Coarse fishing means fishing for shoal fish such as bream, roach, chub, and tench. You can coarse fish in almost any water, all year round. With a fixed rod, float, light tackle and good bait, success is guaranteed. This guide covers species, techniques, bait, feed and the best fishing spots.
What is coarse fishing?
Coarse fishing targets shoals of freshwater fish that often occur in large numbers. Common species:
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Bream – shoal fish, often on the bottom
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Roach & rudd – easy to catch, ideal for beginners
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Tench – strong fighter, often in waters with lots of plants
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Chub – fast predatory coarse fish
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Barbel – powerful fish in flowing rivers
👉 Carp is officially not coarse fish, but is often caught with coarse fishing techniques in commercial ponds.
Where can you coarse fish?
Coarse fish are found in almost all fresh waters. Good spots include:
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Polders & ditches – shallow, easily accessible
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Rivers – such as the IJssel, Linge, Maas, Rhine
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Lakes – Markermeer, Haringvliet, Randmeren
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Canals – Urkervaart, Amsterdam-Rhine Canal
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Harbors & urban waters – rich in fish and easily accessible
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Park ponds & commercial ponds – ideal for beginners and children
When can you coarse fish?
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Spring – shoals in shallow, warming water (spawning time)
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Summer – dispersed, look for oxygen-rich water and shaded spots
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Autumn – fish feed up, perfect time for big catches
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Winter – shoals together in deeper water (winter spots)
How do you coarse fish?
Basic equipment
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Fixed rod (4–11 meters) with float
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Feeder rod for bottom fishing
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Match rod for float fishing at longer distances
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Light line (0.10–0.16 mm)
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Float adapted to depth and current
👉 Tip: use elastic on the fixed rod to prevent missed strikes.
Main coarse fishing techniques
| Technique | Explanation | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed rod | Line + float, fishing nearby | Beginners, park waters |
| Feeder fishing | Bottom fishing with feeder cage | Bream, deep canals |
| Match fishing | Float fishing at distance | For large waters |
| Commercial fishing | Ponds with lots of carp and crucian carp | Sure catch, sporty |
Bait and feed for coarse fish
Groundbait
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Ready-made in bags
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Mix yourself with bread crumbs, cornmeal, hemp
Animal bait
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Maggots & pinkies – all-round bait
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Casters – ideal for soft bottoms
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Worms – all-round, also pieces for smaller fish
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Mosquito larvae – top bait, but refined tackle needed
Plant-based bait
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Corn – bream, tench
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Hemp seed – roach, chub
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Bread – classic, versatile
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Pellets & mini boilies – popular in ponds
👉 Check out our range of bait and maggots.
Common beginner mistakes
❌ Using tackle that is too heavy (thick line, heavy float)
❌ Too much or wrong bait (too wet or too dry)
❌ Fishing at the wrong depth – always sound!
❌ Too little variety in bait
❌ No patience – coarse fishing is about feeding and waiting
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the easiest coarse fish to start with?
Roach or bream – common and easy to catch.
Can I coarse fish in the city?
Yes! Canals, harbors and park waters are often full of coarse fish.
Do I need a permit for coarse fishing?
Yes, in the Netherlands you need the VISpas and in Belgium a fishing license.
Which is better: fixed rod or feeder rod?
For beginners → fixed rod. For advanced and deep water → feeder rod.
Conclusion
Coarse fishing is accessible, exciting and suitable for all ages. With a fixed rod, light tackle, good bait and the right spot, you quickly have a chance of a nice catch. From urban waters to large rivers: coarse fish can be found everywhere!