View Full Version : Basic Bushcraft Fishing pt 1
w00dsmoke
17-05-2009, 20:14
Okay so you want to catch fish but don't know how? Read on for a basic introduction and demystification of the art of freshwater fishing.
Tools.
In the UK it is illegal to fish on freshwater without a rod. So you will need a rod and reel.
Any cheap spinning rod will do to start with but a telscopic rod will be easier to transport and look after than a rod that you may have to carry in 2 or so separate sections. The exception to this is a travel rod which may come in as many as 5 or 6 sections and be very small to carry. Expect to pay around £10-20 on a rod. What you are after is a trout rod, so you don't need the heavy weight ones, unless you are of course after salmon or pike.
You will also need a spinning reel. If you intend to fish in the sea, you will need to buy a sea fishing reel which is salt corrosian resistant but these tend to be much bulkier than freshwater reels. A reel can cost as little as £7 but like anything in life you generally get what you pay for. It is worth buying a good quality reel as this is the tool that will be doing the most work and you want it to be tough and reliable.
Putting all that asside if you only intend to do one or two trips a year, a telescopic rod and reel combo out of Liddles for a tenner will get you by (just), or you can buy a combo kit for around £20 in a plastic travel case which will be n aweful lot better.
This is my combo set up.
The rod is just a cheap £10 but the reel is very good quality but expensive :eek:
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h274/badgergrod/fishingpicsmay09015.jpg
The flask is optional :lmao:
Next you will need swivels clips and lures. Swivel clips are just like tiny carabinas that have a rotating clip and eye. One gets tied to the end of your line for the easy attachment and removal of lures and these help prevent your line twisting and getting into fankles. I keep my lures and swivels in a small box that opens out into compartments. That way I can carry the lures without fear of them getting caught in me, my dog or anything else.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h274/badgergrod/fishingpicsmay09018.jpg
Lures come in wide variety of different types and can be expensive. Essentially they can be mimics of natural bait like small fish or they can spin and tumble in the water and act on the aggressive nature of predatory fish. If it's shiny and swims past a hungry fish, the fish may just grab it and they often do. Spinners, spoons and toby's act in this way to some extent. They may be shaped like the end of a tea spoon or a small twisted length of flat metal and they come in a huge variety of colours and weights. Most have an eye on one end to attach to the swivel clip and on the other a treble hook.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h274/badgergrod/fishingpicsmay09016.jpg
Now we can go fishing in some cool places...:)
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h274/badgergrod/may09046.jpg
Or just our local hill Lochs
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h274/badgergrod/fishingpicsmay09013.jpg
Either way where's there's water there's usually fish!
Ask someone to show you how to set up your rod and reel if you haven't worked it out. It's easy. All you do is take the line from the reel and place it on one side or the other of the bail arm ( the metal hoop over the reel), you'll know it's on the right side by reeling in some line, if it reels in then it's on the right side, if it doesn't put it on the other side of the wire clip.
Thread the line through the eyes of your rod and then attach a swivel clip to the end of your line using a fishermans knot. I'm assuming as this isa bushy site that you know your knots:rolleyes: :lmao:
Now choose your lure and clip it on to the line and start casting out your lure and slowly retrieving it. Most people retrieve their lures too quickly so slow down and aim to cover as much water as possible; you need to search out the fish and keep moving while covering as much of the water as possible. Look for fishy areas, where there's weed, where you see fish rising, where small burns run into Lochs etc. Sooner or later you'll get a hit and you can start winding your fish in. Be prepared to catch a lot of small trout and perch as well as other course fish depending on where you are. If there are pike in the water you will need a length of wire on the end of your line called a trace incase you catch one;this prevents the pike from biting through the line. And be prepared to lose spinners, it's inevitable to a degree. Pound shops sell spinners in packets and these work just as well as the mor eexpensive ones in fishing shops, the next picture proves that! :lmao:
In this case a small trout (I put all my small trout back and only keep the bigger ones for food)
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h274/badgergrod/April09005.jpg
Or a perch ( they are edible too)
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h274/badgergrod/fishingpicsmay09002.jpg
More to follow...
Enjoy
WS
Good Stuff!! Keep Posting.
Prawnster
17-05-2009, 20:39
Excellent!
Looking forward to Part 2.
Man of Tanith
17-05-2009, 20:45
Hi Woodsmoke
like the post
correct me if i am wrong but arent perch quite rather boney?
regards
Sam
Very nice and you can make strong and flexible glue from perch skinn.
w00dsmoke
17-05-2009, 20:49
Hi Woodsmoke
like the post
correct me if i am wrong but arent perch quite rather boney?
regards
Sam
Yes but still edible.:)
Man of Tanith
17-05-2009, 20:50
must make a confession now i am not a big fish eater mainly due to bones!
might have to make another effort at some point
regards
Sam
Well done Woodsmoke! About time someone did a good bushy fishing guide like this.
Got just one question for you, in those small tarns, brownies don't grow very big, so if you are putting all the small ones back are you keeping any at all? Suppose it's a question of what's defined as small.
If fish for Sea trout on holidays in Sweden, where the local law says anything under 45cm goes back in. Which I wouldn't call small! Don't end up with many keepers.
Look forward to reading Part 2.
Mesquite
17-05-2009, 20:56
Nice write up WS.... even a real novice like me wouldn't have any problems fishing.
Catching fish is a totally different matter mind you :D
huntersforge
17-05-2009, 20:57
Great thread Woodsmoke it seems we have similar interests :)
Here is a pic of my basic bushcraft fishing kit which more or less is a permanent fixture in my bimble pack due to its compact size and light weight
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh283/huntersforge/P1030509.jpg
Kit in action
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh283/huntersforge/P5160528.jpg
I also have a small 6' telescopic rod with a small reel and carry a small selection of lures and spinners when I know I'll be near a spot that can be fished. Nothing quite like the taste of freshly caught trout cooked over the open fire.
