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Fishing and its techniques
Fishing techniques have evolved. Just 75 years ago, salmon were still being caught in our rivers using nets and harpoons known as gaffs. This type of fishing, which was mainly commercial, has now disappeared, giving way to various recreational fishing methods. These modern techniques are more precise and give fish a chance to escape capture. Depending on a fish’s diet, the fishing method used will vary.
Some fish can be caught using different techniques. For example, trout feed on smaller fish but are also attracted to struggling insects on the water’s surface.
While there are variations within each fishing technique, the most commonly recognized ones include :
- The best-known and most important for beginners : coarse fishing
- A bit more technical : fly fishing
- A very visual method, ideal for small rivers: toc fishing (bait drifting)
- A technique predators can't resist: spin fishing
Sometimes, a fishing technique is named after the specific fish it targets, such as carp fishing, catfish fishing, or after a group of species, like predator fishing (pike, zander, perch).
To learn even more about fishing techniques, you can download “My First Fishing Book”, which takes you on a journey through aquatic environments and the world of fishing.
Coarse fishing
Description
This fishing technique gets its name from the act of selecting a specific fishing spot—known as a "coup"—and attracting fish to it using groundbait. Under this umbrella term fall several fishing methods: long rods fishing, Coarse fishing (English style), and Bolognese fishing.
These techniques differ both in the equipment used and in the target species. long rods fishing, in particular, has introduced many beginners to the world of angling. At first glance, it seems quite simple—no reel is needed—and relatively inexpensive, which is why it remains one of the most widely practiced methods. The essential equipment consists of two main components: the rods and the rig (line and float setup).
The principle behind coup fishing is straightforward. The first step is to choose a fishing spot—this is the coup. Then, the goal is to attract fish to this location using groundbaiting. However, even the best bait isn’t always enough to get the fish to bite. That's where fine and sensitive lines come into play—they're crucial to outsmart wary fish.
There are many variations of coarse fishing.
Among them, long rods fishing remains the most popular technique across all age groups, and it can be practiced in all types of freshwater—canals, ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams. It’s the foundational method every angler should learn first. With it, you can target species like roach, bream, gudgeon, and sometimes even others.
Equipment
The Fishing Rod
There is currently an incredible variety of rod models available, differing in both length and the materials used (fiberglass or carbon). Depending on the desired fishing distance, two types of rods are commonly used: telescopic rods for fishing distances of 4 to 5 meters, and take-apart rods that can reach over 10 meters.
Adding an elastic band to the tip section of the rod (hollow tip) provides greater security when catching large fish with very fine fishing line. The diameter of the elastic should be matched to the thickness of the line—avoid using a thick elastic with a thin line.
The Rig
Made up of a main line, a float, a leader, split shot weights, and a hook, the rig must be adapted to the fishing conditions and the species being targeted. The presence of a leader helps avoid losing the entire rig in case of a snag. As for the float, the calmer the water, the lighter and more slender it should be. On the other hand, in fast-moving waters, a bulkier, more rounded float is recommended.
The weights are used to balance the float (so that only the tip is visible above water). A crucial aspect of coarse fishing, the choice of weight distribution often determines success or failure. When targeting more wary fish, the weights should be spread along the line rather than grouped together.
The hook is also a key element in successful coarse fishing. It must be chosen based on the target species and the type of bait being used. As for the length of the rig, it should allow the angler to easily grab the fish by hand while holding the rod in a normal fishing position.
Before actually starting to fish, special attention must be paid to gear preparation—everything should be within easy reach—and to checking the depth. Measuring the depth provides valuable information about the underwater terrain. Locating deeper areas can often make all the difference.
To attract and keep more fish in the fishing area, anglers use groundbait. Once thrown into the water in ball form, it creates a scented cloud that lures nearby fish to the spot.
