Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity on many different Public Waters, with a variety of locations, species, and methods to choose from. Whether you’re looking for freshwater or sea fishing offers a wealth of opportunities for anglers of all levels. If you’re planning a fishing trip, it's essential to check the specific rules and regulations for the location you plan to visit, as they can vary depending on the area and species being targeted.
The type of fishing tackle required will vary depending on what species you are targeting also sea, freshwater or trout fishing there are many really good tackle shops who are always happy to give you some good advice on the right type of tackle, methods and bait required. More often or not this one hobby that goes down through generations family's learning and sharing information and technics from family and friends.
One of the best things of any type of fishing is the social times shared with friends and family, many of the best anglers have learned from those closest being their grandad, dad, brother, sister or friends. And the competition between one and other when someone gets their own personnel best (PB). At times it’s good when fishing alone with the peace, quiet and tranquillity of the environment surrounding you having them relaxing times. In more recent years girlfriends, partners, daughters and wife's have also joined in as well, many female anglers are now joining in the fishing activities and becoming their hobby as well.
Course Fishing
Course fishing is a popular form of freshwater fishing, focusing on catching fish species found in lakes, reservoirs, rivers, canals and streams. The term "course fishing" refers to targeting non-salmonid fish species such as roach, bream, perch, Tench, carp, and others, as opposed to game fishing, which is typically for trout and salmon. Float Fishing - A method using a float to suspend bait in the water column, often used for smaller species. Ledgering - Involves placing a weight on the line to hold the bait on the bottom, typically used for larger species like carp. Feeder Fishing - A type of ledgering where bait is dispensed from a specialized feeder. Pole Fishing - Popular for targeting species like roach and perch in still waters, using a long pole instead of a rod. Match Fishing - Competitive fishing, where anglers compete to catch the most fish or the heaviest weight within a set time frame. Some anglers may win a trophy, shield or cup with 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and their name and date engraved onto a small silver plaque.
Pike Fishing
Pike fishing is a popular and thrilling pursuit for anglers, especially during the cooler months when pike are more active. The pike (Esox lucius). is a predatory fish found in many of England's lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Here's some essential information about pike fishing. Best Times to Fish for Pike Autumn and Winter October to March - These colder months are generally considered the best for pike fishing as the fish become more active and are easier to target. Spring April-May - Pike are still actively feeding, especially after spawning, but their behaviour can be more unpredictable. Summer June-August - While pike can still be caught, they tend to be less active in warmer water, and anglers may find it harder to target them effectively. Always make sure you have the correct instruments for removing the hook safely from a pike's mouth ensuring they don't bite you at the same time, most tackle shops will be able to help you with what is required when pike fishing.
Pike Fishing Methods
Dead Baiting - This involves using a dead fish (like roach, perch, or mackerel) on a hook, often on the bottom or suspended. This method is very popular for targeting large pike. Lure Fishing - Using artificial lures, such as spinners, jerk baits, or soft plastics, to imitate smaller prey fish. This can be effective for covering large areas of water. Fly Fishing - For those with more experience, pike can also be targeted on the fly, particularly with larger streamers that resemble small fish.
Carp Fishing
Carp fishing is a very popular and longstanding tradition. A thriving carp fishing scene attracting anglers from all over the world who come to enjoy the challenge of catching these large, powerful fish. Here are some key points to consider if you're planning to go carp fishing in some Public Waters like lakes, reservoirs, rivers or canals. The right type of fishing tackle is important as some carp go to large double figures and they are very powerful fish, not only putting any rods and reels to the test, they will also test any angler’s skills to their limits and weather you will land them successfully. There some well-known tackle brands like Avid, Daiwa, Fox, Gardener, Karsten, Korda, Nash, Shimano, Solar, Ridge Monkey, Tracker which you will find in most tackle shops or online. Who will supply you with all your fishing tackle, bait and clothing requirements as well as some good advice and tips when needed.
Carp Fishing Methods
Carp fishing methods will vary depending on time of year, weather and location your fishing, the most used method used is ledgering normally with a free running lead with a stop bead, swivel and link line with hook. Whereas baits use to be and still do at times put straight on the hook, most baits are now are mounted onto a hair link to the hook mostly with a knotless tied hook link, this method has proved to be more successful in hooking the carp. there is a mixture of baits that can be used Particles - sweetcorn, maise, trout pellets and tiger nuts. Boilies - one of the most used baits are very affective even more so with particle free offerings on the spot like trout pellet, which can also be used in a PVA bag with the hook bait when casting out. some carp anglers will make their own special boilie baits.
