fishing virgin, handle with care!!

[adren]

Hello everyone!

Where do I start? I am a complete and utter novice to fishing.
Odd work patterns give me days off during the week when none of my family are about.
I decided to look for a hobby to fill these days off, and decided that I would like to give fishing a go.
I purchased a starter package from argos (please dont slate me too much but figured if I get bitten by the bug I could move on to more specialist gear)

I have a 12ft rod, reel, hooks floats etc, what I would like to know is where to put the float in comparison to the hook? do I need weights and shot, or one or the other.

Would I be better off trying to find a pal who fishes, or could anyone recommend any books or dvds that will help me from scratch?

Sorry to bore you all with the most basic of questions but I really am keen to give this a go, many thanks all for reading.

 

[Peter Jacobs]

Welcome to FM.

Typically you need to have the float at the depth of the water you are fishing, and the shot need to be about 2/3rds of that depth, with a couple of 'dropper' shot under that.

If you can find a local friend and fish with him then that is probably the best place to start - whereabouts do you live?

Also, search some of the many fine articles here on FM, especially those by Mark Wintle on Float fishing as they really are excellent.

 

[maver man]

If i was you it would be best if you had a fishing pal and watching some fishing programs would be very beneficial (Channels are 240-242 on sky and occasionally on channel 280).

To determine where you place your float on the main line you will need a plummet weight which you attach via your hook this gives you a guideline of how deep the water is but you will need to lock the float in place first so that it wont slide also you will need weights (shots) to lock the float in place and to set the float correctly i.e. if the float measurement is 2bb you need to place 1bb shots either side of the float.

But like i said if you have a fishing buddy it will be easier for them to show it to you rather than me explaining it.

Hope this helps,
Adam.

 

[Bluenose]

First stop is the local tackle shop tell them your predicament and have a chat about places to go locally. Try and go somewhere you can get a few bites by floatfishing, I think you'll get more enjoyment out of it for your first few outings, don't worry about the size of fish, just go somewhere 'nice' and watch that little red float top dance around and maybe go under a few times.

Check out your local fishing clubs, some will offer coaching sessions.

Have a walk and watch some anglers who know what they are doing

Try and befriend someone who is reasonably experienced whom may allow you to tag along this includes Fishingmagic fish-ins (open to all).

Read what you can either via magazines/papers or best of all the articles and threads on this site.

Ask lots of questions.

 

[adren]

Many thanks Peter, I am also in Gods county! I will phone my pal tomorrow for a couple of starter lessons.

---------- Post added at 09:39 ---------- Previous post was at 09:35 ----------

Cheers for the tips EC ,Everton are my second team!

---------- Post added at 09:41 ---------- Previous post was at 09:39 ----------

Thanks Maver, I will check out those channels.

 

[Stealph Viper]

Hello louie,

Welcome to the Marvels of Fishing Magic.

 

[Steve Spiller]

Welcome to FM Louie.

You may not know it yet, but taking up fishing is probably the best decision you will have ever made.

Good luck, you're gonna love it!

Have a look through some of Mark Wintles articles on here, they are very good for beginners.

Doh! Peter already said that...

 

[Poshpaul (Angling Trust and PaSC)]

Welcome to FM louie,

Excellent advice already given. Never hesitate to ask for help on this forum. The combined wisdom is immense and freely given

Poshers

 

[Rodney Wrestt]

Hello Louie,welcome aboard. you've already found one of the best resources around for your new hoby.

Have a read through some of the articles in the beginner section, these will guide you and help get a picture in your mind as to how your set up should look.

Another couple of pieces of equipment that I'd recommend are a landing net and disgorger set.

 

[slime monster]

Welcome Louie read all you can on here in the help given via the home page to give you a basic guide and come back with questions which will be readily answered

 

[Rickrod]

Hello Louie welcome to fm.

 

[Emmo (Angling Trust)]

Welcome Louie, this place (FM) is the font of knowledege in terms of fishing related information. Enjoy your hobby and dont forget you're supposed to have fun, especially when its cold, wet and the fish are not playing!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Shine]

Would I be better off trying to find a pal who fishes, or could anyone recommend any books or dvds that will help me from scratch?

Welcome to FM louie. Any questions just ask. Someone will point you in the right direction.
Have a good read on this site. Theres a wealth of knowledge on here. Also youtube is great for finding fishy things


[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ML-QeCZl-Q&feature=channel"]YouTube - Fishing How To - Plumbing the Depth[/ame]


[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6WLmWnlUi0"]YouTube - Fishing How To - Float Fishing Trip[/ame]


[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBFDFKt-j94&feature=channel"]YouTube - Fishing How To - Setting up a Basic Rod[/ame]


[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9CCcCh0YnY&feature=channel"]YouTube - Fishing How To - Maggots & Casters[/ame]


Loads of them on there

 

[Lord Paul of Sheffield]

you might try a couple of mag
Improve yout coarse fishing and Total Coarse fishing - these are mostly aimed at those newish to the sport

Best bet is to find a local commercial fishery and ask those fishing if you've got set up ok (you'll come across the few who don't want to talk) but most are more than happy to put to right (in fact you might be hard pushed to get rid of them

Look out for a FM fish in you can attend - don't worry about lack of skill -come along an introduce yourself and explain you'd like to learn - some one will help

 

[adren]

some great videos there, many thanks, certainly helped.
Itching to get out there now.

 

[Graham Marsden]

Welcome Louie. If you haven't already done so, please sign this petition to help fight pollution.

 

[adren]

Done!

Great cause.

 

[Colin North the one and only]

Welcome to FM.

 

[teztench]

Welcome to FM Louie. Tight Lines