Top Tips for Wild Fishing
In a world so relentlessly fast-paced, there’s nothing more enjoyable than taking the time out to practice a relaxing hobby in nature. Wild fishing is an immensely popular outdoor activity that is fun, easy, and accessible to anyone. Catching wild fish in their natural habitats poses a number of benefits: a more diverse selection, with your catch far more likely to be higher in nutritional content, lower in fat, and fresher than farm-raised fish.
If you’re interested in embarking on your own wild fishing trip, take a look at the top tips for making the most out of the activity below:
1. Consider your location
If you’re new to wild fishing, or fishing in general, make sure the location you choose complies with UK fishing laws. Generally, if you’re fishing in the wild, you shouldn’t come across a privately-owned water source, but always double check to be sure. You never know whether its owners might have their own rules about where you can and can’t fish, the size of the fish you can keep, and the seasons you’re allowed to fish.
2. Don’t be afraid to wade in
As in the majority of fishing situations, often your best catch isn’t going to be milling around the edges of your chosen lake or river, but the very middle. Get yourself a good pair of wellington boots and don’t be afraid to step off-bank – just make sure you take the weather into account, and you have a good awareness of water depth before jumping straight in.
3. Pack light
It’s in the name: wild fishing of any nature usually involves some walking through the wild. Part of the excitement of wild fishing is sourcing out your perfect location, whether that be a fast-flowing river on a mountainside, or a picturesque lake in the middle of a forest. You need to be prepared for the travel, and investing in a backpacking fishing pole and other lightweight gear is essential if you want to keep up.
4. Don’t forget your backpacking essentials
Wild fishing goes beyond driving to your local reservoir with a boot full of fishing gear. It can take hours, or even days, depending on how much of a trip you choose to make of it. Keep in mind how long you’re planning to stay out in nature for, and prepare wisely. Don’t forget efficient cookware, nutritional snacks, thermals and waterproofs, and a good pair of hiking boots.
5. Prepare for the weather
You never know what conditions nature may throw at you, and even if you plan for a sunny day, the weather can unexpectedly turn at any point. Make sure you’re aware of the additional considerations you need to make if you’re heading off into the wilderness in the colder winter months. It’s still okay to do so, but you need to be thermally prepared with plenty of additional layers, and a just-in-case spare change of clothes. That will, of course, weigh you down, so it’s worth considering the remoteness of your location if the weather is against you.
Follow Us!