Fishing for beginners: the complete guide to your first session

First sessions can feel daunting — but they really needn't. If you've never picked up a rod and you're not sure where to start, this guide is for you. We'll cover the type of fishing to begin with, whether you need a licence, what kit you actually need, what genuinely happens on the day, and how to get going around Newark. Spoiler: you'll be absolutely fine.

What kind of fishing should a beginner start with?

Most people in the UK start with coarse fishing — fishing in freshwater lakes and rivers for species like carp, perch, bream, roach and tench, and carefully returning every fish to the water afterwards. It's gentle, sociable and forgiving, which makes it perfect for learning. There are around 25 species of coarse fish in UK waters, so there's always something that might come along.

As a beginner, a still water — a pond, lake or commercial fishery — is far easier than a flowing river. The fish are usually more plentiful, the conditions are calmer, and there's less to think about while you find your feet.

Do you need a fishing licence in the UK?

If you're fishing for coarse fish, trout or salmon with a rod and line in England, here's how licences work:

• Under 13: no licence needed.
• 13 to 16: you need a junior rod licence, but it's completely free — you just register for it.
• Adults (17+): an annual coarse licence is currently around £36.80 (for up to two rods). If you only want to dip a toe in, a 1-day licence is about £7.30 and an 8-day licence about £14.70.

You can buy one in a couple of minutes on the GOV.UK website. And the good news: for a supervised taster session with us, you don't need to worry about any of this — we sort the practicalities so you can just enjoy it.

What kit do you need to start fishing?

You can spend a fortune on tackle, but you really don't need to. A simple beginner setup is just:

• A rod and reel combo (plenty of affordable starter kits exist).
• Line, hooks, floats and weights — the basics for float fishing.
• Bait — maggots, sweetcorn, bread or pellets will catch plenty of fish.
• A landing net, an unhooking mat and a disgorger (a small tool for removing hooks safely) to look after your catch.

If that already sounds like a lot, don't worry — at our sessions, every bit of it is provided. You won't need to buy a thing to find out whether you love it.

What to wear and bring

• Layers. Bankside weather changes fast, so a warm layer and something waterproof keeps you comfortable whatever the day does.
• Sturdy, waterproof footwear. Banks can be muddy and uneven.
• A drink and a snack, and sun cream or a hat in summer.
• Patience and an open mind — the two most useful things any angler ever brings.

What actually happens at your first session

Here's the bit that calms most nerves — a typical first session, step by step:

• You're welcomed and shown to a "peg" — your spot on the bank.
• You set up with help: rod, line, float, hook and bait, one step at a time.
• You learn to cast — gently, no pressure, and it clicks faster than you'd think.
• You watch the float. When it dips or slides under, that's a bite.
• You strike and land the fish into the net, with a hand on the rod beside you if you want it.
• You handle and return it carefully — we'll show you exactly how to treat the fish with care.

There's no test and no rush. If you spend the morning catching nothing but enjoying the quiet, that's a brilliant session in our book.

Five tips for a great first session

• Slow is the whole point. Fishing rewards patience, not speed. Let yourself settle in — that's where the good stuff happens.
• Ask anything. No question is daft. Our coaches and volunteers love helping first-timers — that's exactly why we're there.
• Keep it calm and quiet. A bit of peace helps you focus, respects other anglers, and keeps the fish from spooking.
• Look after the fish. Wet your hands before handling, use the net and mat, and return fish quickly. Treating them well is the heart of the ethical way we teach.
• Don't chase the biggest fish. Plenty of small bites beats one frustrating wait. Build confidence first.

Common beginner mistakes to avoid

• Buying too much gear too soon. Start simple — or borrow ours — and add to it only once you know what you enjoy.
• Striking too hard. A smooth lift sets the hook far better than a big yank.
• Giving up after a quiet hour. Bites come in waves. Stick with it.
• Forgetting the licence. If you're 13 or over and fishing on your own, sort your (free or low-cost) rod licence first.

How to start fishing around Newark

The easiest way to begin is to come along to one of our community sessions, holiday programmes or family have-a-go days around Newark and the surrounding areas. You'll get proper tuition, all the kit, and a calm, welcoming group to learn with — no experience and no licence required for your first go.

And once it's got under your skin, there's so much more to it. Many people find that what starts as a hobby becomes a real source of calm and wellbeing — and some even come back to volunteer and help the next set of beginners.

Ready to give it a go? See what's on, or drop us a message and we'll find you a spot on the bank.