Fishing Glossary
Fishing comes with plenty of terminology that isn't always obvious when you're getting started. Use our A–Z fishing glossary to find straightforward explanations of common tackle, bait, rigs, techniques and angling terms.
Try a different word or clear your search to browse the full glossary.
A
Action
Describes where and how a fishing rod bends when pressure is applied. A fast-action rod bends mainly towards the tip, while a slower-action rod bends progressively further down the blank.
Artificial Bait
A manufactured bait designed to imitate or provide an alternative to natural food, often made from materials such as plastic, rubber or other synthetic materials.
Artificial Lure
An artificial fishing lure designed to imitate prey or use movement, colour, vibration or other characteristics to encourage a fish to attack.
Anti-Tangle Sleeve
A small sleeve fitted to certain rigs to help push the hooklength away from other components and reduce the chance of tangles during casting.
B
Backlead
A weight used to help keep the main line closer to the lake or riverbed between the angler and the rig.
Balanced Bait
A hookbait adjusted so that some of its weight is counteracted by buoyancy. This can make the bait easier for a feeding fish to pick up while still allowing it to sit on or close to the bottom.
Bobbin
A bite indicator that hangs from the fishing line below the rod, commonly used alongside an electronic bite alarm in carp fishing. Movement of the bobbin can help show line movement in either direction.
Bomb
A weight used for ledgering or other bottom-fishing methods. Bombs come in different shapes and weights to suit casting distances, water conditions and presentations.
Bottom Bait
A hookbait designed to sink and sit on the lake or riverbed rather than rise above it like a pop-up.
Breaking Strain
A measurement used to indicate the amount of force a fishing line or other material can withstand before breaking, usually shown in pounds or kilograms. It is one factor to consider when matching line to the species, tackle and conditions being fished.
Bait
Something used to attract fish and encourage them to take the hook. Examples include maggots, worms, pellets, boilies and sweetcorn.
Baiting Needle
A fine tool used to thread baits such as boilies onto a hair or other bait attachment rather than pushing the hook directly through the bait.
Baitrunner / Freespool Reel
A reel with a secondary drag or freespool system that allows a fish to take line with relatively little resistance before the main drag is engaged.
Bankstick
A pointed support pushed into suitable ground and used to hold equipment such as rod rests, buzz bars or bite alarms.
Barbless Hook
A hook without the small backward-facing barb found behind the point of a conventional barbed hook. Many fisheries specify which hook types may be used.
Barrel Swivel
A small rotating connector used to join sections of tackle and help reduce unwanted twisting of the line or rig.
Bedchair
A padded folding fishing bed commonly used by carp anglers during longer or overnight sessions.
Bite Alarm
An electronic device that detects movement of the fishing line and gives an audible, visual or combined indication that a fish may have taken the bait.
Bite Indicator
A general term for something that helps show a bite. Floats, quivertips, bobbins and electronic bite alarms are all forms of bite indication.
Blank
The main structural body of a fishing rod before or beneath its fittings. Anglers also use “blank” informally to mean finishing a fishing session without catching a fish.
Boilie
A firm, usually round bait widely associated with carp fishing. Boilies are available in different sizes, flavours and formulations and can be used as hookbaits or loose feed.
Braid
Fishing line made from multiple woven fibres. Braid has very little stretch compared with monofilament and is used for a range of main-line, leader and rig applications.
Brolly
A fishing shelter based around an umbrella-style frame, commonly used to provide protection from rain, wind and changing weather.
Buzz Bar
A horizontal support fitted to banksticks or a rod pod that allows several bite alarms or rod rests to be mounted alongside one another.
C
Casting Weight
The range of weights a rod is designed to cast. Depending on the type of rod, this may refer to a lure, feeder or other loaded tackle.
Catapult
A handheld tool used to introduce loose bait into a swim at a chosen distance.
Chod Rig
A specialist carp rig using a short, stiff hook section, often with a buoyant hookbait. It is commonly chosen for presentations over soft, silty or uneven bottoms.
