Coarse Fishing

What is Coarse Fishing?

Coarse fishing is a popular term within the angling community. It refers to the activity of fishing for any type of fish other than those categorized as game fish (i.e., trout and salmon). This kind of fishing is common in rivers and lakes and it's prevalent in particular regions like Europe and the United Kingdom.

The Essence of Coarse Fishing

The primary focus of coarse fishing isn't necessarily on catching the biggest fish. Instead, it’s about the joy of fishing, the variety of the catch, and the surrounding nature. Not only does it offer a peaceful way to spend time outdoors, but it also provides the opportunity to catch a wide variety of fish species. Common species targeted in coarse fishing include carp, bream, perch, and pike.

Coarse Fishing Techniques

Several techniques are unique to coarse fishing. These often involve different methods of baiting and casting. For example, float fishing and ledgering are popular techniques. Float fishing involves the use of a buoyant object (the float) to signify when a fish is biting. Ledgering, on the other hand, is a bottom-fishing technique where the bait rests on the bottom of the water body, signaled by a bite alarm or rod tip movement once the fish bites.

Coarse Fishing Gear

While not as specific as fly-fishing tackle, coarse fishing does require some special gear. The tackle used is dependent on the type of fish you aim to catch. For instance, catching a carp would require heavier gear than catching roach. Moreover, the type of bait used can vary significantly, ranging from live bait like maggots or worms to artificial baits like boilies and pellets.

Coarse Fishing and Camping

The tranquility and meditative nature of coarse fishing make it an ideal camping activity. Spending a day by the water's edge, disconnected from the bustle of life, is a wonderful way to appreciate nature. And with a successful day's catch, you might even be able to cook up a fresh fish dinner by the campfire!