When you think of fishing, most people imagine the great outdoors, with rolling countryside, glistening rivers and glass-like lakes. Yet it does not have to be that way, and in recent years, many have taken to street fishing. This involves using the network of waterways and canals in the United Kingdom to catch an array of fish native to the country. Easy to pick up and do on your doorstep, many people are using it to hark back to days of childhood and simpler times.
Retro Fishing
In the history of gaming and entertainment, there have always been fishing-themed titles. On the Atari 2600, titles like Activision’s ‘Fishing Derby’ had you dodging sharks and trying to balance skill with speed as you struggled to haul in bigger catches. Millennials may even remember NES titles like Black Bass and The Blue Marlin, which had players travelling the pixelated globe to get the best catch, even blending in RPG-like elements.
The beauty of these games was that limitations on the console meant games were fun, but long-term playability wasn’t inherent. Those who enjoyed them would inevitably outgrow them and often shift to doing the actual sport themselves. Today, iGaming franchises like Fishin Frenzy slot have more playability. With enhanced animations, colour palettes and mechanics, they’re perfect for casual games. Played on mobile, they allow people to game with convenience, and in titles far eclipsing these early NES titles.
Street Fishing in the UK
For many people, street fishing is a way to capture this nostalgic feeling. It reminds them of days gone by, when life was carefree. A perfect example of this was on Fishing TV, in its Urban Fishing series. In one episode, Ant Glascoe Jnr went fishing for pike on a housing estate in Greater Manchester, where he grew up. Reminiscing about these carefree times, he then took a trip to Salford Quays for Perch.
In fact, this area of the United Kingdom is a prime example of just how much can be caught in the waterways and rivers of the big cities. A quick look through social media shows just how grand some of the catches are. Huge 33lb fish from Salford Quays and the Bridgewater Canal. Chub from Manchester City Centre Canal, and Bream found in the Castlefield area.
What Do You Need For Street Fishing?
In England and Wales, you will need an Environment Agency rod license. This does not, however, give permission to fish, and you must pay a local angling club to use the waterways and rivers in an area. Some of them may even provide this for free or a nominal fee.
In terms of kit, keep it light. Take your rod, spares, and protection from the rain or sun. When it comes to bait, maggots, pinkies and other common bait will suffice. Even bread will be lapped up by bream and roach. For added comfort, you may even want to pack that 1989 Gameboy to get some pixelated catch on Blue Marlin should the real world fish be staying at home.