Close Season
A period during which fishing for particular species on certain waters is prohibited. Rules vary by water and location, so anglers should always check the current regulations and venue rules before fishing.
Clutch
Another commonly used term for a reel’s drag system. It controls how much resistance is applied before line can be pulled from the spool while playing a fish.
Coarse Fishing
Freshwater angling for species traditionally classed as coarse fish, including carp, roach, bream, tench, barbel and chub.
Controller Float
A float that provides casting weight and bite indication, commonly used when presenting bait at or close to the surface.
Crankbait
A hard artificial lure designed to be retrieved through the water. Many have a lip or bill that makes the lure dive and move with a particular action.
Crimp
A small metal sleeve compressed around suitable line or wire to form a connection. Crimps are commonly used when constructing some predator traces.
D
Deadbait
A dead fish, either whole or in part, used as bait for predatory species such as pike. Fisheries may have specific rules governing the baits that can be used.
Disgorger
A tool designed to help remove a hook from a fish safely and efficiently, particularly when the hook is difficult to reach with your fingers.
Drag
The adjustable mechanism on a reel that allows line to leave the spool under pressure. Correctly setting the drag can help prevent the line or tackle from breaking while playing a fish.
Drop-Off Indicator
A bite indicator designed to release from the line when it moves. Drop-off indicators are used in some predator and carp-fishing setups.
Drop Shotting
A lure-fishing method where the weight is positioned below the hook, allowing a soft lure to be presented and worked above the bottom.
E
End Tackle
A general term for the components fitted towards the working end of a fishing setup, including items such as hooks, swivels, leads and feeders.
Eye / Hook Eye
The loop at the top of a hook through which line or another rig component is attached.
Eye / Rod Guide
One of the rings fitted along a fishing rod through which the fishing line passes.
F
Feathering the Cast
Gently slowing the line as a cast approaches its target, usually with a finger near the spool. This can improve control and help the rig straighten before landing.
Feeder
A device attached to a rig that carries bait into the swim while also providing casting weight. Feeders are available in several designs for different methods.
Feeder Rod
A fishing rod designed for feeder and other bottom-fishing methods, usually fitted with a sensitive quivertip to help indicate bites.
Fishmeal
A protein-rich ingredient made from processed fish and commonly used in fishing baits such as boilies, pellets and groundbaits.
Forceps
Long, narrow gripping tools used to help remove hooks from a fish. Longer forceps are particularly useful in predator fishing, where hooks may need to be reached without putting your fingers close to sharp teeth.
Fixed-Spool Reel
A reel where the spool remains stationary while a bail arm rotates around it to retrieve the line. This reel design is widely used across UK freshwater fishing.
Float
A buoyant component used as a bite indicator and to help present bait at a chosen depth.
Float Fishing
A method of fishing where a float forms part of the rig, helping control the presentation and indicate when a fish takes or moves the bait.
Fluorocarbon
A dense fishing-line material used for applications such as leaders and hooklengths. It has different properties from conventional nylon monofilament, including lower visibility under water in many conditions.
Foul Hooking
Hooking a fish somewhere other than in the mouth area. Rules can apply to the handling and return of foul-hooked fish.
Free Lining
Presenting a bait with little or no additional casting weight attached to the line.
Freespool
A secondary reel system that allows line to leave the spool under light resistance before the reel's main drag is engaged.
G
Groundbait
A mixture introduced into a swim to attract and hold fish. It may contain ingredients such as meals, crushed pellets, particles or other food items.
Guide
One of the rings fitted along a fishing rod that carries and controls the line between the reel and rod tip.
H
Hair Rig
A rig where the bait is mounted on a short extension of material, known as the hair, rather than directly on the hook. It is widely used in carp fishing.
Hookbait
The bait presented with the hook. It may be fitted directly to the hook or mounted separately using a hair or another bait attachment.
Hooklength
The final section of line or rig material connecting the hook to the rest of the setup. Its material, length and strength can be changed to suit the method.
Hooklink
Another term for the section of rig material between the hook and the rest of the rig, particularly common in carp fishing.
