Surrounded by the sweet aroma of blossom in the air, you’ll find spring productive, as the fish will feed more following winter and they are therefore more active.
© jeff gynane / Shutterstock.com
Many anglers prefer spring to summer because it isn’t as busy: it’s a chance to strike up a conversation with fellow anglers on the bank, without it feeling overcrowded.
Why is good fishing gear important?
Good quality fishing gear and storage boxes is important because it enhances the whole experience, making it more successful and enjoyable.
Reeling and casting becomes easier when you use a rod that’s the correct weight and length for the species of fish you’re trying to catch. You can increase your chances of success further by using the right lures, bait and hooks.
Using the correct fishing gear can also improve the safety of both anglers and the fish: casting a rod and line that’s too strong or too weak can injure the fish and the angler. In the case of a weak line, it can snap too easily. When you use barbless hooks, it’s easier and less painful to release the fish you’ve caught safely with no injuries.
Why is your fishing tackle box important?
High quality fishing storage solutions have many advantages, especially for storing bait. Lightweight, tackle boxes are also easy to transport.
Most importantly, a lidded plastic container will prevent the bait from becoming contaminated by debris, dirt and insects, ensuring quality is maintained. An airtight and waterproof storage box protects your fishing gear against moisture, which can ruin bait and may cause it to go mouldy.
Portable marine water-resistant dry box
Our 18-inch portable marine water resistant dry box is suitable for all marine applications, including fishing. Made by Flambeau in the United States, it is among the best dry boxes available in the UK.
Ideal as a fishing tackle box, it features a heavy-duty carrying handle, large lift-out tray and flip-top lid with two removable dividers to access items that are used frequently.
The O-ring seal will keep the contents try, while the snap-latch with two padlock eyes will enable you to secure the box.
Store items such as floats, bait, gloves, hook remover, tape measure and other smaller items.
Large airtight clear plastic storage box
Never worry about dust or water sneaking into our large 50-litre airtight clear plastic storage box. This unique weather-tight box is eco-friendly. Made from 98% recycled materials, it features a hotmelt seal that ensures hermetic airtight closure.
Six buckles keep the reinforced lid attached securely, while the box is ideal for stacking, saving space in your shed or vehicle when storing or transporting fishing gear.
Ideal for all types of fishing, whether you’re sitting on the riverbank or sea fishing; as well as your tackle, it can also be used to keep electronic equipment safe and dry – perfect for mobile phones or tablets.
Weathertight airtight clear plastic storage box
Our extra-small 10-litre weathertight airtight clear plastic storage box is suitable for all marine uses. Like its larger counterpart, this weathertight plastic container won’t let water, moisture or dust sneak in to damage the contents.
A protective, durable storage solution, it has a clear base and lid design, making it easier to see what’s inside. Suitable to carry on boats for sea angling, or to place on the riverbank, it can be used for storing everything from bait, lure, reel and hooks to small electronic devices that mustn’t get wet or dirty.
Four sturdy buckles keep the lid attached securely. Like the larger box in the same range, the reinforced lid means you can stack them for storage and transportation.
Water-resistant yellow dry box
Use this water-resistant yellow dry box wherever you are and whatever the weather.
Suitable for fishing gear, as well as a camera to take pictures of your catch and other delicate equipment, it’s a reliable storage solution for outdoor activities, including angling. With a large empty compartment, it has a handy lid organiser for smaller items, a heavy-duty carrying handle with snap-latch and two padlock eyes for extra security.
The O-ring seal makes this dry box dustproof and water-resistant, preventing humidity - so it’s ideal for bait that needs to be kept fresh.
Angling in wet and windy weather
Wet, windy and warm conditions can have advantages for sea anglers, as the fish will tend to swim inshore into shallow water. This is because an onshore wind will stir up the seabed, creating wild and stormy waves if it is exceptionally strong, or choppy waves if the wind speed drops a little.
As these waves dislodge sea creatures from their rock homes, so large fish will come inland to feast on mussels, cockles and limpets. Crabs, small fish and marine creatures will be forced out of the weed beds by the strong waves, providing an abundant source of food for bigger fish.
While anglers will be tempted at the prospect of more fish gathering nearer the shore, it's important to take the necessary precautions. Never go sea fishing at the height of the storm, even near the shore, as this can be extremely dangerous.
However, going fishing after a storm means you can still take advantage of the conditions, without risking your life. You'll be likely to catch cod and whiting nearer to the shore after a storm.
There's an old saying about how the wind affects fishing: "When the wind is in the east, then the fishes bite the least; when the wind is in the west, then the fishes bite the best."
There's actually some truth in this, as an easterly wind tends to be cooler, so the fish are less active, while a westerly wind is normally from a warmer zone, including southern parts of Europe, so the fish are more active, leading to the best angling conditions.
The current wet, windy and mild weather could be ideal for a fishing trip. Pack suitable clothing for the conditions, such as a moisture-wicking base layer, a comfortable, loose-fitting mid-layer and a lightweight, waterproof outer layer. Always wear waterproof shoes or boots, as even in spring, having wet feet can ruin the best fishing trip.
More rain is forecast by the Met Office for April, so keep an eye on the weather reports. While showers with sunny spells can create ideal fishing conditions, no-one really enjoys being on the riverbank in heavy rain.
Make sure you keep your sandwiches dry!