Getting Started with Fishing

 

Fishing is good for you. Angling can reduce stress, improve fitness and even improve your concentration skills. However, as with any sport, there are a few key things you need to know before getting started.

First, if you are over 13, you need to obtain a rod licence to legally fish in Wales.  Next, check all the local and national byelaws – these are effectively the rules of angling. Part of these byelaws will tell you exactly when and where you can fish, and the type of fish you are allowed to catch.

For example, the numbers of sea trout have been declining in recent years, and the relevant byelaw will detail the open seasons and method restrictions for sea trout in order to preserve stock levels.

Responsible fishing is important to anglers like Nishat Gupte, who knows – as a specialist fish chef and lover of the outdoors – the importance of protecting the countryside and its wildlife.

Check, Clean, Dry

Once you’re all set and out fishing, the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ system is important to remember to curtail the spread of damaging invasive species.  For example, equipment such as nets and waders can spread such a species from one river to another.

To prevent this, after each fishing trip check your equipment, boat and clothing to ensure that there are no animals, mud or plant debris present. Next, clean everything thoroughly, using hot water if possible. Lastly, leave your equipment to dry for as long as possible; some species of plants and animals can survive for up to two weeks out of their natural habitat. Following this advice is an effective way to help protect waterways.

How to Find a Good Fishing Spot

Choosing a good fishing spot is vital in terms of your likelihood of success when it comes to angling. Find a quiet spot on the river, then think about current and changes of depth, and how this will likely effect the presence of fish. In general, fish tend to gather in places where the current is calm, but where there is a faster current nearby. Also, fish often prefer to congregate at the point of the river where the water changes depth, so seek out these parts of the river if you can.

Fishing for Life

As a gentle, stress alleviating sport, fishing is a worthwhile pursuit for people from a wide range of ages, abilities and fitness levels. It allows the angler an opportunity to get out into the fresh air and appreciate the natural world, while also boosting their self esteem and offering them the chance to ‘unplug’ from their busy, digital life.

A Beginner’s Guide to Canoe Fishing

Anglers who enjoy remote locations and fishing with just the basics might find canoe fishing to be a new favourite pastime. Anglers can fish from a canoe in freshwater rivers, ponds and lakes, as well as saltwater estuaries. For keen anglers such as Nishat Gupte, canoe fishing can be a truly relaxing experience.

Advantages of Canoe Fishing

There are many advantages to fishing from a canoe. Canoes can be easily fitted with comfortable seating, along with fishing rod and gear storage.

Canoes are easy to store, launch and transport – even for beginners – and are so lightweight they can be easily transported with a roof rack. Anglers can also access fishing spots that might have been inaccessible with a larger boat.

Fishing from a Canoe

When fishing from a canoe for the first time, bring someone experienced along. They will be able to help you follow safety recommendations and can also lend a helping hand if necessary.

Be sure to stay centred in the canoe at all times. This helps keep the canoe steady and will prevent it from tipping over. This is especially important to remember when casting, reeling in or handling a catch. Keep in mind that the narrower the canoe, the easier it is to tip.

Setting Up the Canoe

When heading out in a canoe, anglers should try to keep their gear to a minimum. Only carry the gear that is necessary to catch your targeted species.

When rigging a canoe, anglers should consider the conditions of the water. For example, experienced anglers in calm waters using wide canoes might opt for a gravity rig. However, most anglers will choose a diamond or hybrid rig instead.

After choosing the rig, make sure to also use waterproof bags or cases and fasten down any gear that isn’t being used. That way, if the canoe does tip, the gear will stay dry and won’t end up on the bottom of the water.

For a little extra stability, some anglers will add either an anchor or even a motor to the canoe.

Warming Fish Dishes

 

Once the winter festivities are over, many people find themselves starting to opt for healthier meals, such as salads and lean protein sources. When choosing a lean protein source, most people opt for chicken or pulses. However, some fish such as salmon offer great health benefits. Experienced fish chefs such as Nishat Gupte understand that fish is high in protein, and is incredibly versatile too.

Salmon Fishcakes with Slaw

Salmon fishcakes can be easily made with leftover cooked salmon, or even tinned salmon. Salmon can be combined with potatoes, lemon and herbs to create homemade fishcakes that make an easy meal for a winter’s day.

Teriyaki Salmon Bowl

Healthy bowl recipes have been a growing trend of late, and salmon slathered with homemade Teriyaki is the perfect addition. Homemade Teriyaki sauce can be put together in just five minutes, and it has less sodium than the bottled versions too.

Salmon Tacos with Pomegranate

Fish tacos are a popular meal choice, yet they rarely include salmon. Swap out the usual fish taco for one made with salmon and seasonal pomegranate guacamole for an exciting twist on a popular meal.

