📓 Mike's notebookLearn the basics.
Learn the basics.
Skip the cringe.
Short, no-nonsense guides — from your first cast to proper technique. Mike's still learning too.
🌱 Try a taster session near youCoaches, tackle and bait provided. Let's Fish! and Get Fishing sessions run across the Midlands every year.Find a session 🐟 What's that fish?Spot, find and catch 19 UK coarse fish: baits, sizes, British records and the setup that works.Fish guide 
🆕 Never fished before?
Start here.
Licence, kit, where to go and your first fish — six steps, about 15 minutes.
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Every guide
- Start Fishing: A Complete Beginner's GuideBeginnerNever fished before? This step-by-step guide walks you through everything — from getting your licence to choosing a venue, setting up your rod and catching your first fish.
- Do I Need a Fishing Licence?BeginnerIn England and Wales, most anglers aged 13 and over need a rod licence from the Environment Agency. Learn who needs one, how much it costs and where to get it.
- Float Fishing for BeginnersBeginnerFloat fishing is the classic way to start — visual, exciting and effective. Learn how to set up a float rig, choose the right float and catch fish on your first session.
- Handling Fish SafelyBeginnerProper fish handling is essential for fish welfare and the future of our sport. Learn the right techniques for unhooking, photographing and returning fish.
- Feeder Fishing for BeginnersBeginnerA feeder takes a little parcel of bait out with every cast, right next to your hook. Learn which feeder to use, how to rig it, how to cast to the same spot every time and how to read the quivertip.
- Pole Fishing for BeginnersBeginnerA pole puts your bait in exactly the same spot every time and shows the tiniest bite. Learn the kit, how to set up a pole rig, plumb the depth, feed and land fish, and how to stay safe.