Hook Pattern
The overall design and shape of a fishing hook. Different patterns can vary in features such as the gape, shank length, eye and point, making them suited to different baits, rigs and fishing methods.
Hook Size
The numbered sizing system used to describe fishing hooks. For commonly used single hooks, a larger number generally means a smaller hook, so a size 16 is smaller than a size 8. Sizing can vary slightly between manufacturers and hook patterns.
I
Inline Lead
A lead designed so that the fishing line or leader passes through its body rather than the lead hanging from the side of the rig.
Indicator
A device or component used to show movement associated with a bite. The type used depends on the fishing method.
J
Jig
A weighted artificial lure, or lure setup, designed to be worked through the water using controlled movements of the rod and line.
Jig Head
A hook with a weight moulded around its head, commonly paired with a soft-plastic lure.
Jerkbait
A type of artificial lure worked using movements of the rod to create an erratic or darting action. Jerkbaits are commonly used when lure fishing for predatory species such as pike.
K
Keepnet
A long mesh net used to temporarily retain fish in the water during a session, particularly in match and coarse fishing. Rules and venue restrictions can apply.
Keepsack
A water-permeable sack designed to temporarily retain an individual fish in the water. Its use may be restricted by regulations or venue rules.
Knotless Knot
A commonly used way of attaching a hook to a hooklink while forming a hair extending beyond the hook. It is widely used when tying carp rigs.
L
Landing Net
A net used to safely bring a hooked fish out of the water once it has been played close enough to land.
Landing Net Handle
The handle attached to a landing-net head, allowing the angler to reach and safely net a fish from the bank. Handles are available in different lengths and may be telescopic or made from separate sections.
Line Strength
The strength rating of fishing line, commonly expressed as breaking strain in pounds or kilograms. The appropriate strength depends on factors such as the target species, fishing method, tackle and conditions.
Loose Feed
Bait introduced into the swim separately from the hookbait to attract fish and encourage them to feed. Examples include maggots, pellets, particles and sweetcorn.
Lead
A weight used as part of a fishing rig to provide casting weight, sink the tackle or help hold the presentation in position. Restrictions apply to some lead weights, so current fishing rules should be checked.
Lead Clip
A rig component commonly used in carp fishing to attach the lead. Depending on the setup, it can be configured to allow the lead to release under sufficient pressure.
Leader
A section of material fitted between the main line and terminal tackle, chosen for properties such as abrasion resistance, presentation or protection from teeth.
Ledgering / Legering
Fishing with the bait presented on or near the bottom, usually using a weight or feeder rather than a float for the main presentation.
Line Clip
A clip on a reel spool that can be used to help cast repeatedly to a measured distance. It should be used appropriately for the fishing situation.
Line Twist
Unwanted twisting of fishing line, which can contribute to tangles and affect casting or presentation.
Livebait
A live fish used as bait for another fish, most commonly in predator fishing. Regulations and fishery rules can restrict its use and the movement of bait fish.
Lure
An artificial bait designed to encourage a fish to strike through characteristics such as shape, movement, colour, vibration or sound.
Lure Fishing
Fishing with artificial lures that are cast, retrieved or otherwise worked through the water to encourage fish to strike.
M
Main Line
The primary fishing line running from the reel towards the rig, leader or terminal tackle.
Maggot
The larval stage of a fly and one of the most widely used natural baits in coarse and match fishing. Maggots can be used on the hook and introduced as loose feed.
Margin
The area of water close to the bank. Margins can provide cover, natural food and productive areas in which to find fish.
Marker Float
A float used as part of a feature-finding setup to investigate water depth, contours and areas of the lake or riverbed rather than directly catch fish.
Marker Rod
A rod used to investigate a swim, including finding depth, contours and changes in the bottom.
Match Fishing
Competitive angling where anglers fish according to set rules and catches are compared, commonly using the total weight caught during the match.
Method Feeder
A feeder designed to hold groundbait or pellets around its body, allowing the hookbait to be presented close to the feed.