Great write up mate keep it going.
w00dsmoke
17-05-2009, 22:10
Thanks for the comments folks :You_Rock_
I hope this encourages folk to give it a try. Spinning is one of the easiest form of fishing to try and it can be highly successful -see huntersforge for photo's! It's not often I catch non stocked trout as big as that! Wild trout are generally a lot smaller although not always;)
Well done Woodsmoke! About time someone did a good bushy fishing guide like this.
Got just one question for you, in those small tarns, brownies don't grow very big, so if you are putting all the small ones back are you keeping any at all? Suppose it's a question of what's defined as small.
If fish for Sea trout on holidays in Sweden, where the local law says anything under 45cm goes back in. Which I wouldn't call small! Don't end up with many keepers.
Look forward to reading Part 2.
In some of these small lochs i've had 2lb trout on the fly. But yeagh you are right, the smaller waters tend to have small fish but not always. Sometimes I'll fry a few small ones up but generally I'll put them back but only if I'm desperate!
Asa Samuel
17-05-2009, 22:57
Great post that. I've only got one gripe, the flask is actually essential to any good fishing trip :) :p
Good stuff Woodsmoke
I always have my Instant Fisherman with me if I know I'm spending time near water. I don't always catch anything but it's still a nice way to kick back for a few hours.
traderran
18-05-2009, 01:59
A good way to carry a 2 piece rod is a piece of light PVC with cap glued on one end and friction fit on the outer
Welldone WS great post,ive just bought a small telescopic rod and cant wait to try it.
Soloman.
littlebiglane
18-05-2009, 17:54
This is great! Its an area I am really interested in but know nothing about. This is very, very useful. Keep 'em coming please!
LBL
think im gonna take out the rod i bought from the car boot sale!!!
Looking forward to more more more. Haven't fished since I was around 13 or so nearly 25 years ago... my time flies. Only ever fished off the piers in Dunoon. Catching cod, plaice and a crab or two. Managed to forget all my knots and ways of securing weights, lures and hooks.. oh well.. time to learn again.. :D
Globetrotter.uk
18-05-2009, 19:05
I have not tried fishing yet, but fancy a go as long as I get to eat them. I don't want to fish for sport.
Brilliant - thanks for making the effort.
As to Perch, my grandad used to say it was like eating cotton wool with pins in :)
Could some one please define where and when it is legal to fish? Seasons, private waters, rod licences (where do you get them) etc - it's all greek to me!
Mistwalker
18-05-2009, 19:48
Thanks for the post Woodsmoke, great shots. Maybe I should replace my two piece with a telescopic rod so I will carry it more often, although I do keep hooks, line, and weights in my knife kit and have made a pole from a branch and caught several fish that way. I love fresh fish cooked over a fire...maybe you should do a post on shore side cooking ;)
Dont forget that in England you also need a rod licence for fresh water fishing and you also need to be aware of riparian & local by laws in respect of taking fish, as well as the statutory closed season on rivers and some lakes, ponds & canals , there is little free fishing in England, although it can be found, as most waters are privately owned and/or controlled by clubs and the taking of fish without the riparian owners consent is illegal.
Wild Thing
18-05-2009, 20:20
Littlebiglane
Don't know what part of Devon you are in, but if you are anywhere near Torquay and want someone to show you how to set up a kit, give me a shout.
I'll run through setting up a telescopic set and spinners etc with you.
Phill
scrogger
18-05-2009, 20:30
Great thread would be good to see the gutting and the cooking bit aswell, I love fish but have never actually pulled a fish out gutted it and cooked it there and then, have seen people do this on Kielder though im not sure they were allowed to do so!!!:eek: :eek: :eek:
Great thread though, looking forward to part 2.
Andy
Dont forget that in England you also need a rod licence and you also need to be aware of riparian & local by laws in respect of taking fish, as well as the statutory closed season on rivers and some lakes, ponds & canals , there is little free fishing in England, although it can be found, as most waters are privately owned and/or controlled by clubs and the taking of fish without the riparian owners consent is illegal.
So if you're out for a walk or camping somewhere you don't know, how do you find out if you can fish?
And thank you for riparian - not a word I'd ever heard before :)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riparian
Looking forward to more more more. Haven't fished since I was around 13 or so nearly 25 years ago... my time flies. Only ever fished off the piers in Dunoon. Catching cod, plaice and a crab or two. Managed to forget all my knots and ways of securing weights, lures and hooks.. oh well.. time to learn again.. :D
Just a quick fork in the road, Ardentinny is a great place to dig for ragworm. http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/images/icons/icon12.gif
If it's private fishing, AJB, you should see a notice board pinned up somewhere. The main thing is yer fishing rod licence.
Forgot, if yer living in Scotland, yer don't need one.
johnnytheboy
18-05-2009, 21:22
Great post woodsmoke, I do allot of fishing, and enjoyed your post. Would just like to emphasis the use of a wire leader if pike are present, their teeth will cut through nylon very easily.
Looking forward to part 2.
The scary thing is there is every chance the next fish you catch is a whopper.
ladanddad
18-05-2009, 21:26
Ive been fishing all my life and read loads of books that said exactly what you have. Execpt in about 20 times the space or more.
Excellant post looking forward to part 2, where were you when I was starting Id have saved a packet and caught a lot more.
Huntersforge nice set up, what rod is it, casting weight, did it came as a kit or bought seperate.
Scots_Charles_River
18-05-2009, 21:33
must make a confession now i am not a big fish eater mainly due to bones!
might have to make another effort at some point
regards
Sam
Smoke some. Whilst at primary school, in the 80s, we had a visit from an Arbroath Smokie fishmonger. He built a sand pile around the base of an old whisky barrel and smoked some fish in front of us and it was amazing, he peeled the flesh back and the bones were left in his other hand like the skeleton from Tom and Jerry !
Woodsmoke,
Can you still buy the smoker tin, it was about the size of a scaled down to 1;2 shoebox. You just stoked it with picked up kindling which smoked the fillets.
