Newbie in UK/Leeds

[AlexNewbie]

Hi everyone!

I'm 20 y.o. not originally from UK, I'm from small european country called Latvia )) I'm a really big fan of fishing, not participating in competitions/matches but I really like to sit next to the water and spend few hours looking at the float, and think about life...

I have lived in UK for the past 10 years, but never went fishing before in UK (which is weird, because I love fishing).

I was about to go few years ago, but when I started to read laws, I saw all these restrictions and penalties which can be up to 25,000 pounds... I've got scared a bit...

Can someone give me any advice? Maybe the most common things that I must know as a fisher? Maybe there is a leaflet or something where all the rules are written in more simple and understandable form?

Because in my home country everything is a bit more simplier, all you need is a licence, and you must know the periods when you are allowed to fish. 

As far as I understood, in UK all hooks must be barbless (if fishing on free/public places) also there are seasons when you can catch the fish... and ofcourse a licence... but still situation is not clear...

Can someone give me an advise, where are free public places to fish in Leeds, and what are the first things I need to know before going to fish?

[drunkenmaster76]

Hi Alex - welcome to the site. I'm sure a few of the lads will you in in the close season dates for rivers. Is it mainly lakes, canals or rivers you are looking to fish?

Matt

[AlexNewbie]

Hi Matt,

I would say, I prefer canals and rivers, but if there are lakes with possibility to fish from the land then they are also fine.
The thing is that I don't have these proffesional 10+ meter rods for carps, but I would love to try catch one with what I have )

And one more question regarding the laws... What do you think, accessing of the one local bait shops would help me? I mean, can sellers there counsult me regarding such questions?

[drunkenmaster76]

Roundhay park lake is free fishing (and a 10 metre pole would be a pain in the neck with the walkers there;). If you do a search on this forum you should find the rules for there.

I think most tackle shops would be more than happy to give you some advice and point you in the right section.

I believe there are a few sections of the Leeds & Liverpool canal that are also free - heading out of the city centre. Again I'm sure some of the other lads on here will also help you out.

[joebassdude]

Ey up, welcome to the site fella.

What part of Leeds do you live in?

The Leeds & Liverpool Canal is free fishing from Calverley through to Leeds city.

The River is free from Pollard Lane through to Thwaites Mill in Stourton, (I believe. Although I've never fished that far down).

The rivers have just closed, but re-open on June 15th. (They close March 15th). But you have to stop fishing for trout on 30th Sept.
This only applies to moving water; rivers, streams, drains etc.
Canals, ponds and still-waters you can fish all year round, unless stated otherwise.

Regarding asking questions; I don't think there is a better place to ask for information than on this forum.
A quick search in the relevant part will throw up years of fantastic info. Or if you can't find what you're looking for, just start a new topic.
Everyone is happy to help :-)