CANAL KNOWLEDGE
Canals are now well established along much of our coastline. Many anglers have a canal estate nearby while others encounter them on holidays or as they travel. These safe and productive areas offer fishing opportunities often too good to ignore.
Canals tactics is all about understanding fish behaviour and working structure. Most of the stuff we consider when going fishing still relates. The bite is often season and tide related while factors such as time of day, boat traffic and water temperature impact too. Like most places the presence of bait can make a big difference.
In this article we look at how to approach a canal to catch the common species found in many of them.
RESPECT
It is inevitable that anglers will encounter residents as they work along the canal edges. These people can be friendly or hostile. Exceeding the speed limit and creating waves, hitting boats with lures, leaving rubbish, playing loud music or staring into people’s backyards are all likely to draw an angry response. Anglers fishing late at night can be mistaken for thieves.
Check local and state laws to know your rights. Politely acknowledge a resident and if they behave badly just move on without argument.
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
Canals are stable environments because they are protected from the effects of
