For many, fishing on tidal rivers can feel a bit like stepping into unknown territory. Unlike stillwaters, the ebb and flow of the river constantly reshapes the session, and no two hours ever feel quite the same.
But, for some anglers, this sheer unpredictability is exactly why these venues are worth targeting.
Iconic rivers such as the Bure and Thurne, which make up part of the Norfolk Broads system, are fine examples of such places, where the extensive shoals of skimmers, quality roach and hard-fighting perch provide the majority of catches.
Top all-rounder Graham West loves the challenge presented by these waters, and has worked to perfect an attack that rarely fails. With the right approach to your rigs, bait and tactics, these rivers can offer you a truly unforgettable days angling
THE BEST DISTANCE FEEDER RODS ARE PERFECT FOR TIDAL RIVERS.
Read the tide
Fishing tidal rivers can feel unpredictable, but experience turns the ebb and flow into an ally. On the Thurne the best spells consistently arrive when the river is pulling either in or out, as the moving water switches better fish on to feed. The slowest windows are at full or low tide when the flow slackens. Rather than wait it out, the smart play is to drop onto smaller fish to keep the peg active until the flow returns and the skimmers push in.
One key lesson is that you rarely need a heavy feeder to hold bottom. Fishing with a deliberate bow in the line allows lighter weights and more bites. Cast to a marker, hit the clip, then leave controlled slack so the current creates a natural curve. On the Thurne and Bure, 20 to 40g feeders are usually enough, on larger more powerful rivers may require heavier feeder but going as light as possible often improves results.
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Choose your target zones
A simple, adaptable set-up covers whatever the tide and boat traffic throw at you. Ten metres out can be a banker, as passing boats frequently push shoals tight to the bank. A second line toward the central channel puts you over deeper water where fish also feel secure. Conditions change by the day, so locating where the shoal settles is the job.
Two rods make that search efficient. For the longer line, an 11 ft Parabolix Pro SUV Feeder with a 1.5 oz tip keeps line off the water and shows delicate pulls. For the short line, a 10 ft MAP Generation Pro Feeder with a 5000 reel and 6lb mono is ideal.
A fixed paternoster runs on both outfits, with a 50cm hooklength of 0.13mm mono and a size 12 or 14 hook. Keep the tip high when the tide is running, then lower it during slack water to sharpen bite detection.
CHECK OUT OUR BUYERS GUIDE FOR THE BEST FEEDER FISHING REELS.
Trust in naturals
Maggots, casters and worms are the mainstays, with feeding as important as bait choice. Skimmers are the prime target, so a fishmeal-based groundbait makes sense. A blend of Sonubaits F1 Green, Thatchers Original and Sweet Skimmer Dark draws skimmers without putting roach and perch off the feed.
Chop worms into caster-sized pieces to match typical hookbaits. Feed casters and chopped worm through the feeder. On the hook, a worm head often converts more bites because fish have to take the hook fully. If small fish line up, switch to double fluoro maggot to keep the float or quiver moving.
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Do not get lazy
Tidal rivers are unpredictable. Tough starts can flip when skimmers drift into the peg an hour later, and that usually follows regular, accurate casting that keeps the swim primed. Once a skimmer shows, it is rarely alone.
Work both long and short lines and keep reacting. Do not sit motionless for more than a couple of minutes. Small tweaks matter. Lengthen or shorten the hooklength. Cast a few feet beyond the fed area. Rotate hookbaits. Those changes often take you from scratching to a bite every chuck.
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Make the most of the moment
Shoals rarely stay put for long, so pace is everything when they arrive. Focus on efficiency. Keep a steady trickle of worms and casters going in through the feeder without overdoing it. Cast accurately. Get the rig back in quickly after each fish. If the action builds on the short line, all the better, as playing fish over a shorter distance saves time.
On a recent trip to the River Thurne this approach produced around 40 lb of skimmers, roach and perch. There was no single magic trick. It was patience, consistency and feeding until the fish appeared. That is the real appeal of tidal rivers. The flow can look like a problem. Learn to use it and it becomes your biggest ally.
_LEARN HOW AND WHEN TO USE A FISHMEAL GROUNDBAIT IN THE EXPERT GUIDE._