Nick
Been fishing once, used a bamboo garden cane, hooks and sinkers and lince from a BCB survival kit and bread squished onto the hook.
We caught 2 fish, about 5 inches long, in half an hour and took them home. Gutted them (or my friend did) floured them and fried them.
With such success I've never fished again!
w00dsmoke
18-05-2009, 21:37
Thanks again folks I really appreciate it. I'm working on part 2 so hopefully soon. As for cooking what we eat, i'm sure we could all have a go at that one!
:D
Just a quick fork in the road, Ardentinny is a great place to dig for ragworm. http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/images/icons/icon12.gif
If it's private fishing, AJB, you should see a notice board pinned up somewhere. The main thing is yer fishing rod licence.
Forgot, if yer living in Scotland, yer don't need one.
Cheers Opal,
So you need arod licence (where do you get them and how much) and you can fish anywhere except private water that should be signposted (or within private land I assume). Scotland you're ok (except private water).
So can anyone explain the seasons?
Cheers - great thread
Cheers Opal,
So you need arod licence (where do you get them and how much) and you can fish anywhere except private water that should be signposted (or within private land I assume). Scotland you're ok (except private water).
So can anyone explain the seasons?
Cheers - great thread
Rod licences can be picked up at the Post office or directly from the EA via the interweb
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/fishing/31497.aspx
Dont think you will find private waters are all sign posted AJB, unfortunatley it's up to the individual to verify who controls and owns what im afraid, P.I.T.A i know, but as in so many things these days, ignorance is no defence, if you are caught fishing illegally on a water you could, not saying you would, get done for poaching, im constantly kicking people of the river down here for fishing without a club book ie poaching, and i/we have bought repeat offenders before the plod & the EA, if you are caught without an EA licence by the EA bailiffs you can get fined up to £2500.00, the club i work for spends tens of thousands of pounds per year on renting waters and stocking them, some of the trout fisheries, river & lake spend ten times that, so you can appreciate why the fishing rights are so guarded.
The seasons are explained here
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/fishing/37951.aspx
Brilliant Kepis, thank you very much, that's a great site - I think that's all I wanted to know...
Except :)
Is there a season for game fish? If the two seasons don't coincide, what happens if you’re fishing for something you’re allowed to, but catch something you’re not?
I promise I won’t ask anymore stupid questions!
Here you go, info on the seasons for Game fish
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/fishing/31479.aspx
No such thing as a stupid question btw
johnnytheboy
18-05-2009, 22:38
Another good way to cook trout, is wrap the fish in wet newspaper and put it in the oven until the paper is dry, fish will be cooked and when you take the paper off the skin comes wth it, it is dead easy to flake the flesh away from the bones.
Smoke some. Whilst at primary school, in the 80s, we had a visit from an Arbroath Smokie fishmonger. He built a sand pile around the base of an old whisky barrel and smoked some fish in front of us and it was amazing, he peeled the flesh back and the bones were left in his other hand like the skeleton from Tom and Jerry !
Woodsmoke,
Can you still buy the smoker tin, it was about the size of a scaled down to 1;2 shoebox. You just stoked it with picked up kindling which smoked the fillets.
Nick
Smoke some. Whilst at primary school, in the 80s, we had a visit from an Arbroath Smokie fishmonger. He built a sand pile around the base of an old whisky barrel and smoked some fish in front of us and it was amazing, he peeled the flesh back and the bones were left in his other hand like the skeleton from Tom and Jerry !
Woodsmoke,
Can you still buy the smoker tin, it was about the size of a scaled down to 1;2 shoebox. You just stoked it with picked up kindling which smoked the fillets.
Nick
Here you go Nick, is this the smoker you were thinking of?....
http://www.mullarkeys.co.uk/products/1046921web.jpg
It's £33 + del on ebay...130290076198
Here's a link to someone's blog / review on the smoker:
http://www.sites4professionals.co.uk/cms/sites/site197/page.php4?folder=&page=221
I've had this one for years, and use it on my trips to Sweden and Norway to smoke grayling, which are otherwise quite tasteless. As you suggest, rather than buying and carrying the sawdust mix that Abu sell, we use kindling and leaves (more like pines) from Juniper bushes, gives a great flavour.
w00dsmoke
19-05-2009, 09:26
Wow that's expensive for what essentially is a metal tin with a rack in it! :rolleyes: Most folk I know make them up easily enough.
I think the easiest way to cook fish apart from grilling on the embers of a fire is to wrap your prepared (gutted, and stuffed with sorrell...) fish in lots of green grass, then cover the whole fish in mud. Roll it into the embers of a fire and cover in embers, then leave for around 20 mins. What you are doing is essentially creating a steamer; the mud bakes hard sealing in the fish and the grass releases moisture as well as helping bind the mud. Roll out the fish from the embers, and as you break open the mud and pull the grass off, you have a lovley steamed fish where the flesh just falls off the bones and it tastes wonderful. This was taught to me by my father who in turn was shown how to do it by traveling folk in the 30's.
For an alternative taste I often use hot cajun spices sprinkled on the fish and this is especially nice when grilled on embers. After gutting your fish, slash the sides 2 or 3 times and sprinkle and rub on the spices, palce on your grill, and cook until slightly charred for that authentic taste! :D
I can recommend the Shimano Exage AXS.T.C.TE - it is a small as I can get it as I carry it mostly on a bike. 31cm packed down! + Shimano Stradic 2500GTM-RB - it's super smooth and quick to retrieve ratio of 6:1
Wow that's expensive for what essentially is a metal tin with a rack in it! :rolleyes: Most folk I know make them up easily enough.
Agreed, it is quite expensive, but is really well made, comes with a meths burner (which we've all got anyway), and can be used as a small camp oven.
Got mine as a present, so price wasn't an issue! Heavy though so don't carry it far!
Bushwhacker
19-05-2009, 10:55
A lot of fishery owners/fishermen will take a dim view on somebody killing fish to eat, unless it's a trout and byelaws have been adhered to and licence fees and bag limits paid for.
