Fishing guides for beginners
Fishing is easy to start and a lifetime to get good at. The basics are a licence where you need one, permission to fish, a few reliable knots and an idea of what is biting at that time of year.
These guides cover the questions most beginners ask first. They link to the official rules where the law is involved, so you can check the detail for yourself before you go.
All fishing guides
1Do I need a fishing licence in the UK?
Who needs a rod fishing licence in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, what it costs, how to buy one and the rules for children.
6 min read
2Easy fishing knots for beginners: 5 to learn
Five easy fishing knots for beginners with clear numbered steps: improved clinch, palomar, uni, surgeon's loop and loop-to-loop, plus how to test them.
6 min read
3What fish can you catch in winter in the UK?
The UK fish that still feed in winter, from pike and roach to cod and whiting, plus cold-water tactics and how to stay safe on short, icy days.
5 min read