Best baits for catching big carp
Compare boilies, pellets, tiger nuts, sweetcorn, particles and natural baits, with seasonal advice and practical feeding strategies.
Read the carp bait guideFishing advice and guides
Straightforward advice for planning a fishing trip, understanding venue rules, choosing bait and avoiding the mistakes that can turn a promising session into an expensive picnic beside a lake.
Latest guides
Practical fishing advice
Browse our practical guides covering fly fishing, day ticket fishing, UK fishing rules and bait choices for targeting bigger carp.
Essential fishing knots for carp fishing
Learn four useful carp-fishing knots with clear step-by-step diagrams: the Palomar, Uni, Locked Half Blood and Figure of Eight Loop.
Learn the carp fishing knots
Fly fishing flies: types, patterns and when to use them
Understand dry flies, wet flies, nymphs, buzzers, emergers and lures, with an illustrated guide to classic British patterns and fly anatomy.
Read the fly fishing guide
Day ticket fishing advice
Check bookings, payment, bait restrictions, hooks, landing nets, facilities and the equipment worth packing before visiting a new fishery.
Read the day ticket guideFishing licences and laws
Understand rod licences, day tickets, fishery permits, close seasons and the different rules across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Read the licences guide🌦️ New feature
Fishing weather forecasts
Lake pages now include a 3-day local weather forecast with temperatures, rain chances and wind speeds to help you plan your next session.
Read the fishing weather guide⭐ Visitor reviews
Fishing lake reviews and ratings
Lake pages now include visitor reviews and 1-to-5 star ratings, helping anglers share their experiences and learn more about a venue before visiting.
Read about visitor reviewsPlan your session
Find somewhere to put the advice into practice
Search the Fishing Lakes UK directory by location, species, access and available facilities.
More guides planned
Building the Fishing Lakes UK advice library
The advice section will continue to grow with useful guides for beginners, returning anglers and experienced carp fishers.
Winter carp fishing
Locating fish, reducing feed and choosing cold-water baits.
Surface fishing for carp
Safe tackle, feeding strategies and recognising confident fish.
Fishing lake checklist
A practical packing list for short sessions and full days.