Don't forget that Salmon and Sea Trout require a different licence altogether.
I also know there's a been a lot of uproar from the angling community about immigrants catching and killing carp to eat.
It's quite a topical thing at the moment and I'd advice caution in whatever you choose to do, it could get you prosecuted or, worse still, beaten up by disgruntled anglers.
w00dsmoke
19-05-2009, 11:07
A lot of fishery owners/fishermen will take a dim view on somebody killing fish to eat, unless it's a trout and byelaws have been adhered to and licence fees and bag limits paid for.
Don't forget that Salmon and Sea Trout require a different licence altogether.
I also know there's a been a lot of uproar from the angling community about immigrants catching and killing carp to eat.
It's quite a topical thing at the moment and I'd advice caution in whatever you choose to do, it could get you prosecuted or, worse still, beaten up by disgruntled anglers.
This is an extremely valid point along with what others have said, maybe it's time to open another thread on the legality of fishing and what our responsibilities are as it's different in different parts of the UK. It's even an issue up here in Scotland for example a group of Polish folk were seen recently trawling a Glasgow canal with a gill type net and taking everything caught for food. There are similar stories down south too and among the course fishng fraternity it's normally a taboo to take course fish for the table.
This is an extremely valid point along with what others have said, maybe it's time to open another thread on the legality of fishing and what our responsibilities are as it's different in different parts of the UK. It's even an issue up here in Scotland for example a group of Polish folk were seen recently trawling a Glasgow canal with a gill type net and taking everything caught for food. There are similar stories down south too and among the course fishng fraternity it's normally a taboo to take course fish for the table.
Would agree on that. Lets keep this thread on W00dsmokes hints n tips on fishing, and if anyone wants to take it in a different direction, create a new post? Perhaps W00dsmoke, if you edited your original post to reflect that your talking about Scotland primarily, and will mention legalities later on in further parts? - At least I hope you will, you seem to have a much better grasp than I do for a start.. :D
Great post and info, thanks W00dsmoke :D
Native Nathan
20-05-2009, 12:25
Great post W00dsmoke
Very informative, I have been thinking of putting together a similar set up and trying to catch some fish on my next jaunt up to Jockland....lol (I meant No offence to any of the wonderful Scots on here)
But I never thought it would actually be possible, thanks for helping realise this.
I look forward to Part 2
:You_Rock_
British Red
20-05-2009, 12:34
That really is a stunning post. I would love to read more. As a dyed in the wool country bloke, I ahve never fished - weird huh? But there we are. Always fancied having a go but its one of the many "to do" things. Don't be frightened to dumb it right down either - I have no idea about lines weights, shot, hooks, floats or all the other weird kit - but I look forward to learning!
Red
<snip> Don't be frightened to dumb it right down either - I have no idea about lines weights, shot, hooks, floats or all the other weird kit - but I look forward to learning! <snip>
Red
What Red said, please! Great thread.
Rat
Likewise, fishing is something I would love to know about but really don't have any idea about and to be perfectly honest I feel like an idiot because I don't, surely a bloke should know instictively about manly things like fishing!
I'd be grateful if you could post info starting with how to set up correctly etc when to use a "spinner2 or "float" etc.
Looking forward to part 2!
Tye Possum
20-05-2009, 22:18
You said that you need to use a rod to fish there, does that mean you can't do any hobo fishing? You know, with a pop can as a reel. I tried that once and it worked alright casting wise, though you can't get it as far as you could with a rod, plus I never caught anything so I don't know how strong it would be for pulling in the fish but my guess is not that strong. Anyways, good info and like they said, dumbing it right down couldn't hurt!
wildrover
20-05-2009, 23:34
Love the thread WS
If I'm honest up till this point I've never really seen the attraction in fishing.
I just thought fishermen stood around as midge bait.:yuck: :rolleyes:
I must admit tho' that my interest is piqued.
Good info. and great pics.
I look forward to the next part.
( I might even be persuaded to break out the group buy rod and stuff I got from SOTP)
btw any chance you could post info. or links on the lures, gear etc.
Chris
huntersforge
21-05-2009, 21:19
I have found that when spinning for trout Mepps lures are among the best you can get they are of superb quality and cost about £2 each , they come in a wide range of sizes and colours , but IMHO the smaller ( size 0 or 1 ) in copper colour are the ones to go for , infact I wont use anything else . Also remember to use a swivel roughly 12 - 14 inches from the lure to prevent tangles. :)
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh283/huntersforge/P5210529.jpg
Pantalaimon
21-05-2009, 22:13
Nice topic.
And what about bushcrafty ways to eat them ? ;)
Due to my diet I find it easier to describe myself as a veggie that way I dont get served up with some meal that has been made from an animal that has spent it's short life in misery. I do eat meat if I know where it has come from, wild caught fish or free range meat or game. the fishing rod I have is collapsable and a spinner, reel, lures, hooks and floats, the whole kit was (if I remember correctly) £12 from a garden centre come country store in devon a few years ago, year before last we went on a canal boat holiday, fish was quite a regular on the menu
Colin
w00dsmoke
22-05-2009, 14:29
I have found that when spinning for trout Mepps lures are among the best you can get they are of superb quality and cost about £2 each , they come in a wide range of sizes and colours , but IMHO the smaller ( size 0 or 1 ) in copper colour are the ones to go for , infact I wont use anything else . Also remember to use a swivel roughly 12 - 14 inches from the lure to prevent tangles. :)
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh283/huntersforge/P5210529.jpg
Yep they are very good mepps, personally my favourites are blue fox vibrax spinners and I use them up to a size 3 or 4 and still catch fish on them but I'll use whatever I have at the time. I'm not sure if they way I attach my lure is the "right" way but I attach the swivel clip onto the end of the line and then the lure straight on to that. I've never had a tangle yet and it's a bit more straightforward.
