Deadbait Rod Beginner tip: Predator fishing must be supervised – focus on fish care, correct unhooking and never leaving rods unattended. IDEAL Rod: 10–12 ft 2.75–3.25 lb pike/predator or deadbait rod (or 6–7 ft jerkbait rod for lures). Reel: 4000–6000 size fixed spool or small multiplier. Line: 15–20 lb mono or braid with wire or heavy fluoro trace. Terminal tackle ["Wire trace with semi-barbless trebles" "Sunken or float ledger rigs" "Safe semi-fixed leads"] Extras ["Large knotless landing net" "Big padded unhooking mat" "Long forceps side cutters glove"] Specialist predator rod for safe pike/zander fishing with wire traces and unhooking gear.
Jerkbait Rod Beginner tip: Predator fishing must be supervised – focus on fish care, correct unhooking and never leaving rods unattended. IDEAL Rod: 10–12 ft 2.75–3.25 lb pike/predator or deadbait rod (or 6–7 ft jerkbait rod for lures). Reel: 4000–6000 size fixed spool or small multiplier. Line: 15–20 lb mono or braid with wire or heavy fluoro trace. Terminal tackle ["Wire trace with semi-barbless trebles" "Sunken or float ledger rigs" "Safe semi-fixed leads"] Extras ["Large knotless landing net" "Big padded unhooking mat" "Long forceps side cutters glove"] Specialist predator rod for safe pike/zander fishing with wire traces and unhooking gear.
Pike Rod Beginner tip: Predator fishing must be supervised – focus on fish care, correct unhooking and never leaving rods unattended. IDEAL Rod: 10–12 ft 2.75–3.25 lb pike/predator or deadbait rod (or 6–7 ft jerkbait rod for lures). Reel: 4000–6000 size fixed spool or small multiplier. Line: 15–20 lb mono or braid with wire or heavy fluoro trace. Terminal tackle ["Wire trace with semi-barbless trebles" "Sunken or float ledger rigs" "Safe semi-fixed leads"] Extras ["Large knotless landing net" "Big padded unhooking mat" "Long forceps side cutters glove"] Specialist predator rod for safe pike/zander fishing with wire traces and unhooking gear.
Carp Rod Beginner tip: Make it clear this is a compromise setup and that proper predator unhooking skills are essential. GOOD Rod: 12 ft carp rod around 2.75–3.0 lb test curve. Reel: 4000–6000 fixed spool reel. Line: 12–15 lb mono mainline with wire trace. Terminal tackle ["Running or semi-fixed lead" "Wire trace with barbless or semi-barbless hooks"] Extras ["Big landing net" "Padded mat" "Long forceps and side cutters"] Carp rods can double up for simple deadbait predator fishing where dedicated pike gear is not available.
About the Catfish ( Wels ) Wels Catfish are long, powerful predators with huge mouths and whiskers. They live in deep holes and margins, feeding mainly at dusk and after dark. Some UK fisheries stock them specifically as specimen fish. Junior tip Only target catfish under the guidance of a coach or experienced adult. Use strong tackle, big unhooking mats and barbless or micro-barbed hooks. Always follow fishery rules and be ready to pass the rod to an adult if the fish is too powerful. Logged a Catfish ( Wels ) recently? Add a catch report so juniors can see where they’re being caught, which baits work and how your tackle was set up. Submit a catch report Want to discover more species? Browse the full species guide. ← Back to all species
Parasite 🟠 High risk Chilodonella Chilodonella is a fast-spreading parasite that attacks the skin and gills of freshwater fish. It can cause heavy mucus, grey patches, breathing problems, and even death if untreated. It thrives in poor water quality, overcrowded waters, and when fish are stressed. Good fishery management is the best way to prevent outbreaks. Read full advice