A guide to what tackle you might find useful when fishing in Wales
coarse fishing
So what tackle will you be taking on holiday to come to grips with Welsh coarse fish? Probably a lot more than you’ll need, for a bet! It’s a matter of expedience rather than judgement and deciding what to leave behind. Are large items like your trolley, seat, bivvy or brolly really necessary? A favourite rod is obviously essential, as is a spare with reels to suit with good quality line and trusted end-tackle. Welsh fish grow as big as anywhere else and you won’t like it much if a potential record heads out for the horizon trailing your float and most of your line. Bait is easily purchased, often at the fisheries themselves, so there’s no real need to bring loads with you unless you can’t do without your own special deadly recipe. A large landing net is essential, however, and if you’re after carp, a good unhooking mat.
Wet weather gear? Well, that depends on how lucky you feel, but you’ll probably have your umbrella, anyway. Don’t bother with a keep-net unless you intend competing in a local match. No true angler keeps large fish in a keep-net unless he’s going to weigh them in. One thing you should never forget, though, is your Rod Licence or you’ll have to buy another before you go fishing. Keep non- essentials to an absolute minimum, travel as light as possible and you’ll be able to fully enjoy all the quality coarse fishing that Wales has to offer.