On ebay you can sometimes get good deals on mepps and lures. They can be expensive in fishing shops and you inevitably loose some when fishing but saying that the poundshop spinners are very good too and I've caught plenty wee trout on them ( too my surprise!).
johnnytheboy
22-05-2009, 19:07
I prefer the vibrax over the mepps as they are slightly heavier, and the wee bell in them has to work well, the bucktail ones have been good for pike for me.
Have a look for Abu Droppens, they cast far better than any of the others, which is important if you are trout fishing with light lures.
I've never used spinners for trout only fly but I have had loads of success catching perch with these..
.http://www.harrissportsmail.com/Images/Models/Full/12772.jpg
johnnytheboy
24-05-2009, 20:39
The exciting thing about fishing is you just never know what your gonna catch
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa263/pikeangler/Canoeing/IMG_2812.jpg
Today i have mostly been catching child size mattresses, luckily 50lb braid pulled the thing in or i would have lost my bomber.
Scoffham
31-05-2009, 11:17
Hey All.. Just a quick message to let people know Aldi are selling fishing equipment currently.
http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/offers_week23sunday09.htm?WT.z _src=main
I've just popped in and brought a allrounder rod and reel set for £12.99. I'm wasnt really expecting the best quality, but my telescopic rods never last that long anyway. Must say I was pleasantly surprised, I shall pop down to the lakes today to see if I have any luck!
Scoff
Great thread!
Someone stated that they don´t eat much fish on account of the bones.
That is to bad but easily fixed! There are a lot of neat ways to clean fish into more or less boneless fillets. I could try and bring a camera on my next fishingtrip but its a bit messy to clean fish and take pictures at the same time!:D
There are som good tips on youtube though. Here is one of how to get completely bonefree fillets: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3-GLr9bTXM
Here is another great one on easy cleaning: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3-GLr9bTXM
Just catch a fish and try. You get better at it pretty fast and if you ruin the fish, just boil it into stock and make a nice soup with some cream, white wine and some mussels. There is not much that gives the same good feeling as having eaten a nice fish that you caught, cleaned and and cooked yourself the same day.
spiritwalker
23-06-2009, 22:27
hi first off im new so hello everyone
i read this a few weeks ago with interest and though id offer my two penneth.
Spinning is a good way to start however you are limiting yourself to predatory species
ie pike perch trout freshwater etc and to use the same kit in the sea would need considerable changes ie line breaking strain and casting weight (shore sea lures are much heavier to get the distance)
a small float set up for would be better allround in my opinion first off on freshwater your species list is greatly increased limited only to what bait you use (worms and maggots good staples and easily aquired from under rocks and carrion) and with larger floats you can float fish the coastal rocks too using bait collected from the shore limpets,winkles, bivalves as well a marine worms will get you a meal from the rocks again all freely obtainable.
lastly you can always opt for flyfishing set up which can catch more species than youd imagine you can get 6 piece fly rods and a reel quite cheaply a nice selection of hand tied flies or shop bought and your away (also useable on the coast)
Bushcraft im fairly new to but fishing ive done for 30 years coarse sea and game and i rarely fail to catch
recently ive just bought a wee pen fishing rod with dinky reel you can google them they look wicked but i havent tested it yet folds down to nothing and promises to handle fish up to 7lb or so ill be giving it a blast soon.
if your really into eating fish id recommend the complete angler by issac walton(off the top of my head) it has info on all freshwater species and suggestions on eating them including the wee gudgeon ive ate alot of fish but still havent tried a wrasse due to them tasting poor apparently i must try it some day for myself.
on another note regarding bones if you bake a fish until the eye goes white you can generally life the tail and the two fillets drop off the bone bone free this works well with trout.
erm ive waffled on long enough
Good post woodsmoke. I always carry my fishing kit in my belt pouch.
Le Loup.
http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/9885/fishtackle2.th.jpg (http://img5.imageshack.us/i/fishtackle2.jpg/)
Indoorsout
05-07-2009, 20:13
Thanks for this WS, I'm just getting into fishing and this is a great source of info :)
w00dsmoke
05-07-2009, 21:24
]hi first off im new so hello everyone
i read this a few weeks ago with interest and though id offer my two penneth.
Spinning is a good way to start however you are limiting yourself to predatory species
ie pike perch trout freshwater etc
Which are the most commonly eaten fish in the uk. Generally speaking coarse anglers would go crazy if you were known to be eating carp, roach, or rudd etc...
and to use the same kit in the sea would need considerable changes ie line breaking strain and casting weight (shore sea lures are much heavier to get the distance)
Nobody suggested this kit was for the sea-it was clearly written as fresh water fishing but if needed it would easily be adapted for the sea. I've caught mackies on this set up with no adjustments at all, just a good rinse in fresh water after wards.
a small float set up for would be better allround in my opinion
I disagree, as in the uk you generally eat, trout, salmon, pike and occassionally perch, all predatory fish and easier to catch on the spinner imo but a bait set up will catch more species of fish, but as this is a uk based site I chose to concentrate on UK species for the table.
lastly you can always opt for flyfishing set up which can catch more species than youd imagine you can get 6 piece fly rods and a reel quite cheaply a nice selection of hand tied flies or shop bought and your away (also useable on the coast)
I'm a fly fisher mainly and I agree however fly fishing is a highly skilled form of fishing and I would not consider it as "basic bushcraft fishing".
Bushcraft im fairly new to but fishing ive done for 30 years coarse sea and game and i rarely fail to catch
Well my point is that you don't need that 30 years experience to rarely fail to catch if beginners got to grips with the very basics. The very basics will get them fish in the UK to eat :p and that's the point of the thread.
johnnytheboy
05-07-2009, 22:15
I want to add my two pence worth here, but i think if any serious pike angler sees you killing a pike you could be in serious trouble, they are a very fragile species in terms of handling and population. Be aware that regular killing of pike can affect the population of other species dramatically, for example its one of the reasons there are no trout in Loch Ard.
Trout and perch are smaller and more plentiful in numbers and can sustain harvesting in most waters, I would however serioulsy consider killing of any pike over 5lbs.