It's worth trying some well-known carp bait brands like Bait-Tech, Baitworms, CC Moore, Crafty Catcher, DNA Baits, Dynamite Baits, Enterprise Tackle, Hinders Baits, Impact Particles, Kent Particles, Korda, MAD Baits, Mainline Baits, Mistral Baits, Munch Baits, Nash Bait, Sticky Baits, Urban Bait.
Another method ideally in the summer months is when the carp can be seen cruising around just below the water surface, using a bubble float and hook link or even free lining with just a hook presenting your bread crust or piece of bread on the surface in the right position, sometimes pieces of bread or chum mixers dog biscuits work well to bring them on the feed, these need short soaking before catapulting or throwing them out, best part is watching the carp come to the surface with their mouth wide open taking the bait.
Trout Fishing
Trout fishing is a popular and rewarding activity, offering opportunities in lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams across the country. Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned angler, there are numerous locations to choose from. The traditional method used is fly fishing using a casting method to present a fly or lure on the surface in the right spot, depending on where and weather conditions the line used will be a floating or sinking type with different technics of retrieval to entice the trout's interest in taking the fly or lure. You certainly know when it’s happened as the rod bends downwards hoping you don't lose it before it goes into the net. The 2 main strain of trout is rainbow and brown trout some fisheries like public reservoirs there will be a catch and release or keep limits. Some places will also allow to any method like float or spinning.
Sea Fishing
Sea fishing from the beach, pier or boat can provide some excellent catches of Cod, Pollock, Bass, Conger, Dog Fish, Mackerel, Whiting, Pouting tends to be the main species of catch. Fishing from beaches and piers will normally be using a beach caster rod around 12 ft long with a multiplier or fixed spool reel, from boats the type of rods will generally be shorter with a different test curve rating depending on type of fish being fished for, unless up tiding method is used which will be similar to a beach caster but normally around 8 to 9 foot long. The most used method is called bottom fishing using a grappling lead for casting out from beach, pier or boat, when down tiding on boats tend to use heavier leads, there are lots of different flowing traces used from the lead down and sometimes a boom fishing further up the line above the lead weight, flowing traces normally use a variety of fresh or frozen baits like lug or rag worm, squid, mackerel or peeler soft backed crabs.
Lots of anglers like to do lure type of fishing which is very popular at certain times of the year for Bass fishing from the beaches with light weight rods casting lures and plugs around rocky or weedy areas or into the surf where Bass can be found, also using similar methods from boats dropping a weighted lure or perk often referred to as perking of jigging the lure, this also works well for other species like cod and pollock on reefs, sand banks or wrecks. One of the very popular forms of lure fishing is for mackerel using a trace of feathers which can be multi coloured, white or silver reflective catching as many as 4 at a time when their big shoals around. This method is very affective on boats used with a park or lead weight catching cod, pollock bass.
Course Fishing
Trout Fishing
Salmon Fishing
Sea Fishing
Fishing Locations
Public Waters and its surroundings offer some of the best fishing locations in and around the whole world in various different countries fishing in lakes, reservoirs, canyons, rivers, canals, streams and sea. Depending on where you go there will be a variety of course, fresh water, salmon, trout, sea and endless different species and sizes of fish.
Most Public Waters are normally free of charge to fish except where there might be a section which is privately owned by angling associations and syndicates, also some run and organised by local government bodies in certain areas, Some of which may offer memberships or day tickets.
Keep an eye on our websites pages and blogs also our social media platforms where we will be providing regular updates of new locations.
Fishing Licence
Although most Public Waters are free to fish day or night in various different countries most will require you to purchase and register a fishing licence / permit in your name, there are some exclusions or concessions for O.A.P's, disabled and junior anglers for certain ages. Within different countries these licences may vary and how or where to purchase them, you can purchase them for a day, week, month or annual licence / permit, some Public Waters may have seasonal restrictions when no fishing is allowed to protect fish stocks during their breeding and spawning times.
