/learn/getting-started
Getting Started
Your first steps in carp fishing
New to carp fishing? Start here. Everything you need to get on the bank with confidence — from your first rod to your first bite.
Featured Guide
What You Actually Need to Start Carp Fishing
Rod, reel, rig, bait — the honest beginner kit list without the upsell.
All Guides
Carp Fishing Glossary: Every Term Explained
PVA, chod, NMC, stringers — a plain-English guide to the jargon.
Your First Carp Session: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
From lake arrival to packing down — what to do and when.
Do You Need a Fishing Licence in the UK?
Who needs one, what it covers and where to buy it in under 2 minutes.
How to Read a Fishery Rules Sheet
Rules vary wildly between venues. Here's how to decode them quickly.
Choosing Your First Carp Lake: Day Ticket vs Club Water
The pros and cons of each option and where to start looking.
Put this into practice
Find a day ticket carp lake near you and use what you have learned.