I would also be checking your permits as well as many fisherys know all of this and the permit ensures pike are returned.
Hi Woodsmoke, what make is the black plastic box you keep your hooks lures in?
It looks ideal.
Cheers
w00dsmoke
07-07-2009, 18:07
Hi Eskimo
there is no brand name for the lure box but if you go to a tackle store and ask for a "lure box" there should be several available. If you are stuck pm me and I can probably pick one up for you. I think I paid around £3 or £4 for mine.
Thanks W00dsmoke, went to my local supplies shop today and managed to get a lure box. A bit more expensive than yours though :eek: £13 it's by a company called Theseus, probably saw me coming.
Looks pretty solid though.
Do you mind me asking where you got the lures to go in it? Thanks again
Thanks so much for this woodsmoke - this is literally exactly what I've been looking for: I'm an utter dunce when it comes to fishing :rolleyes:, but I'd love to be able to do a little bit!
w00dsmoke
15-07-2009, 17:57
Thanks for the comments folks I'm just glad it helps and encourages you to go out there and have a go. It's so much fun and a lot easier than most fisherfolk would like to make out:D But you will have blank days too lol
:You_Rock_
Eskimo, as for lures, well O'd start off with basic spoons such as aglia mepps or copies of, buy a variety of sizes and I swear by vibrax spoons, expensive but they work for me. But even basic spoons from the pound shop will work too. Just remember that you will lose lures initially until you learn to read the water for weeds and other obsticles. Rememebr and do not wind in too fast and vary the retrieve. Lift your rod up and down occassionally or from side to side and this may just trigger a bite :D
Thanks for the comments folks I'm just glad it helps and encourages you to go out there and have a go. It's so much fun and a lot easier than most fisherfolk would like to make out:D But you will have blank days too lol
:You_Rock_
Eskimo, as for lures, well O'd start off with basic spoons such as aglia mepps or copies of, buy a variety of sizes and I swear by vibrax spoons, expensive but they work for me. But even basic spoons from the pound shop will work too. Just remember that you will lose lures initially until you learn to read the water for weeds and other obsticles. Rememebr and do not wind in too fast and vary the retrieve. Lift your rod up and down occassionally or from side to side and this may just trigger a bite :D
On the subject of the pound shop - I picked up a small lure box for £1 from them over the weekend - a basic plastic divided box but good value!
Cheers,
Broch
Yes thanks Woodsmoke. I think you are right about getting too technical, fishing being easier than some make out. I have never considered myself a fisherman, I only fish for food and only ever use 18th century tackle and have never failed to catch fish to date.
Regards, Le Loup.
Just bumping this one for Tank to read :)
gowersponger
14-01-2011, 17:47
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab267/gowersponger/fire.jpg
this schoolie was caught on a handline she cooked up nice over the fire whilst we was camping on a nice spot in the cliffs not to far from my house. i caught this on a crab bait ,,easily found,, buble floated just 3 foot away from me in a gully . i do like to keep the small ones and put the big breeders back to spawn again.
Quick question about spinners,
When your looking at mepps spoons is the bigger the number the bigger the spoon (or like freshwater hooks the other way round)
Cheers
Home Guard
25-01-2011, 15:31
Brilliant advice, thankyou very much.
uncleboo
13-04-2011, 22:44
In this case a small trout (I put all my small trout back and only keep the bigger ones for food)
I do the exact opposite. I reckon if a wild troot gets to the pound mark then there's a lot of good strong genes to be passed on at breeding.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n8SQlcVzUY
johnnytheboy
16-04-2011, 21:09
Quick question about spinners,
When your looking at mepps spoons is the bigger the number the bigger the spoon (or like freshwater hooks the other way round)
Cheers
yes 00 is the smallest 6 used to be the biggest but there are some huge 9-12 sized pike spinners i seen at the chicago musky show!!
w00dsmoke
16-04-2011, 23:16
Yes thanks Woodsmoke. I think you are right about getting too technical, fishing being easier than some make out. I have never considered myself a fisherman, I only fish for food and only ever use 18th century tackle and have never failed to catch fish to date.
Regards, Le Loup.
You're very welcome man. I'd love to try your set up. Simplicity...in style and practice. Marketeers would like us to think there is a difference in what actually works and what they want us to need... ;-) Enjoy. WS
bushcraftmyway
11-12-2011, 18:27
i agree... fishing can be simple!
as a child, i used to carry (and use! :D ) a very simple kit, very similar to the one used by le loup... i am still using it today (slightly upgraded, but not much). why? because it works.
don't get me wrong, when i "go fishing" i use the whole modern paraphernalia, but for a "just in case" scenario i need only limited gear to catch a meal. you can see my very basic fishing kit here (from 1:00 to 1:50), as a part of the "bushcraft kit" that i used long before i knew what bushcraft was: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE1BWpn3t2A
also, you might find interesting my way of scaling fish (even if it's NOT suited for perch and other small-scaled predators ;) ): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwLUkbSDBTs
For coarse fishing, I like to use poles. Recently found small telescopic poles in Poundland - they fold down to about 12", extending to about 6' - enough reach for fishing ponds and slow-flowing rivers. Using a 1-2ib line, no.20 barbless hooks and light, weighted floats, that rig's been really successful at catching using a bit of flour-paste as bait, and small enough to fit in a pack.
It's a nice way to pass time, and can produce some good campfire meals.
what fish do you catch on that rig ?
and can produce some good campfire meals.
Hope you have the water owners permission to remove the fish from the water?
folks,
I really want a reasonable small travel rod (that wont break the bank), i have several "standard rods" been fishing for a few years now. but I now only get a few hrs spare time I could devote to fishing, and wanted a really small set up that is easy to fit in my 30m bimble pack.... any ideas?
Bushwhacker
05-01-2012, 10:37
folks,
I really want a reasonable small travel rod (that wont break the bank), i have several "standard rods" been fishing for a few years now. but I now only get a few hrs spare time I could devote to fishing, and wanted a really small set up that is easy to fit in my 30m bimble pack.... any ideas?
