What to bring for reservoirs, shore fishing, active sea fishing, safe handling, and proper fish release.
Quick principle
Simple rig first, complexity later
Choose a scenario, pack the minimum kit, and check rules before the trip.
Freshwater
License required
Sea
Shore usually license-free
Danger species
Pliers, not bare hands
FreshwaterBeginner
Reservoir starter kit
A simple setup for carp, crucian carp, roach, tilapia, and peaceful reservoir fish.
Bring
DFMR license and ID
float, feeder, or bottom tackle matched to the spot and target fish
a small set of lines/leaders, hooks, sinkers, and feeders without forcing one exact rig
bread, corn, worms, dough, and light groundbait
landing net, water for hands, trash bag
How to fish
Choose a safe bank and check that the reservoir is open.
Feed lightly and fish one spot for 20-30 minutes.
If quiet, change depth or move to the next drop-off.
Avoid
do not use a boat on freshwater
do not leave line or trash
FreshwaterIntermediate
Spinning for bass, perch, and zander
For freshwater predators: bass, perch, zander, asp, trout. Focus on cover, depth, and pauses.
Bring
light or medium-light spinning rod: match it to lure, wind, and spot
braid or mono plus leader; choose thickness by snags and fish size
soft plastics, wobblers, spoons, jig heads
polarized glasses and long pliers
How to fish
Fish rocks, shade, weed, dam walls, and sharp drops.
Make 3-5 casts from different angles.
Change retrieve speed: steady, pauses, jig steps.
Avoid
avoid dangerous wet rocks
do not grab fish by the gills
SeaBeginner
Sea shore: bottom, feeder, float
For mullet, dorado, sea bream, red mullet, salema, and calm shore sessions.
Bring
shore tackle matched to method: float, bottom, feeder, or light rockfishing
leaders, sinkers, and hooks in several sizes to adapt to swell and bottom
shrimp, squid, mussel, bread for mullet
rock shoes, light, towel, pliers
How to fish
Check swell, wind, swimmers, and no-fishing areas.
Fish sunrise, sunset, or coloured water after wind.
Keep distance from people and do not block access.
Avoid
do not hand-handle scorpionfish, lionfish, weever, or unknown fish
no nets for recreational fishing
SeaAdvanced
Active sea fishing
Spinning and boat tactics for barracuda, bluefish, leerfish, tuna, amberjack, and mahi-mahi.
Bring
sea spinning rod matched to style: ultralight/light for rockfishing or stronger for distance and larger predators
braid, fluorocarbon, and leader matched to lure, rocks, and toothy fish
metal jigs, minnows, stickbaits, poppers, bite leader for toothy fish
sunglasses, cap, water, first aid, and long pliers
How to fish
Look for birds, baitfish, current, harbour mouths, and breakwater edges.
Start with fast searching, then slow down around contacts.
Check drag: big predators hit hard.
Avoid
avoid storms and slippery breakwaters
do not handle toothy fish without pliers
SeaAll levels
Danger species and safety
Danger species should be handled separately: lionfish, scorpionfish, weever, pufferfish, moray, and other risky accidental catches.
Bring
long pliers, cutters, gloves with caution
small first-aid kit and phone
container/bucket if fish must be moved safely
How to fish
Do not pick up unknown fish barehanded.
If it has spines or teeth, unhook with pliers.
Do not eat silver-cheeked toadfish/pufferfish at all.
Avoid
do not step on fish in sand
do not let children touch unknown catches
SeaAll levels
Safe release practices
For protected species, sharks and rays, juveniles, or any fish you will not keep: do not target them, keep them in the water where possible, and release quickly.
Bring
long pliers or a dehooker for fast unhooking
wet landing net or wet hands if the fish must be supported
cutters: if the hook is deep, cutting the leader can be safer
How to fish
Do not target, retain, land, or keep sharks and rays; release incidental bycatch as quickly as possible.
Keep fish low, wet, and in the water where possible; avoid hot rocks or dry sand.
Release juveniles, undersized fish, and protected species immediately, without extra photos or handling.
Avoid
do not hold fish by the gills, eyes, or tail if you plan to release it
do not keep protected or unwanted bycatch on shore longer than necessary
do not use catch-and-release as a reason to target prohibited species