Some Public Waters may have bailiff's, water authorities and even police who patrol waterways and may check and ask to see your licence / permit for your purpose of fishing, so it is important to make sure they are purchased where required and for its area and zone before any fishing starts otherwise fines or prosecutions can be issued and fishing tackle could also be confiscated in some situations.
Within Public Waters websites we will provide information and links where possible in each country to provide information where to purchase online, via post or a visit to local shops, post office, tobac, bars depending country and location, you will usually need a passport photo of yourself and some identification plus the fee chargeable.
England and Wales to buy a rod fishing licence click this link and follow the instructions at Buy a rod fishing licence
Regulations and Safety
Most Public Waters are normally governed and regulated by the country and its water authorities in each country, regions, province and departments and counties, they also have their own angling syndicate clubs who arrange competitions on some Public Waters, some waters which are managed by local authorities or private sectors may also imply some fishing rules, regulations and guidance in these areas.
There aren’t normally general rules that apply to some public lakes, rivers, canals or sea on methods of fishing and tend to be more focused on regulations and law in each country, there will be some laws regards removal or transfer of any fish stocks which can potentially cause transfer of pollution and contamination to other waterways.
Where fish are allowed to be taken for food in some countries and places there might be size, number and specimen restrictions, and were taken for use in ornamental pond use purpose there will also be strict regulations in doing so, some of which relates to possible transfer or pollution.
Although some safety recommendations are normally advised by local authorities some of which may vary from fresh water to sea. The most important thing of all is to ensure your own safety and those with you at all times while fishing on any public waters.
It’s always best to make your judgement and a risk assessment during day light times before setting up your fishing spots and positions considering any potential land and water hazards or any possible increasing water flow hazards that are possible also likely by way of nature or operations on barrages, dames, locks and sluice gates nearby causing an increase water levels, flows or waves, also making allowances for water way boating traffic.
Normally around Public Waters there will be some buoyancy rings or floats nearby and worth keeping this in mind in case the need for one arises in an instant.
Some rocky areas can be very slippery and keep in mind the unknown on any water beds like broken glass, metal fragments or sharp objects when wading be sure to wear suitable protective foot wear. Take Care and Be Aware.
Top Destinations
We are always out and about searching for new public waters and there locations so as we can share with everyone, all these amazing beautiful scenic places which are ideal for recreation, socializing, biking, boating, camping, fishing, photography, swimming, walking, nature, wildlife, activities, food, drink and relaxation.
Not only will we seek and find these locations we will also find such things in around and close by which may help in planning any trips, activities, adventures, tours or expeditions which you may have plans for and going to one of your favour or new public waters locations.
Be it the sea, lakes, reservoirs, rivers, canals and streams in and around all counties, departments, cities, towns and village areas. Life's Natural Environment and Activities.
Retail & Leisure
In each location country, region, county, towns, departments, provinces or even states, we plan and aim to provide you with maps, facilities, supplies, local shops, hotels, camp sites and means of travel all of which will have continuous updates when made available.
Also along the way there will be endless amounts of places for socializing, food, drinks, like restaurant's, takeaways, cafes, bars, pubs, and supermarkets and local shops.
As well as supermarkets, local shops plus some other suppliers and retail outlets including shops nearby for things like clothing, footwear, biking, boating, camping, fishing, photography, swimming, scuba diving / snorkelling, walking and wildlife for all your activities, adventures and socialising moments.
Public Waters Photography
Take a Picture of Your Favourite Location
Using your Android, iPhone or your favourite brand of a digital camera like Cannon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Panasonic, Go Pro or DJI drone capturing a still shot or video of that really special moment you wont ever forget also sharing them with your friends and family.
Public Waters Take A Look
Amazing Pictures and Videos.
" Some Of These Aeriel Shots Will Make You Want To Jump Through The Screen "
Public Waters will endeavour to put some of the most amazing pictures and videos of public waters be it the coastal towns, sea, beaches, lakes, reservoirs, rivers, canals, streams, water falls, which will be added to our web pages on a regular basis.
The great thing about public water locations is that sense of freedom and getting away from the everyday life and into one of life's natural environment's with a breath of fresh air.
