Getting Started with Still Fishing: A Beginner’s Guide

A Beginner’s Guide to Still Fishing

So, you’ve decided to take up fishing, and after a quick search online, still fishing catches your eye. The name alone probably makes it sound easy, right? Just sit back, relax, and wait for the fish to bite.

Well… not quite.

As you dig a little deeper, you quickly realize you’ve opened a real Pandora’s box: countless styles, techniques, branches, and disciplines all fall under the umbrella of still fishing. That’s a lot of information for a beginner — and trust us, we know how overwhelming it can feel.

But don’t worry. Everyone was a beginner once.

In this still fishing guide, we’ll explain what still fishing really means, introduce you to the most common techniques, and walk you through the essential equipment you’ll need to get started. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s dive in!

What Is Still Fishing?

This is where things can get a bit confusing. Most beginners assume that still fishing simply means passive fishing — the classic “wait and see” approach. That’s partially true, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.

While still fishing techniques aren’t as dynamic as predator fishing, that doesn’t mean you’ll be spending the entire day sitting in a chair. Not at all! You’ll be casting, feeding, adjusting rigs, and fighting fish — sometimes quite intensely, especially when dealing with a powerful carp.

The truth is, still fishing is hard to define, because it includes nearly all fishing styles that target peaceful fish species. Each branch has its own specific techniques, approaches, and equipment, so understanding the differences is key.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at the most popular still fishing techniques. Explore them carefully and discover which one suits you best.

Types of Still Fishing You Should Know

Carp Fishing

When it comes to carp fishing, location is everything. After that, the rig becomes crucial, as it’s the first thing the carp interacts with. If you’re just starting out, we recommend using ready-made rigs rather than tying your own.

Depending on where you fish and the type of bottom substrate, you’ll need to choose the right hook size, leader length, and line type. A fish finder (sonar) can also be extremely helpful — especially if you plan to fish with a baited setup.

As for bait, boilies are hands down the best option for carp fishing and should be your go-to choice.

Feeder Fishing

Feeder fishing is a still fishing technique based on constant feeding. You’ll use various types of groundbait to keep fish in your swim. One of the biggest advantages of feeder fishing is that results usually come quickly.

Feeder sessions typically last a few hours, though they can extend to a full day if conditions are right.

This bottom fishing technique includes three main rig types:

• Cage feeder fishing – commonly used for carp on lakes and rivers. While it’s not ideal for long-distance casting, it allows for a wide range of rigs, covering multiple feeding scenarios.

• Method feeder (inline feeder) – great for longer distances and for fish that feed close to the bait, such as carp, crucian carp, or bream.

• Flat method feeder – even more efficient at long range thanks to its flat shape, which helps present the hookbait perfectly. However, due to its weight, it’s not recommended for muddy bottoms, where it can sink and go unnoticed by fish.

Float Fishing

Last but not least, float fishing includes techniques such as pole fishing, Bolognese, match, or long pole (roubaix) fishing. Choosing the right float is essential, and there’s a wide variety available depending on conditions and target species.

Whether you’re fishing on lakes, rivers, or canals, the right float setup can make all the difference — and asking the right questions before choosing your gear is key.

There are, of course, other fishing styles that fall under the still fishing category, such as catfish fishing or ice fishing, but we’ll likely explore those in a future article.