Top venues to try
THE OAKS LAKES, SESSAY, NORTH YORKSHIRE
All the pools at this prolific and popular fishery are rammed with fish. Alders Lake is home to some quality silvers, and fishing maggot on the short pole will result in a good mixed bag. Visit the on-site tackle shop for advice and bait. Contact: 01845 501321 Postcode: YO7 3BJ
LINDHOLME LAKES, EPWORTH, N LINCS
One of the Britain’s leading fisheries, Lindholme is a muchloved venue that’s ideal for the beginner. Beeches Lake is stuffed with lots of silverfish, as well as some big carp. The friendly staff will put you on the best current tactics.
Contact: 01427 875555 Postcode: DN9 1LF
CHESHIRE OAKS, ELLESMERE PORT, CHESHIRE
The canal-style lakes at Cheshire Oaks are an ideal place for the beginner. Simply fish the short pole on Pool 1 in the margins using either pellet or maggot on the hook. Bait and tackle are available at the fishery.
Contact: 0151 355 9547 Postcode: CH1 6PN
HILTON FISHING LAKES, HILTON, TEESSIDE
Head to the right-hand side of the big lake for plenty of silverfish and carp. If you fancy showing your friend more about carp fishing, try the first lake, where you’ll find a good head of smaller specimens. The staff in the shop will provide useful insider knowledge. Contact: 01642 596606 Postcode: TS15 9LF
IZAAK WALTON FISHERY, CHEBSEY, STAFFORDSHIRE
All the lakes here are great for the beginner. Bring a float rod or short pole, and simply fish maggots at close range, feeding regularly, to catch a wide range of species. You’ll find a cosy tearoom at the fishery too, where you can enjoy
a drink and some food after a great day’s fishing.
Contact: 07932 740121 Postcode: ST21 6JU
COB HOUSE FISHERY, WORCESTER, WORCS
Some staggering match weights are taken from the fantastic Cob House Fishery, so if you fancy showing a beginner the ropes on some hard-fighting carp, give the place a visit! You’ll find an on-site café, toilets, and plenty of lakes to choose from.
Contact: 01886 888517 Postcode: WR6 6YE
KINGSBURY WATER PARK, SUTTON COLDFIELD, WARKS
You’ll find 15 lakes at this sprawling 600-acre country park, giving you a choice of scenic waters to fish. Kingfisher Pool is often used for coaching, has easily-accessible swims, and is filled with silverfish and perch – ideal for the beginner.
Contact: 01827 827660 Postcode: B76 0DY
CATCH A SMILE FISHERY, STONEBENCH, GLOUCESTER
The lake here is designed for both disabled and ablebodied anglers, with great access from all the pegs. It’s a great place to catch that first fish and has a café, toilets and even an animal petting zoo.
Contact: 07745 082670 Postcode: GL2 3NW
EXETER AND DISTRICT AA, DEVON
You can fish a whole host of venues with an Exeter and District day ticket, with stillwater, river, and canal options. The Kia Ora silverfish lake is a great place to start, where you’ll find bream, crucians, perch, roach and tench. Day tickets online and from local tackle shops. Contact: www.exeterangling association.co.uk
Postcode: EX15 1PZ
GET HOOKED ON FISHING, EALING, LONDON
There are multiple ponds here filled with lots of fish specifically designed for people new to angling who want to catch their first fish. There’s great access for visitors, with incredibly helpful staff who are always welcoming to newbies. Contact: 07525 255572
Postcode: UB5 6UR