Monofilament / Mono
Single-strand fishing line, commonly made from nylon. It is widely used as main line, hooklength and leader material.
Multiplier Reel
A reel where the spool rotates during casting and retrieval. Multiplier reels are used in some lure, predator, sea and specialist fishing.
N
Natural Bait
Bait derived from natural food sources, such as worms, maggots, sweetcorn or fish.
O
Overdepth
Setting a float rig so the distance between the float and hook is greater than the depth of the water, allowing part of the line or tackle to rest on the bottom.
P
Particles
Small baits such as hemp, maize and other seeds, grains or pulses used to feed and attract fish. Some particle baits require correct preparation before use.
Pellet
A compressed bait available in many sizes and formulations. Pellets are widely used as loose feed, feeder bait and hookbait in coarse and carp fishing.
Plummet
A small weight temporarily attached to the hook or rig to help an angler accurately measure the depth of the water when setting up for float or pole fishing.
Prebaiting
Introducing bait into an area before actually fishing it. The aim is to encourage fish to visit and feed in the area before a hookbait is presented.
Pole
A long, sectional fishing implement used without a conventional reel, allowing a rig to be positioned accurately in the swim.
Pole Fishing
Fishing with a pole rather than a conventional rod-and-reel setup. The rig is controlled directly using the pole and an internal elastic system is commonly used to help play fish.
Pop-Up
A buoyant hookbait designed to rise above the lake or riverbed when used with an appropriate rig.
PVA
Polyvinyl alcohol, a water-soluble material used in fishing to carry bait to the area around the hookbait.
PVA Bag
A water-soluble bag filled with bait and cast with the rig. Once submerged, the PVA dissolves and leaves the bait around the presentation.
PVA Mesh
Water-soluble mesh used to create small parcels or strings of bait that can be attached to a rig before casting.
Q
Quivertip
A fine, sensitive rod tip used to show bites when feeder or ledger fishing. Different quivertips can be used to suit different tackle and conditions.
R
Reel Seat
The fitting on a fishing rod that holds the reel securely against the rod handle.
Rig
The arrangement of hook, line and other terminal tackle used to present a bait or lure to a fish.
Rig Putty
A dense, mouldable material used to add small amounts of weight to a rig, commonly to adjust how a hooklink or hookbait sits in the water.
Rod Action
Describes where a rod bends when it is placed under load. A faster action concentrates more of the bend towards the tip, while a slower or more progressive action bends further down the blank.
Rod Blank
The main structural body of a fishing rod onto which components such as guides, the handle and reel seat are fitted.
Rod Guide
One of the rings fitted along a fishing rod through which the fishing line passes.
Rod Licence
A licence required for certain types of freshwater rod-and-line fishing in England and Wales. A rod licence does not itself give you permission to fish a particular venue, so the fishery or landowner's permission and rules must also be checked.
Rod Pod
A freestanding frame used to support fishing rods, commonly with buzz bars, bite alarms and rear rod rests attached.
Rod Power
An indication of how much force is required to load or bend a rod. Rod power and rod action describe different characteristics and should not be treated as the same thing.
Rod Rest
A support designed to hold a fishing rod when the angler is not holding it.
Rod Tip
The uppermost and usually thinnest section of a fishing rod. Depending on the type of rod, the tip can also play an important role in bite detection and casting.
Running Rig
A rig where a lead, feeder or other component can move along the line rather than being fixed permanently in one position. This can allow line to move through the rig when a fish takes the bait.
S
Shoal
A group of fish swimming or gathering together.
Shot / Split Shot
Small weights attached to fishing line, particularly in float fishing, to help control how the rig sinks and how the float sits in the water. Restrictions apply to certain lead shot sizes.
Sinker
A general term for a fishing weight. In UK freshwater fishing, terms such as lead or weight are often used instead.
Slack Line
Fishing with reduced tension in the main line rather than keeping the line tight between the rod and the rig.
Snag
An obstacle such as submerged branches, roots, rocks, heavy weed or debris around which fishing tackle or a hooked fish can become caught.
