First Cast: Coastal Fishing from an Old Hand

First Cast: Coastal Fishing from an Old Hand

by Edmund Langford

Right then — so you've decided to answer the sea's call. Good. It gets into your bones, this kind of thing. You’ll be standing on a bit of beach soon, rod in hand, wondering if you’ve lost your mind. That’s when you’ll know you’re doing it right.

Let me walk you through it. Not from some manual — from forty-odd years of tangled lines, sunrise tides, and the occasional “bloody hell” moment.

 

Start With the Right Stick

You don’t need something flashy. Leave the carbon-fibre showpieces to the Instagram lot. What you need is a beachcaster rod — 11 to 13 feet long. It’s made for distance, for rough edges and shifting tides.

Pair it with a fixed spool reel. Spinning reels are great for beginners — they don’t argue much. Load it with 15–20 lb monofilament and you're off to a solid start.

 

Assembling Your Gear: No Fuss, No Drama

You’ll get faster with time, but for now:

•    Seat your reel on the rod. Tight but not too tight.

•    Thread the line through each eye from the bottom up.

•    At the end, tie on a 2-hook flapper rig or a paternoster rig.

•    Clip a grip lead sinker at the base — lets you fight waves, not your line.

Or buy a pre-rigged setup and save the knots for later. No one’s judging.

 

The Bait That Brings Them

The sea doesn’t care how clever your hook is — it wants a proper offering.

•    Lugworms and ragworms are classics.

•    Mackerel strips? Easy to find and dependable.

•    Squid chunks? Bit tougher, lasts longer — perfect if you're the “wait it out” type.

Just keep it natural. Lures are for another day, when your hands already know what they’re doing.

 

Casting: It’s in the Rhythm

Don’t try to impress anyone. You’re not launching a rocket.

Stand square, rod low, swing smooth — no jerky business. Release the line as your rod points out to sea. It’s a dance more than a throw. And no, you won’t get it perfect the first few times. You’ll smile more when it goes wrong, trust me.

 

Read the Water, Not Just the Clock

Best times? An hour or two either side of high tide. That’s when the fish creep in close. Best places? Rocky edges, piers, estuaries, places with shadow and current.

Start in late summer — the fish are hungry, the winds are mild, and the coast is kinder to learners.

 

When It Bites

You’ll feel it — a twitch, then another. Don’t strike like a madman. Just reel in smooth and steady. If it’s nothing, that’s alright. You’ll try again. That’s fishing. Half the time you’re waiting, the other half you’re remembering why it was worth it.

 

Pack Smart

Don’t overcomplicate things. Here’s what I’d bring:

•    A small tackle box (hooks, weights, pliers)

•    A bait knife

•    Hand towel (you’ll thank me)

•    Folding stool or upturned bucket

•    Warm flask. Snacks. And patience — more than gear, it’s your best tool.

And no, you don’t need a license for sea fishing off the beach. It’s one of the last free things in Britain.

 

Final Words From the Shore

The sea will humble you. It’ll feed you. It’ll surprise you. And someday, when you're the one explaining rigs and tides to someone wide-eyed and holding a brand-new rod, you’ll realise it’s become part of who you are.

So go on — tie the line, watch the waves, feel the wind on your face. That first cast? It won’t be perfect. But it'll be unforgettable.

🛒 Looking for a setup that won’t let you down? I’ve put together a few beginner kits that’ll save you time and mistakes.