Sake and Ginger Soba Noodle Salmon Stir-Fry

A salmon stir-fry is the perfect combination of healthy food and easy cooking. Combine fresh vegetables with chunky salmon and a ginger and sake sauce to whip up a healthy, delicious meal in just thirty minutes. It makes great leftovers too!

Salmon Tikka with Quinoa

Top smoky tikka salmon with cucumber raita and pair it with quinoa for a flavourful, warming winter meal that can be ready in just fifteen minutes.

Salmon Risoni/Orzo

Some people might believe that combining cheese and seafood is a mistake, but that is not strictly true. The combination of salmon and cheese in a creamy Parmesan risoni/orzo dish is a match made in heaven.

Thai Sweet Chilli Salmon Skewers

Thai sweet chilli salmon skewers offer a delicious combination of sweet flavours and gentle heat, making them a great mid-winter meal. Simply coat the salmon in a Thai sweet chilli sauce, grill the skewers, and drizzle with toasted sesame oil and seeds. Serve with rice or a salad for a quick and healthy meal.

How to Barbecue Fish

 

Cooking fish on a barbecue can yield tremendous results and is much more rewarding than simply cooking sausages or burgers; especially if, like Nishat Gupte, you enjoy catching your own fish. Regardless of whether it’s served whole or in fillets, there are a variety of different fish that suit the smoky flavour that comes from cooking over coals.

Type of Fish

If fish is going to be cooked directly on the grill, make sure the skin and flesh is robust enough to stand up to the heat. Salmon, monkfish, and halibut are good choices for barbecuing. Regardless of the type of fish being used, always generously oil and season the skin before cooking; this will give it a crisp, tasty finish.

Temperature

Fish should never be placed over a searing high heat. When barbecuing fish, try to use an area of the grill that is medium-hot to avoid burning the skin before the fish is cooked through.

Fillets

When it comes to barbecuing fillets as opposed to a whole fish, start by cooking the fillet skin-side down. The fish should only be turned over once the skin is crispy and has gone a golden-brown colour.

Whole Fish

One way to keep a whole fish soft and moist when cooking it on the barbecue is to wrap it before cooking. Wrap the fish in multiple layers of newspaper, and then soak the whole thing in water. The smoking paper will add more flavour to the dish, while the water will prevent the paper from catching fire.

Marinades

Marinating fish before cooking it on the barbecue is a great way to add a little extra flavour. The marinade could be as simple as a drizzle of oil with herbs and lemon juice. Barbecued fish works with classic flavours, such as chilli, garlic, lemon, basil and thyme.

Checking Fish is Cooked

Checking barbecued fish is cooked all the way through can be easily done with the flake test. Push a piece of the fish apart, and if it naturally flakes, the fish is piping hot in the middle, and the colour has changed all the way through, it is ready to eat.

Activities to Enjoy in Wales: Camping and Fishing

It's no secret that Wales has numerous water bodies, with rivers, lakes and seas that are full of fish. For outdoor enthusiasts such as Nishat Gupte, camping makes fishing even more memorable. With an abundance of camping and fishing sites in the country, it really is a matter of preference where to catch fish while enjoying nature.

Black Mountain Fishing

Located in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Black Mountain Fishing offers anglers a chance to go ‘back to basics’ when it comes to camping and catching fish for supper. The fishery that makes this possible is based on the western side of the Beacons, providing campers with magnificent views of nature. For anyone looking for a getaway with fresh air and the opportunity to catch exotic trout, Black Mountain Fishing fits the bill.

Three Cliffs Bay

Located on the south coast of the Gower Peninsula, Three Cliffs Bay takes its name from the three cliffs that jut into the bay. In the middle of Three Cliffs Bay is Pennard Pill, a large stream that attracts species such as bass and mullet. In addition to these, anglers can also catch other species such as dogfish, mackerel and flatfish.

Overlooking the bay is a campsite, Three Cliffs Caravan Site, that is well facilitated and provides easy access to the beach.

Springwater Lakes

Within the Springwater Lakes site are five fishing lakes that have a variety of fish species to catch, including trout, perch and carp. Campers are allowed to pitch a tent next to the lakes, and the site has plenty of facilities.

Anglers interested in fly fishing can do so at Fly Fishing Lake, which has an abundance of rainbow and brown species. The Coarse Fishing Lake has a mix of bream, roach, perch and common carp species, and anglers are allowed to use any fishing technique and bait in this lake. For the novice angler, this is a lake to consider. The specimen angler, on the other hand, can try their luck at the Specimen Fishing Lake, which is stocked with large fish that can weigh over 35 pounds.

With more than 1,680 miles of coastline, Wales offers a host of locations to fish, both for beginners and experienced anglers. The diversity of species is also impressive, meaning that with good preparation, a camping angler is certain to catch something to eat.