Soft Plastic
A flexible artificial lure, often moulded to resemble prey such as small fish, worms or other aquatic creatures.
Softbait / Soft Lure
A flexible artificial lure, usually made from soft plastic or a similar material. Soft lures are available in many shapes and can imitate prey such as small fish, worms and other aquatic creatures.
Specimen Fishing
Angling that focuses on targeting particularly large examples of a species rather than simply catching greater numbers of fish.
Spinner
An artificial lure with a metal blade that rotates around a wire or shaft during retrieval, creating flash and vibration to attract predatory fish.
Spinning
A style of lure fishing that usually involves repeatedly casting and retrieving artificial lures to search the water for predatory fish.
Spinning Reel
A common name for a fixed-spool reel, particularly when it is paired with a lure or spinning rod.
Spod
A bait-delivery device designed to carry loose bait through the air and release it into the water at the chosen fishing area.
Spod Rod
A powerful rod designed for repeatedly casting a loaded spod or similar bait-delivery device.
Spomb
A bait-delivery device designed to open when it hits the water and release its contents. Spomb is a brand name that is also commonly used when referring to this style of baiting device.
Spool
The part of a fishing reel that holds the fishing line.
Stick Float
A float commonly used when fishing running water, designed to be controlled through the swim with the flow.
Strike
A controlled movement of the rod used to set the hook after a bite has been detected.
Surface Fishing
Fishing with bait presented on or immediately below the surface of the water.
Swim
The area of water an angler is fishing. The word can also refer to the individual fishing position or peg on the bank.
Swimfeeder
Another term for a feeder used to introduce bait into the fishing area close to the hookbait.
Swivel
A small rotating connector used to join parts of a rig and help reduce unwanted twisting.
T
Tackle
A collective term for fishing equipment, including rods, reels, line, hooks, rigs and accessories.
Tackle Box
A box or organiser used to store hooks, swivels, weights and other small pieces of fishing tackle.
Tail Rubber
A flexible sleeve used on certain carp lead systems, commonly fitted over a lead clip or similar rig component.
Terminal Tackle
The smaller components at the working end of a fishing setup, including items such as hooks, swivels, clips, leads, floats and feeders.
Test Curve
A traditional measurement commonly used to describe carp rods. It is the amount of weight required to bend the rod until the tip is approximately at a right angle to the butt. It indicates the rod's power but is not the same as a simple casting-weight rating.
Topwater Lure
An artificial lure designed to work on or across the surface of the water.
Trace
A section of material fitted between the main line and the hook or lure. In pike fishing, a suitable bite-resistant trace is used to help prevent the fish's teeth from cutting through the connection.
Treble Hook
A hook with three points joined to a single shank, commonly fitted to many artificial lures and used in some predator-fishing rigs.
U
Unhooking Mat
A padded mat used to protect a fish from hard, rough or dirty ground while it is being unhooked and handled on the bank.
Uptrace
An additional section of bite-resistant leader material used above parts of some predator rigs to reduce the risk of the main line coming into contact with a pike's teeth.
V
Venue
The fishery, lake, river, canal, reservoir or other water where someone fishes.
Venue Rules
Rules set by the owner, fishing club or fishery controlling a particular water. These may include requirements or restrictions in addition to wider fishing regulations.
W
Waggler
A float attached to the line primarily at its bottom end, widely used for stillwater and slow-moving-water float fishing.
Wafter
A hookbait with enough buoyancy to counteract some of its own weight without floating strongly like a pop-up. When rigged appropriately, a wafter sits lightly on or just above the bottom.
Weight
A component used to add mass to a fishing setup for casting, sinking the rig or helping hold a presentation in position.
Wire Trace
A bite-resistant wire leader commonly used when fishing for pike and other predators with sharp teeth.
Worm
A widely used natural fishing bait that can be presented whole or in sections, depending on the species and method being used.
Z
Zig Rig
A carp rig designed to present a hookbait above the lakebed at a chosen depth in the water column rather than directly on the bottom.