People’s ideas of fishing often involve idyllic riverbanks with mountains as a backdrop and large boats; yet these images obscure the productive fishing opportunities available in urban environments.
City fishers can explore parks or city ponds that feature stocked lakes for sunfish, catfish and bass fishing. Small creeks that feed into larger lakes or rivers can also provide opportunities to pursue largemouth bass.
Locations
Urban fishing in the UK is small yet flourishing, often conducted on canals rather than ponds and often less sedentary than carp fishing – often done using fold up rods, lures and flasks of tea costing under PS1 (under $1). It offers less sedentary action compared with carp fishing; often done along canal banks rather than lakes. Fishing for urban species such as carp, bass or perch requires quick actions such as reeling in small fish when one spot doesn’t produce; also it can be very cost effective – fold up rod, lure and flask of tea all cost under PS1 (under $1).
Fishing offers many people living in urban areas or with limited transportation the chance to satisfy their fishing urge. Furthermore, its solitary nature also appeals to kids who might otherwise lack access to an appropriate fishing pond or lake.
At Hagg Lake, introducing young people to fishing has been extremely welcomed by some fisheries. One chaperone recounted bringing together rival gang members at fishing events; eventually finding common ground and friendship through rod fishing. Thus in 2021, fishing became officially prescribed on NHS for people suffering mental health issues as a form of therapy due to its proven positive impacts on wellbeing and social integration.
Tackle
Urban fishing may not be for everyone, but it can be an excellent solution for people unable to access remote waters who want a bit of fishing action. Especially beneficial for those with limited mobility or access who don’t have their own transport, urban fishing can offer a fun alternative way to hit the water!
Fishing in urban environments can often be restricted; certain cities even prohibit certain species. Furthermore, eating urban-caught fish may pose health concerns due to pollutants like mercury, dieldrin and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which take years to break down.
When selecting a spot to fish, ask other anglers for recommendations about which species may be present in that location. Also take into account city regulations regarding licensing fees, protected species protection and daily bag/possession limits – this information can often be obtained through the department of natural resources which usually hosts free urban fishing clinics throughout summer; these are great ways to meet other anglers while learning more about local waterways!
Techniques
Urban fishing differs significantly from its more commonly held image: one where an angler sits back with tea in hand and an adorable bear on their lap, contemplating fishing opportunities at the bank. Urban fishing tends to be agiler and more active. “It’s still smaller compared to rural fishing but growing,” according to Giacomo Francia of Streetfishing London. “You’re more mobile here and can move around to find fish.”
Strolling around with your fishing kit will draw attention from passers-by, with differing views on what constitutes appropriate fishing practices and killing their catch. One area of academic literature focuses on urban fishers from low and middle income households to gain more insight into their consumption patterns, while some scholars also note how fish consumption advisories often overlook how culturally significant eating fish can be for certain groups.
Many fishers we spoke to highlighted enjoyment and accessibility as key factors for them in fishing. Many loved the challenge of catching fish while others valued social aspects such as meeting friends and neighbors.
Equipment
Urban fishing offers some a unique way to experience nature without leaving their city home, providing an opportunity to disconnect without technology causing distraction. For others, however, urban fishing provides an avenue to reconnect with the great outdoors while spending quality time with friends and family members.
Urban fishing differs significantly from pond fishing in that anglers must remain more mobile and dynamic while fishing urban environments. A rod, reel and bait are the essential tools needed for urban angling; you can do your fishing either on foot or using public transit services.
Urban fishers typically share and trade fish among themselves and within existing networks; using it as food as well. Although these informal economies exist outside and supplement regulated urban fisheries, articles in this strand tend to focus on understanding urban fishers by categorizing them by age, income or gender while neglecting to consider consumption patterns of the catch.https://www.youtube.com/embed/yX3QxfFcO6U