Margin fishing is often called stalking because of the stealth approach anglers will sometimes have to approach when fishing the margins. In this article we will take a look at the different approaches you can take when margin fishing, aswell as tips to help you master stalking for big carp. What is margin fishing? Fishing the margins means that you will be fishing very close to bank, to either side of you or straight out in front,…

There are many different methods anglers use to attract carp to their swim. The most popular and widely used method is the little and often method.  Slowly building up your swim with little and often loose feed allowing the carp to gain feeding confidence. It can be very tempting to start fishing as soon as your arrive. However it would be wise to take your time building up your swim before you start fishing. Starting fishing straight…

Canals are great for new anglers to begin their fishing adventures. The big attraction to canal fishing is the amount of different species in the water, and also relative easiness to catch the smaller fish that are in the canal. You can get started fishing canals using basic fishing tackle and methods and most stretches of canal are accessible for all. In this article we will take a look at the basics of canal fishing which will…

Starting out as a new angler can be very daunting and confusing. It can be hard to know where to start.  Here at Rod and Float we are passionate about helping new anglers get into fishing. Yes it can be very expensive buying all the best gear, but you really do not need to spend thousands on the latest gear.  We have reviewed and tested entry level tackle to ensure our recommendations are suitable for new anglers….

Increase your chances of hitting bites by fishing with a correctly weighted and suitable float. Keep a tight line and use a well balanced shotting pattern with a correctly sized sharp hook. Missing bites is very frustrating. Here will explore why you are missing bites and helo you increase your chances of hooking more fish. There is no easy catch every time trick. Fishing requires patience and learning. Through experimenting and adapting your methods to suit your…

The best supermarket carp baits are luncheon meat, bread, sweetcorn, bread and cheese. Check out our list of over thirty baits available in local supermarkets. Carp bait does not need to be expensive. There are lots of very effective, cheap carp baits available in your supermarket. You probably already have some in your cupboard at home.  I have used many of these baits myself over the years. Some of them have been recommended to me over the…

Float fishing in windy conditions and choppy water can be very frustrating but can also be very fruitful when fished right. Here we take a look at the different options to find the best solution for you.  How to float fish in windy conditions? A long, bright and heavy weighted float and sunken line is the best way to float fish windy and choppy conditions. Now let’s dig a little deeper into why you would want to…

The best baits for carp fishing are meat, maggots, worm, casters, pellets and boilies. However it depends on the conditions and there are lots of variables that can impact a bait’s effectivness. Deciding what bait to use for carp fishing can be very daunting. Tackle shops are awash with a variety of baits with all sorts of additives and attractants and it can be very difficult knowing where to start. We have put together a list of…

The correct way to hook a maggot is: Use a sharp hook. Locate the small lip at the thicker end (head) of the maggot. Hold the maggot in your weaker hand, between your thumb and index finger, exposing the head of the maggot. Gently squeeze the maggot to push the lip outwards. Delicately hook the maggot through the lip. Bait presentation is vital to a successful catch. The whole reason we put bait on a hook is…

There is never a bad time to go fishing! However, knowing the best times to go fishing will give you a better chance of a catching. The best time for fishing in the warmer months is early morning and late evening, whereas, in the colder months, the middle of the day is best. The time of day is not the only thing to consider when working out the best time to go fishing. You need to consider…

Here is everything you need to know about the fishing rod licence in the UK. Before you go anywhere near the water with your new tackle, there is one essential item that you need that trumps everything else. In this article we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about the rod fishing licence. What is a fishing licence? A rod fishing licence allows you to legally fish in the UK. There are different types…

Are you struggling to get any bites? There are probably a few simple reasons why you are not catching any fish and easy solutions to fix them. If you are not getting any bites then you may be using the wrong tactics or bait and your bait presentation may be wrong. You might simply be fishing in the wrong swim or being too loud and scaring off the fish Fishing mistakes are very common, whether you’re a…

Getting into Coarse Fishing can be very intimidating. Searching for fishing online will bring up all sorts of different fishing tackle, techniques and baits for all kinds of fishing and it is difficult to know where to start. In this Coarse Fishing guide, we are going to take an in depth look at coarse fishing and break everything down in simple and understanding terms. We aim to provide practical tips to help you gain a better understanding…