Whether it’s targeting carp at 150 yards or chasing modern-day sea monsters, little is out of bounds for Britain’s anglers these days. But which branches of fishing reach the outer limits?
In this article we will take a fun look at some of the UK's most extreme angling styles and decide which are a little brave and which are just outright crazy!
LRF (Light Rock Fishing)
YOU WILL NEED: A toothpick rod and microscopic lures, along with braid as fine as human hair.
With its origins in Japan and elsewhere, this relatively new style of fishing now has a cult following in the UK.
Perfectly suited to piers, harbours and rock marks, it challenges the angler to catch a whole galaxy of weird and wonderful mini species using artificial lures. And while fish like gobies, flounders and wrasse might not sound very extreme, they produce sensational sport on the ultra-light tackle used.
Perhaps the greatest charm of “Lerfing” is its mixture of technical wizardry alongside childishly innocent fun. Near-weightless rods can cast artificials of just half-a-gram, while the arsenal of lures and presentations is endless.
Extreme it might be, but this is arguably the most accessible fishing style on our list.
GET THE BEST LURES FOR THIS METHOD BY CHECKING OUT OUR LURES BUYER'S GUIDE.
Ultra-heavy fly fishing
YOU WILL NEED: A 12-weight fly rod, flies the size of budgies, and your head examined.
Did you assume fly fishing was a sport for delicate little rods, dainty flies and the “brine trite” (“brown trout”, to the Royal Family) so beloved of posh boys on the chalk streams? It’s a different ball game for the nut cases who go supersized with their fly fishing. Indeed, comparing small-stream trout with the pursuit of extra-large pike, catfish or even sharks is like comparing pigeon shooting to armed conflict.
So, what does it actually require to beat mega-sized fish on game fishing tackle? First up, it demands vastly beefed- up kit, whether that be a 12-weight rod, tow-rope line or enormous flies that represent anything from 6oz roach to mackerel.
There is a definite method in such madness, however, as it can be surprisingly effective, not to mention one of the most heart-stopping ways to battle big predators.
WHY NOT GIVE IT A GO AT THESE AWESOME PREDATOR FISHING VENUES?
Distance carp fishing
YOU WILL NEED: High-performance rods, big pit reels and a tackle collection that would impress Inspector Gadget.
These are carp anglers who take their sport way beyond a bivvy and a couple of rods on a small pond. Those who haunt huge gravel pits or giant Continental lakes are a band apart in this regard.
This is anything but bread and butter fishing. To bait up or deliver a baited rig at 100 yards+ isn’t straightforward. Hence the development of outlandishly specialised rods and terminal tackle. If you own 4oz distance leads, carry rods just for baiting up or wear a finger stall to cast, you might just be one of this tribe.
YOU NEED THE RIGHT LINE TO HIT BIG CASTS. HERE ARE THE BEST LINES FOR CARP FISHING.
Multi-ton-up match fishing
YOU WILL NEED: Lots of keepnets and arms like Popeye.
While most match anglers would consider any session a good one when they break out that second or third keepnet, others have found venues and methods where a “ton” or two could leave you in last place!
Todber Manor remains the top of a growing pile of such fisheries where weights of over 1,000lb are, on occasion, possible.
It’s not for everyone and, for obvious reasons, this style of extreme bagging needs a highly specialised approach. Strong gear and an A1 short game is the way to go, along with as many as 20 keepnets!
Exhausting work over five hours, this is definitely a young man’s game, requiring immense focus and endurance.
FANCY A CRACK AT THIS STYLE OF FISHING? HERE ARE THE BEST VENUES TO VISIT FOR 100lb BAGS.
Tuna taming!
YOU WILL NEED: Silly-strong tackle, nerves of steel and a licensed skipper.
Fancy doing battle with the biggest, fastest predator in UK waters? With specially licensed boats able to offer just that in recent times, fishing for bluefin tuna is the hottest ticket in town for those who want to experience some of the most adrenaline-fuelled fishing our seas can offer.
You can leave your usual sea gear at home, however, because with fish that average 200lb-400lb, this is a job for the sort of rod and line that could stop a bus. Nor is it cheap, £150-£200 a head being the normal day rate for a shared boat.
As anyone who hooks one of these monsters will testify, however, this is a bucket list experience you would never forget.
TUNA FISHING SHOULD CERTAINLY BE ON YOUR ANGLING BUCKET LIST. BUT FOR COARSE ANGLERS, HERE ARE SOME VENUES THAT SHOULD BE ON YOUR LIST TO VISIT TOO.
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