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Choosing Tackle for Coarse & Match Fishing
Coarse and match fishing covers a wide range of methods, species and venues, so choosing the right tackle depends largely on how and where you intend to fish. A setup for method feeder fishing on a commercial fishery can look very different from one used for float fishing on a river or pole fishing on a canal.
Feeder fishing uses a weighted feeder to introduce bait close to the hookbait, with bites typically detected through the rod tip. When choosing a feeder rod, consider the casting distance, feeder weight and size of fish you're targeting. Your reel, line and choice of feeder should then complement the rod and the type of venue you're fishing.
Float fishing uses a visible float to indicate bites and control the depth and presentation of the bait. Different float and waggler rods suit different approaches, while floats, line, shot and hooks can be adjusted according to the venue, conditions and target species.
Pole fishing allows a rig to be positioned accurately without conventional casting. Poles and whips are particularly useful for controlled presentations at set distances, with floats, rigs and other terminal tackle selected to suit the species and conditions. Pre-tied pole rigs can also provide a convenient ready-made option.
Bait plays an equally important role. Groundbait, pellets and hookbaits can be used in different ways to attract fish and create an effective presentation. The right approach will depend on the venue, species and fishing method rather than there being one baiting strategy that works everywhere.
Your supporting equipment should also suit the way you fish. Coarse reels should balance with the rod and provide appropriate line capacity for the intended method, while rod rests and banksticks can help position feeder and specialist setups. Landing nets, keepnets, unhooking equipment and tackle storage can then complete the setup according to the venue and equipment you need.
Coarse & Match Fishing FAQs
What tackle do I need for coarse fishing?
The tackle you need will depend on how and where you're fishing, but a typical coarse fishing setup starts with a suitable rod and reel, fishing line, hooks or pre-tied rigs, and bait. Depending on the method, you'll also need floats and shot for float fishing, feeders for feeder fishing, or a pole or whip with suitable rigs for pole fishing. Other useful equipment includes a landing net, unhooking mat, disgorger or forceps, rod rests, bait containers and tackle storage. If you're fishing a venue where keepnets are permitted and required for your style of fishing, you may also need a suitable keepnet. Always check the fishery's rules before choosing your setup, as tackle and bait requirements can vary between venues.
How do I choose a coarse fishing rod?
Start with the method you intend to use. Feeder rods are designed for fishing with feeders and typically feature sensitive tips for bite detection, while float and waggler rods are designed for fishing with floats. Rod length, casting weight and action should then be considered alongside the venue, casting distance and size of fish you're likely to encounter. Matching these characteristics to your intended use is more important than simply choosing a rod labelled for coarse fishing.
Can I use the same tackle for feeder and float fishing?
Some equipment can cross over between feeder and float fishing, including certain reels, lines, landing nets and accessories. The rods and terminal tackle are generally more method-specific, however. Feeder rods are designed to cast feeders and detect bites through the tip, whereas float rods are designed around presenting and controlling a float. Anglers who regularly use both methods will therefore often have separate rod setups while sharing some of their supporting equipment.
How should I choose tackle for different coarse fishing venues?
Consider the depth, flow, casting distance, target species and size of fish you're likely to encounter. A commercial fishery may call for a different setup from a flowing river, canal or larger natural stillwater. Rod length and power, line strength, float or feeder choice and terminal tackle can all be adjusted to suit the conditions. Venue rules should also be checked before fishing, as they may restrict certain tackle, rigs or baits.
What bait should I use for coarse and match fishing?
Bait choice depends on the species, venue, conditions and method you're using. Groundbait and pellets can be used to attract and hold fish in an area, while the hookbait provides the actual presentation on the rig. Different species and venues can respond to different feeding approaches, so there isn't one bait that's best for every situation. Venue rules should also be considered, particularly where certain baits or quantities are restricted.
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