The full guide
Read straight through, or use the fishing notes above to keep marks, tides and tackle easier to follow.
Beginners Guide to Buying Fishing Gear ...
TYPES OF FISHING METHODS
To simplify things, we have grouped fishing methods in to the following categories - if you know which method of fishing you are planning to use, please select it.
SPINNING
Spinning is a hands on, active fishing method. A lure or spinner is attached to the line which is then cast out and wound back in to make the lure imitate a swimming fish that your target species will hopefully want to eat!
BOTTOM FISHING
Bottom fishing is where a weight is attached to the line and then bait is put on to the hook. The line is cast out and the hook drops to the bottom. Once you have cast out, it's a waiting game until you see the rod move!
FLOAT FISHING
As with bottom fishing, a weight and baited hook are used. The difference is that a float is also positioned along the line so that you can place the hook in mid water rather than letting it go to the bottom enabling you to target different species.
Useful starter kit
Friendly tackle picks chosen to make the guide easier to put into practice.
Common questions
- What is the easiest fishing method for a complete beginner?
- Spinning is often the gentlest introduction. It needs very little gear, just a rod, reel and a lure, and it's active and engaging, so you're always doing something. Bottom fishing is also wonderfully beginner-friendly if you prefer a relaxed wait, while float fishing offers lovely, visual fishing. The best choice usually comes down to your local mark.
- What is the difference between spinning, bottom and float fishing?
- Spinning is active lure fishing, casting and retrieving to tempt predators like bass and mackerel. Bottom fishing rests a baited rig on the seabed and waits for a bite, catching everything from cod to flatfish. Float fishing suspends a bait in mid-water beneath a float for species like mullet, wrasse and bream. Each suits different marks and moods.
- Should I choose my method or my tackle first?
- Choose your method first, then match the tackle to it. The bait, rigs and ideal marks all change depending on whether you're spinning, bottom fishing or float fishing, so deciding how you want to fish makes buying gear far simpler. Our starter kits are built around each method to take the guesswork out.
- How does my fishing location affect which method I pick?
- Hugely, and it's the smartest place to start. Let the safest available mark guide your method first. A sandy beach lends itself to bottom fishing, deep water off a pier or rock mark suits spinning and float fishing, and a sheltered harbour is ideal for gentle float work. Safe, comfortable access should always come before the method.
- Can I try more than one fishing method?
- Absolutely, and we'd encourage it. Many anglers carry a spinning setup and a bottom or float rig so they can switch with the conditions and tide. Starting with one method to build your confidence is wise, but as you learn, mixing techniques keeps things varied and helps you catch a wider range of fish.
