Advice for beginners - Coarse fishing

I noticed Hero expressed an interest in fishing, but was after some advice given that he had never partaken in the sport to date.

I'm sure there are many others that are in the same situation, so I thought it'd be a good idea to create a few articles on the various types of fishing, where those in the know can post any hints/tips/suggestions/recommendations for those people.

Let's start with coarse fishing - either on a canal or lake (rivers are a completely different kettle of fish - no pun intended - so are probably deserving of their own thread).

To get the ball rolling, I would suggest that you spend a small amount of time researching local fisheries, though your ideal starting point would be a local canal, in my opinion. Less likely to hook something bigger than your experience allows for, and gives valuable practice with the more important aspects of the sport - setting up being key. Many canals around the UK are thriving with smaller fish such as gudgeon, roach and small perch, and whilst that many not sound too impressive, it is an important learning curve (and these are slightly easier to catch than the specimens you will no doubt target as your ultimate goal in the sport).

In terms of tackle (equipment, for those not in the know) a pole is usually ideal for a canal, though it may be beneficial to fish with a rod and line in the early stages in order to learn the 'bread and butter' fishing method and improve sufficiently in that before varying. Any local fishing tackle shops usually employ fairly knowledgeable anglers, so it is worth popping in for a chat with one of these guys about some starting tackle. No need to go crazy and spend lots of money, that can come later, but just get something cheap but reliable to begin with.

I should also mention that it is worth researching a couple of knots (though ready made 'hook lengths' (a foot or so of line tied to your main line that has the hook attached at the end) can be purchased from any fishing tackle shop. Pretty basic loop knots can be used to attach your main line to your hook length. For canal fishing, you would ideally want 1 1/2 lb breaking strain hook lengths, with your main line being similar, possibly a little stronger. Go for a hook size somewhere around 18 to 20.

Bait: Maggots, sweetcorn.

Only a quick few tips there, but feel free to add some more guys.

If you know someone who Fishes (is that a word?) i suggest you ask them to take you to a canal, pond they know . Dont be affraid to ask questions and watch what they do . One of my biggest problems when i started fishing was being affraid to ask for advice i thought friends would think i should know how to do things , if i had asked i would of got on with things quicker and started to enjoy fishing sooner.

There are some excellent magazines, books out there so read a few , most are full of tips regarding knots and bait presentation , venues and tackle advice.

Dont try to run before you can walk ...in that i meen try to follow Fist's advice and target smaller fish to begin with ( you never know you may get lucky and hook something bigger) but dont think you are going to be catching huge fish straight away .

Dont be put off , you may not catch anything straight away just persevere , some of my most enjoyable days fishing have been ones were i have had to wait for fish to come onto feed .

Patience is another thing. If you're having no bites, stick with it for a bit. If it starts getting stupid then change it up, try casting to an area with different features i.e. near to that overhanging bush. Keep your options open but don't change where you are casting every 20 minutes just because you aren't having any success.

I'd suggest you start by going with someone who knows what they're doing, to an easy pond where you'll get plenty of bites. Get them to teach you the basics and don't be afraid to ask if your not sure about anything.