Coarse Fishing Tackle for Beginners: What You Actually Need

Introduction

Coarse fishing is one of the most popular forms of angling in the UK, and it's a brilliant way to get into fishing. Rivers, canals, lakes, and reservoirs are all within reach, and you don't need a huge amount of gear to get started. This guide covers the essential coarse fishing tackle every beginner needs — without the confusion or the unnecessary expense.

What is Coarse Fishing?

Coarse fishing refers to fishing for freshwater species other than game fish (salmon and trout). Common coarse fish in the UK include roach, bream, tench, perch, chub, barbel, and of course carp. Most coarse fishing is done using float or feeder tactics, making it accessible and enjoyable for all ages.

Essential Coarse Fishing Tackle for Beginners

1. Rod

For beginners, a match rod or float rod of 11–13ft is the most versatile starting point. These rods are light, sensitive, and suitable for a wide range of coarse fishing situations.

• Float rod (12–13ft) – Ideal for river and canal fishing with a float
• Feeder rod (10–11ft) – Better suited to still waters and rivers where you want to fish on the bottom with a feeder
• Waggler rod (12–13ft) – Designed for fishing a waggler float on still waters

A good all-round beginner rod will handle most situations. Don't be tempted to buy the most expensive option — a mid-range rod will serve you well while you're learning.

2. Reel

A fixed spool reel in the 3000–4000 size range is perfect for coarse fishing. Look for:

• A smooth, reliable drag system
• A front drag (easier to adjust while playing fish)
• A spare spool (useful for carrying different line strengths)

Load your reel with 4–6lb monofilament line for general coarse fishing. Lighter line (3–4lb) for shy-biting fish on clear water, heavier (6–8lb) for fishing near snags or for larger species like barbel.

3. Floats

Floats are the heart of coarse fishing and there are many types, but as a beginner you only need a few:

• Waggler floats – Attached at the bottom only; ideal for still waters and slow rivers
• Stick floats – Attached top and bottom; perfect for trotting down rivers
• Pole floats – If you progress to pole fishing

Start with a selection of wagglers in different sizes (2–4AAA) and a few stick floats. Browse our float range to find the right options for your fishing.

4. Hooks

Coarse fishing hooks are typically small — sizes 10 to 18 are most commonly used. As a beginner, a selection of size 12–16 hooks will cover most situations. Choose:

• Spade end hooks – Traditional and reliable; require a hook tyer or practice to tie
• Eyed hooks – Easier to tie for beginners
• Barbless hooks – Required on many fisheries and easier to unhook fish safely

5. Shot and Weights

Split shot is used to cock your float and get your bait down to the right depth. A mixed shot dispenser with sizes from SSG down to No.8 will cover all your needs. You'll also want a few leger weights and feeders if you plan to fish on the bottom.

6. Bait

Coarse fish respond to a wide variety of baits. As a beginner, start with these reliable options:

• Maggots – The most versatile coarse fishing bait; works for almost every species
• Casters – The chrysalis stage of a maggot; brilliant for roach and bream
• Sweetcorn – Cheap, effective, and great for tench, bream, and carp
• Bread – Flake on the hook for roach and chub; punch bread for smaller fish
• Pellets – Excellent for commercial fisheries targeting carp and F1s
• Worms – Dendrobaena worms are deadly for perch, tench, and bream

Browse our bait range to stock up before your session.

7. Other Essential Accessories

• Landing net – Essential for landing larger fish safely
• Keepnet – For keeping your catch during matches or longer sessions
• Disgorger – For safely removing hooks from fish
• Plummet – For finding the depth of your swim
• Tackle box or seat box – To keep everything organised on the bank

Where to Go Coarse Fishing

Most coarse fishing in the UK requires a Rod Licence from the Environment Agency (free for under 13s, discounted for 13–16 year olds). You'll also need permission to fish the water — either a day ticket from a fishery or membership of an angling club.

Commercial fisheries are ideal for beginners as they're well-stocked, have good facilities, and the fish are used to being caught and handled.

Shop Coarse Fishing Tackle at Reelfishing

Ready to get started? Browse our full range of coarse fishing tackle, including floats, end tackle, and bait at Reelfishing. We stock everything you need to get on the bank and catching fish.