Ever wondered why some anglers always seem to catch, even when nobody else is getting a bite? It’s rarely down to luck. More often, it’s because they understand what the fish are doing, where they are, and why they’re behaving the way they are.
These tips are aimed to help you think more like a fish, consider the environment, fish behaviours, subtle tweaks, and preparation. Some are simple and are easily overlooked. Others ask you to take a step back, look at the bigger picture, and change the way you approach the bank entirely.
If you can start reading the water like it’s telling you something, and tweak your tactics with the fish’s point of view in mind, or even change your thinking entirely, you’ll start noticing the difference.
Polarised sunglasses
A good pair of polarised sunglasses are one of the most useful bits of kit you can own. They’ll help you spot fish, read the water, and notice signs that others may miss. In bright conditions, grey lenses are best. On dull days, yellow highlights the details. If you want one pair to do it all, brown is the best bet. Locating fish is more important than any bait, rig or tip I can give you.
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Rise and shine
Aim to arrive at your swim just before daybreak, or if you’re already set up for the night, make sure you’re out of the bivvy as the sun comes up. It’s the best time to spot fish. At dawn, the fish will often give the game away. They are more likely to roll, jump or show themselves as the sun rises, and even subtle signs like bubbling or boils breaking the surface can reveal exactly where they are.
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Survey the water
You can only catch what’s in front of you. It sounds obvious, but too many anglers waste time chasing rumours instead of fish. Big specimens don’t live in every venue, no matter what you’ve heard in the tackle shop or seen online. Be critical in your assessment, focus on facts, not hearsay. The stories about hidden thirties or a forgotten stretch of river that produces big fish never stack up, they are just that - myths.
Pick the battles you can win
Don’t just look at a venues stock, look at the angling pressure. A lake full of big fish might seem tempting, but if it’s getting hammered every weekend, the odds are likely to be stacked against you. If you’re short on time, you’re often better off choosing a quieter water, even if it holds fewer big fish, generally you'll have a much better chance of putting something worthwhile on the bank. Less pressure usually means less caution, and that can turn a short session into a productive one.
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Know your species
Understanding how your target species behaves will always put you one step ahead. Every species acts differently, and knowing what to expect can influence your approach from the start. Take carp, for example. At first light, they don’t like disturbance. It often pays to leave the rods alone and let things settle. Tench, on the other hand, are the complete opposite. They’ll often respond to a fresh cast or a hit of bait right as day begins to break.
Give sea fishing a go
If you’re heading to the coast this summer, sling a carp rod in the car. You don’t need much more to enjoy some great sea fishing. Bream, bass, and wrasse are all fair game from the rocks or piers, and with a few simple lures or some bait, you can have a productive session for very little extra cost.
Alternatively, book yourself onto a charter boat. A day at sea can be a brilliant experience, but just like any other kind of fishing, not all skippers are the same. Some are excellent, some are average, and some will leave you wondering why you bothered. Do your research, search social media, ask around other anglers, and find a skipper with a proven track record.
OUR BUYERS GUIDE LISTS THE BEST LURES FOR SHORE FISHING.
Don't ignore the power of fishmeal
In summer, fish will often seek out high-energy food. Fishmeal fits the bill perfectly. Its protein content and strong scent make it an ideal choice during the warmer months. Whether you’re feeding pellets, groundbait or boilies, fishmeal-based baits are a safe bet. Most species respond well to it when the water’s warm and their appetite increases. It’s a reliable way to draw fish in and keep them feeding.
If in doubt put the method out
The Method feeder isn’t just for carp. It’s a brilliant tactic for barbel too, especially on rivers where you want to feed tightly and keep things simple. It puts feed right where your hookbait is, without the need for PVA bags or baitdroppers. When the barbel are feeding hard, a short hooklength can be deadly. If bites are slow or you’re getting liners, try lengthening it to give the fish a bit more confidence.
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Consider the weather
If a summer downpour pushes the rivers levels up and adds a bit of colour, this is the perfect time to target barbel. A rising river with extra flow and a hint of colour almost always gets them feeding. It stirs up the bottom, washes natural food into the swim, and gives them the confidence to move and explore.
Fish to cover in bright conditions
In bright, hot conditions, fish will often tuck themselves right under cover. Snags, lilly pads, marginal reeds or overhanging trees. Open water can feel too exposed, especially during the middle of the day. This is when a careful approach tight to features can make all the difference. No matter if you're fishing a pole, feeder, or float, get tight to that cover. Feed sparingly at first, watch for signs, and be ready.
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Don't plumb up in a rush
If the river’s deep down the edge, a slider float is often a better option than fishing the lead in the slack water. It lets you present a bait more naturally. The key to getting this right is plumbing up properly. It’s not something to rush, take your time to make sure the hookbait is just touching the bottom.
Use bait booster and additives
When mixing groundbait, always add any liquids to the water first, not straight onto the dry mix. It might seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference. Adding liquid flavours or additives to the water ensures they’re spread evenly throughout the mix.
IN THIS ARTICLE WE CHOOSE THE BEST LIQUIDS, BAIT BOOSTERS, AND ADDITIVES.
Out whit the spooky fish
Wary barbel can spot a hook a mile off, especially in clear water. They’ll often feed confidently around your rig but ignore the one bait that matters. To get around this, try half a boilie on a short hair. The flat side naturally falls over the hook, hiding the hook and making the whole setup look more natural.
Rake a swim for tench
If you’re serious about catching a big bag of tench, don’t leave it to chance. Rake the swim the evening before and get some bait in. Clearing the bottom helps create a clean area the fish will feed on with confidence, and prebaiting gives them a reason to turn up. It’s not about luck. It’s about putting the work in beforehand.
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Visit your local tackle shop
You might save a couple of quid shopping online, but the internet won’t sort you out with fresh bait, it won’t tell you where’s fishing well, what’s working, or what swims to avoid. Nobody knows your local waters better than your tackle shop. They’ve earned your custom, so give it to them. What you get back in advice, service, and reliability is worth far more than a small saving.
Be mobile on the river
For summer chub, it’s hard to beat roaming the river with a trotting rod and a half a gallon of maggots. Keep mobile, stay vigilant, and when you find a shoal, let the bait do the work. Feed little and often until you start seeing those white lips flashing mid-water.
LEARN HOW TO TROT ON THE RIVER FOR CHUB IN THIS HELPFUL ARTICLE.
Don't overlook Roach
River roach are getting bigger, and if you’re looking to find them in summer, head for the weir pools. The extra oxygen and flow make these spots prime holding areas, especially early in the season when water temperatures start to rise. Roach shoal up in these oxygen-rich areas to feed, and with the right approach, you can have some brilliant sport.
Try small hookbaits
Bread, corn and casters have always been staples for specimen roach. But don’t overlook mini boilies and pellets, even on flowing water. They’re ideal when small fish are a problem, tougher baits like these stay on the hook longer, resist pecking from smaller fish, and can be a real edge when you're targeting bigger fish.
CHOOSE THE CORRECT HOOKBAIT USING THIS HANDY GUIDE.
Be prepared to change
Don’t just sit and hope when things go quiet. There’s nearly always a way to encourage a bite. If carp aren’t having it on the deck, try a zig or flick out a floater. Simple changes like this can turn a blank into a result. It always pays to have a back-up plan. Be it a tactical switch, a rig tweak, or baiting another spot to give you options.
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Try something new this summer
From a trout in a reservoir to a mullet in an estuary, there’s a huge range of fishing on offer, and most of it is well within reach. You don’t need a van full of gear to enjoy it either. We’re lucky to live in a country with so many different waters and species to go at, so make the most of it.
