An independent fishing guide. We do not sell tackle or run competitions. Check bag limits, closed seasons and permitted waters in the fishing rules for your region.
Disciplines and styles
Fishing comes in many forms: a quiet morning with a float rod, active spinning, precise work with a feeder, or sitting over an ice hole in a hard frost. In competitive angling these methods are organised into separate disciplines, each with its own rules. Below are the summer and winter disciplines and the main styles of recreational fishing, described in general terms: how each method works and who it suits.
You do not have to pick "your" discipline straight away. Try two or three methods, and your hands and temperament will tell you which one fits.
How this section works: a discipline is included if it is part of competitive angling or widely practised in recreational fishing and can be learned on your own. We do not recommend specific waters, trips or shops.
Open-water methods found both in recreational fishing and in competition programmes.
The classic method: the bait is presented at a set depth and the float signals the bite. In competition, accurate presentation, groundbait and speed matter, since results are built from many small fish. A great school for beginners: it teaches you to read bites and handle your rig.
A rig with a feeder is cast to the bottom, and the flexible quivertip shows the bite. The key is hitting the same spot cast after cast so that the feed works in one place. It suits anglers who enjoy systematic, almost engineering-style fishing.
Fishing for predators with artificial lures that you bring to life with your retrieve. Competitions are held from the bank and from boats. Plenty of movement, searching for fish and experimenting with lures and retrieve speed.
A distinctive casting technique: instead of a weight, the heavy line itself is cast, carrying a light fly. It takes practice to cast and attention to the current and to insects near the water. Learning it takes time, but it develops a great feel for tackle and water.
Long sessions targeting big fish on bottom rigs: choosing a spot, baiting up, waiting patiently and playing fish carefully. Carp anglers place special value on careful fish handling and release.
Ice fishing is a world of its own, with its own tackle and its own safety requirements.
A small jig on fine line that the angler keeps working with short movements. Bites are delicate, so sensitive tackle and attention are essential. In competitions, anglers move around a lot and drill many holes searching for fish.
Vertical fishing for predators with a spoon: the lure is lifted and dropped so that its action attracts fish. It takes searching for active fish and varying your retrieve.
Most people go out on the ice simply to relax. The same safety rules apply: check the ice thickness, carry an ice chisel, a rescue rope and ice picks, and do not crowd together in one spot.
The main ways to fish for pleasure, with no tournaments or scoring.
The most accessible option: no boat needed, and it is easy to start with simple tackle. Choose a spot with easy, safe access to the water, do not crowd other anglers and take your litter home.
A boat opens up more spots and depths but adds responsibility: a life jacket is a must, check the weather in advance, and it is better not to go out alone.
Fish farms and commercial fisheries set their own conditions: what you may catch, how much you may keep and which tackle is allowed. Ask the fishery before you start.
How angling competitions usually run and what to check in the event regulations. Also home to our article catalogue.
Casting, presentation, striking, playing fish, reading the water and catch and release done right.
Rods, reels, terminal tackle and safety gear: what each is for and how to choose without rankings.
Bag limits, closed seasons and permitted waters are set by the fishing rules for each area, and competition procedures by the rules of the sport and each event's regulations. The Russian rules described here apply in Russia; elsewhere, check your local fishing rules and licence requirements before you go.