Telescopic or take-down?
Takedown I think
"Sent from the back of beyond using new fangled technology"
I've taken a few rudd, a perch and chub. All sub 3lb, but enough. it's all about timing the strike with this rig.
i wanted to see how to prep Rudd for eating and came up with this ! :nofeed:
http://www.in.com/videos/watchvideo-kevin-rudd-eating-ear-wax-during-question-time-2921225.html (http://www.in.com/videos/watchvideo-kevin-rudd-eating-ear-wax-during-question-time-2921225.html)
mountainm
05-01-2012, 22:25
Rudd reputedly doesn't make good eating although it is farmed in some parts of europe. In british freshwater stick to minnows, gudgeon, eels, large perch, pike, trout and zander. Tench are also supposed to be worth a try.
A good book to reference is Roger Phillips & Martyn Rix
Freshwater Fish of Britain, Ireland and europe.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/0330286900/ref=redir_mdp_mobile
Rudd reputedly doesn't make good eating although it is farmed in some parts of europe. In british freshwater stick to minnows, gudgeon, eels, large perch, pike, trout and zander. Tench are also supposed to be worth a try.
A good book to reference is Roger Phillips & Martyn Rix
Freshwater Fish of Britain, Ireland and europe.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/0330286900/ref=redir_mdp_mobile
It's all relative - most freshwater fish are bony (as in having many, fine bones). Rudd and roach aren't great eaters, but quite palatable. Carp, perch and pike are delicious, though.
thanks for the info regards dave ps must get me rods out:lmao:
mountainm
07-01-2012, 23:30
It's all relative - most freshwater fish are bony (as in having many, fine bones). Rudd and roach aren't great eaters, but quite palatable. Carp, perch and pike are delicious, though.
Carp sometimes need to be purged (like snails) before eating as your mileage can vary considerably based on their diet and habitat. Never tried them myself, just heard bad things.
Carp sometimes need to be purged (like snails) before eating as your mileage can vary considerably based on their diet and habitat. Never tried them myself, just heard bad things.
True enough. Only eaten carp caught in large bodies of water. Not sure I'd be 100% about one from a murky little pond... The flesh is good, but lots of fine bones for such a (potentially) large fish. Great steamed with garlic, shallots, coriander, ginger and a bit of soy.
True enough. Only eaten carp caught in large bodies of water. Not sure I'd be 100% about one from a murky little pond... The flesh is good, but lots of fine bones for such a (potentially) large fish. Great steamed with garlic, shallots, coriander, ginger and a bit of soy.
You never did say if you had the permisson of the water/land/fishery owner to remove and eat fish from his/her lakes?, without consent of the water/land/fishery owner it's poaching?
pilotlight
09-01-2012, 19:54
some interesting info on fishing here, well done.
In Poland the traditional christmas dish is carp, eaten on Christmas Eve, the main reason Poles were harassed for fishing and taking carp out of lakes. Bit earthy for my liking.
we used to go 'tickling' fish in our youth, my dad taught me, although I was not up to much.
copper_head
09-01-2012, 22:51
This is a great thread, thought I'd share a little on imitation baits, they work very well and are a good addition to your fishing kits. Only work on a float or feeder method though. Anyway here's a perch I caught on imitation red maggot.
8317
Excellent thread w00dsmoke
Jaymzflood
10-01-2012, 10:42
Personally, I would never eat things like carp/rud/tench/catfish or anything that was 'course' in that respect. Fish like that should be caught then released.
Carp to me looks too big and tastless to ever want to eat. Want a proper tasting fish? Go to your river and catch a 1lb brown trout, get him home stick him in a big bowl with lots of butter. Wrap the bowl in clingfilm and put him on for 7 minutes. When hes done, pull the spine off the meat, and thats as tasty as you will ever get :D
Jaymzflood
10-01-2012, 10:43
we used to go 'tickling' fish in our youth, my dad taught me, although I was not up to much.
very very hard to learn ! Respect to the people who can do it :)
The majority of river trout fishermen are catch and release nowadays, with good reason.
Trout season for fly fishing is April through Sept. I may take a couple out of the rivers, during the season, but personally I think you should have at least enough experience to be able to tell the difference between a wildie and stockie, before you begin taking out brownies.
Rainbows in a lake are a different matter.
It's interesting to read your accounts of fishing as they are similar but different to those in the United States. When I started fishing 40+ years ago, my father cut a willow stick for rod. Nothing fancy, no reel, but I caught fish. Now I have all kinds of equipment, but not the thrill as the basics.
Jaymzflood
10-01-2012, 15:45
It tends to be the case in Neath River that the stockies are always bigger. Saying that, I havent done much river fishing for a good 3 or 4 years, Think ill have a little stab at it again come April.
Yep. It's good manners to get permission...
pilotlight
11-01-2012, 13:34
I don't fish as often as I used to, I find in summer the low water levels on northern rivers make most of them almost unfisheable.
The the stocks of wild brownies are low as well and I find fishing the stocked lakes not as exciting as small rivers, where you could be alone all day and see no one bar a few herons, roe deer and maybe an otter at dusk. there's more to fishing than just catching fish.
i fish a lot and there is a lot more than caching fish theres the bait and the rod.
Great read. Iv eaten lots of pike and from my experience if they are over 5/6 lb then I put them back as they seem to be too earthy and just no where near as nice as the smaller fish.
There are lots of small bones in em but well worth it and not too much hassle to separate on the plate or mouth. Never bothered with any other course fish but have seen carp for sale in Aldi or Lidle but couldn't bring myself to buy and try one being an avid carp fisherman.
I learnt to tickle brown's in a small stream where I grew up and as kids we used to cook them up on a camp fire after a hard days fishin. As most were pretty small a good way was to take the top off an empty can, usually a beer can one of us had nicked of our dad's:naughty: place your fish inside and hold over the flames with a stick till done. Can almost taste them now,mmmm.
