fish on this setup, in lakes, ponds, rivers and ocean surf fishing. Now you have to make the decision on weather you want to fish with bait or lures. Both are effective if you use them correctly. Talk to your local bait shop and check the local fishing reports to see what the fish are biting on. Fishing is all about patience and being in the great outdoors. You may go days without a bite and you will also run into times when the fish will bite on every cast. But one thing is for sure you will get better with time.

Answer 6

Don't buy those ready made kits from Argos or any other department store, they're useless. Go to a proper shop, I'd recommend Bennets in Sheffield they can put together a decent kit for your requirements.
River fishing is nowhere near anything like deep sea boat fishing. I'd advise that you start with fishing a small pond or lake for coarse fishing and off a pier or in a harbour for sea fishing. As you get more proficient you can step up to different disciplines. You are better off sticking with one thing, as anybody will tell you, you can't learn EVERYTHING about fishing in ten lifetimes, let alone one.

Answer 7

First. Go fishing at home - see if you like it.

Actually, fishing in a pond is quite different from fishing in a river, which is quite different from fishing a beach, which is a whole lot different than fishing from a boat. Try one, then move on to the other.

Second, go on a charter boat out at sea and see if you won't get seasick - and if you like it. Like anything in life, you have to have a passion for it. Then put in the time to go boating and fishing. You gotta have lots of hours to be good at these things. I have been fishing for 30+ years and I am still learning. Have fun.

Answer 8

get a starter kit at argos, start off at the river, get the hang of the rod reel etc casting in & winding in & stuff like that, then go off a pier fishing or a harbour, still use the same gear just different bait get use to catching the small stuff first & see if you like it. you\'ll always meet other anglers & get to know more & make friends at the same time. 100 quid is enough to start off, your local tackle shop will help you alot. I think your a few months maybe year away from running the boat fishing co. yet. experience to come.Good Luck mate!

Answer 9

start with a basic kit from Argos, go on a week end or day trip fishing at sea, if river to start of with, make sure you have a permit
remember sea tackle and river tackle are not the same, suggest start with river or lake first , there is a lot to learn so get a good basic book on how to put it all together

Answer 10

I don't know how to get started but my fiance is a charter captaon and it's a good life except from November to March. Hard work, though. You have to really love fishing.

Answer 11

if you go to your local angling shop they will be happy to help you,they will have all you need to start with. you dont need expensive gear but the rod for sea fishing is not the same as pond fishing due to the size of the fish.