Public Waters has some of the best scenic views in the world within its natural environment surrounded by a natural growth of forest, woodland, trees, wild plants, flowers and its amazing wildlife inhabitants.
Public Water Locations
Lakes - Rivers - Canals - Sea
Your Public Waters and Activities
Biking - Boating - Camping - Fishing - Photography - Swimming - Scuba Diving - Snokeling - Walking - Wildlife.
Activities
Biking
Riding a mountain bike through woodlands, forestry, even into the surrounding mountains and hill tops, or taking to the local roads with your bike or motorbike, also a great way of traveling from one location to another, or a family biking trip out into the country side. Camping and biking from one camp to another is becoming more popular over the years in some countries even towing small trailers along behind or using rucksacks, saddle bags, panniers and top boxes. The great thing is being able to take in and absorb the wonderful surroundings you're cycling or biking through at a different pace.
Boating
Lakes, Rivers, Canals and Sea are the perfect places for your boating activities be it canoeing, rowing, cruising along in your motorboats or sailing along with the behind you, enjoying all of them magnificent scenic views in and around public waters. Some prefer taking off on a jetski, water skiing, surfing, paragliding, swimming, scuba diving and snorkelling. Other great alternatives is professional water tours sailing, cruising, crossings, ferries, either way it’s like being in another place away from the land with a totally different view of its surroundings sightseeing in a relaxing atmosphere.
Camping
Setting up camp right next to your favourite public water. Having a cuppa or lighting up the barbeque and having a few drinks chilling and relaxing in the sunny weather and evening sun sets. There are some amazing new types of tents and accessories these days, some tents don't even need poles and can be inflated with hand or electric pumps. One of the other ways of camping and ideal for moving around is by campervan, motorhome and caravans, some even use a push bike with trailers or motorbikes, some even by foot with rucksacks known as backpacking.
Fishing
Night or day fishing and catching that big carp, catfish, setting a new personnel best record in lakes, rivers and canals. Sea fishing be it from the beach, pier or boat catching some marcel, cod, bass, dover soul, and so many other different species of fish in our seas. Casting a line from the bank or boat fly fishing for them rainbow, brown trout or even a salmon. Being out in them fantastic public water locations with them fantastic views and social times enjoying your favourite hobby. There are so many different types of tackle, bait and equipment for fishing from tackle shops or online.
Photography
What better places than a public water with a idyllic landscape in the background for some amazing photos and videos of all your special locations and memories. Not forgetting the amazing wildlife inhabitants which create some of the best images. That special selfie shot of you and your loved ones. All of them special memorable moments saved in one click. Using your Android, iPhone or your favourite brand of a digital camera like Cannon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Panasonic, Go Pro or DJI drone capturing a still shot or video of that really special moment you won't ever forget sharing them with your friends and family.
Swimming
There are so many public water locations which are ideal for swimming, scuba diving and snorkelling, around some of the coastline as well as some inland lakes, rivers or nearby pools. Taking a dip with your toes, paddle or diving in for a wild swim and that invigorating boosting feeling in public waters. Scuba diving and snorkelling from the shores and boats exploring the underwater world and its amazing sights like sealife fish and creatures moving around the seabed wrecks and reefs. Before entering into any public water it's advisable to take some professional lessons, guidance, and local knowledge of your chosen locations.
Walking
Walking along the shoreline, rivers, canal tow paths or through the countryside, woodlands, forestry during them wonderful sunrise or sunset times of the day with your loved ones and maybe the dogs. Whilst having that relaxing stroll, walk or hike it's considered by many this is one of the best forms of excises for health and wellbeing. What better way to get into training ready for them charity walks and hikes ahead. Some may even enjoy stepping it up with a gentle jog and a run, or even turning it into a triathlon with a walk, run, swim and bike ride at the end. Or taking your dogs along for the walk as well.
Wildlife
Where there is water the local wildlife inhabitants is never to far away and can be amazing at times and full of wonderful surprises within the towns, villages, hamlets, countryside's, forestry, coast lines, and all types of public waters, with its local inhabitants insects, bees, butterfly's, reptiles, fish, birds, ducks, swans, geese, deer and different types of mammals all of which are a living in and around our surrounding environments. The wildlife is constantly changing throughout the different seasons in their migrations. For breeding and food supplies needs.
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