Another couple of ways we used to catch them was put a net or bucket up stream of a likely looking rock and run a stick up under said rock. This way was good but you had to be fast.
I took my lad and his mate out last summer to teach them but every time they felt a fish under a rock they would scream like little girls and pull there hands out LOL of cause when they stuck there hands back under the fish had long gone, doh. I caught one for them to hold but they still couldn't stop screamin every time the felt a fish and never managed to land one. He ask's all the time to go and try again for em so that's a trip out for us soon as it gets warmer here:cool:
Sorry for waffling on, I love fish and fishing:o
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/6614/038co.jpg
http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/6126/036hoa.jpg
deMaccusweil
06-05-2013, 12:03
Hey buddy, old post I know but any chance of a description on how to successfully tickle?
Hey buddy, old post I know but any chance of a description on how to successfully tickle?
Hi De, I'll try to explain best I can mate.
In a small stream I rock hop and you some time's see the trout dart under a rock or just look for a sutible hiding place for them like the boulder my lad is dangling off in the first pic above.
When you find a likley spot put your hands under,one hand to the far left, one far right and get them as far under as you can. ( The fish will be at the very back so if you can't get that far in you'll never get em) Now slowly move your hands towards the middle. If your lucky and there is one in there, soon as you feel it you have to be fast and kind of gently jam it between your hands and the back of the rock then work your fingers under it till you have a good grip and then slowly bring it out.:cool:
Hope that make's sence, once you have got over the initial shock of a slimy fish touching your hand in a cold dark hole its plain sailing, sort of:D Anyway good luck if you try it, its good fun and take's a bit of skill rock hopping and not getting soaked:)
Hi everyone,
Im suprised so many of you havent fished
I found using a bomb (ledger) for fishing is a nice easy method all you need is a rod reel line a weight and a hook, i live in England mainly fish on rivers you have to remember that there is seasons for river fishing that differ from ponds. I find that i mainly catch grayling and brown trout on maggots and worm. Sometimes bread still works but i need this for my ham sarnies so not too pleased to part with it.
I got my first rod of ebay simlar to this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8ft-Commercial-Coarse-Spinning-Rod-Reel-Combo-Mitchell-rod-omni-rear-drag-reel-/180987251786?pt=UK_SportingGoo ds_Fishing_FishingRods_EH&var=&hash=item2a23ae4c4a#ht_580wt_8 29
Its a good quality one and it won't break the bank, after learning a few knots (alot of you on here are masters of knots anyway) away you go, ive never actually eat any fish ive caught but its good to kill a few hours in a nice spot, and you see some great wildlife while waiting for that bite.
leedsbrew
15-05-2013, 10:55
top thread chaps! I have all the gear from years ago but just need to get a travel rod as mine are all standard kind.
top thread chaps! I have all the gear from years ago but just need to get a travel rod as mine are all standard kind.
i just use a standard rod, and dare i say iy strap it to the outside of my pack
leedsbrew
16-05-2013, 14:32
Good call! I don't use the walking pole holding loop on my pack so it could go on there! nice one! cheers
dump of the stig
16-05-2013, 15:11
Brilliant - thanks for making the effort.
As to Perch, my grandad used to say it was like eating cotton wool with pins in :)
Could some one please define where and when it is legal to fish? Seasons, private waters, rod licences (where do you get them) etc - it's all greek to me!
I think you must be thinking Pike! perch are fantastic eating (its only a sub species of bass) there amazing baked (if you stand them upright
on there belly with the dorsal up, when they are done you just shake the dorsal and 2 slabs of meat fall off, there beautiful,
Where on the other hand Pike is bloody awful, full of tiny bones and tastes of nothing.
Anyway my 2ps worth (its probably already been said but I cant be bothered to read through god knows how many pages just yet)
important one BIG HOOKS JUST CATCH BIG FISH! small hooks catch Big FISH and little fish.
To demonstrait this ive had a 54lb carp on a size 6 hook. and 25lb on a size 14 hook, both very big fish
being caught with something that's relatively tiny. Useful when you concider you can catch a fish of a few ounces on both sized hooks.
Perch are great eating. I've eaten dozens of rud too. If you fillet them and bake them with salt and pepper and flower they taste just like flounder.
top thread chaps! I have all the gear from years ago but just need to get a travel rod as mine are all standard kind.
The Shimano exage travel rods are popular, but expensive. [I broke mine within the first hour of using it on loch lochy...:censored:]
I have just bought a Ron Thompson Tyran telescopic spinning rod 9 feet, 10-40g for under £30.
dump of the stig
17-05-2013, 01:44
ron Thomson gear isn't actualy that bad these days, if its a catch anything anywhere kind of thing your after
look at lures designed for LRF (light rock fishing) tiny rubber lures with small jig heads of just a few grams,
these are twitched over the bottom, literaly anything will have a pop at them from sea bass too roach and carp
and obviously trout and perch. very cheap too.
Thanks. I know what you mean about the Ron Thomson. Technology with rods seems to come on so quick, that a rod made from certain carbon fibre, which would have been the top of the range, and uber expensive, just 10 years ago, is now as cheap as chips!
Ive actually got a load of those small grub lures, and ondex spinners, and other stuff, just havent got around to using most of it. Too busy on the fly! :)
Interesting to know that you can catch sea bass on them though.
dump of the stig
17-05-2013, 14:52
ah your on the fly dave! something ive only recently got into, my trout waters are too expensive so
I just kitted my self out for sea, had a few gar and mackerel on it which is a lot of fun, and a couple of
jack pike last winter, wana see if I can get a carp out on it, bet that's like being hooked up too
a steam train :-)
abominable_scouse_monster
17-05-2013, 18:30
Wait till you get a Big Bass on the fly, the rush kicks Salmon fishings backside for thrills and spills.
dump of the stig
17-05-2013, 20:21
havnt had one on fly gear but ive had a mullet and they say that is comparable, its a great way of fishing isn't it.
feel every lunge and head shake of that fish.