Fly Fishing
Description
Fly fishing is a very distinctive technique that involves “casting” an imitation of a fly or aquatic insect onto the water’s surface. For this method, the angler doesn’t use a standard fishing line but rather a specially designed line (called a fly line) paired with a specific type of rod that allows these extremely light flies to be cast effectively.
Originally, this technique was intended for catching so-called “surface feeders” or “rising” fish, such as trout, grayling, and chub. However, various adaptations of the method now make it possible to target nearly all types of fish, including coarse fish and predators.
Equipment
The gear used for this technique is highly specialized. Anyone looking to get started with this style of fishing is advised to do thorough research in order to choose a rod that suits their needs.
Toc fishing (bait drifting)
Description
This technique is primarily used for trout fishing and is practiced in the running waters of our rivers. Other species, such as chub, can also be caught using this method. "Toc" fishing involves presenting bait to the fish in the most natural way possible. The technique gets its name from the slight "toc" or tap felt in the line held by the angler when a fish bites.
Equipment
The gear used for toc fishing is quite different from that used for coarse fishing.
The rod should be between 3.5 and 4.5 meters long and fairly stiff to allow the angler to feel the bite clearly. It is equipped with a reel that serves mainly as a line holder.
Spin Fishing
Description
Spinning (or lure) fishing relies primarily on triggering the aggressiveness of predatory fish. This technique, along with dead bait fishing, is seen as sporty, modern, and environmentally respectful. It combines strategy and thought with enjoyment and excitement. With spinning, anything is possible — right up to the last moment, there's always the hope of a bite.
The technique itself involves casting a lure that comes to life as the line is retrieved, presenting visual cues and vibrations in an area where a fish is likely to be hiding. Then, through various movements of the lure, the angler aims to provoke an attack.
This method requires skill in casting as well as a good understanding of the aquatic environment where the fish live.
The main species you can target with this technique are predatory fish such as trout, perch, pike, and zander.
Equipment
The Rod
There are several types of rods used for spin fishing:
- Ultralight spinning rods, which come in various actions and are capable of casting weights from 0.5 to 1.5 grams.
- Light spinning rods, also available in different actions, designed to cast weights of over 3 grams.
- Stiff, fast-action spinning rods for pike and zander, suitable for casting weights ranging from 10 to over 30 grams.
- Deadbait rods, which are always fast-action to ensure greater stiffness.
Rod length varies depending on the type of fishing: around 2 meters or slightly more for light spinning, under 2 meters for ultralight spinning, and about 2.5 meters for pike and zander. Deadbait rods, on the other hand, should be around 3 meters long.
The Reel
The reel is the essential counterpart to the spinning rod. They come in various sizes to ensure a well-balanced setup with the rod (always opt for the most compact model). For trout and perch, spool it with nylon line between 0.20 mm and 0.22 mm in diameter. For pike and zander, use a stronger line, between 0.30 mm and 0.35 mm, to handle their power.
Lures
There is a wide variety of lures you can use. Hooks must be sharp and well-maintained.
Here are the main types :
- Spinners, which have a rotating blade that spins around its axis, creating vibrations to attract fish. This is the most commonly used lure. Keep in mind that it’s often aggressiveness, not hunger, that triggers a fish's attack reflex.
- Floating or diving crankbaits, which are hard lures, the most well-known being "Rapalas."
- Soft plastic lures such as twisters, shads, or others that imitate fish, worms, crayfish, etc.
- Dead bait rigs, which allow you to attach a small dead fish and animate it to simulate a struggling prey. Choose rigs that preserve the bait’s flexibility—the fish must always be fresh.
The choice of lure depends on the target species. Generally, the bigger the fish you’re after, the larger the lure you should use. If fish are feeding near the surface, surface lures or very light, floating lures (like floating crankbaits) are preferable. If there is no visible fish activity, opt for heavier lures that can reach the bottom, where the fish may be hiding (sinking crankbaits, dead bait rigs, soft plastics, spinners, etc.).
Swivels
For trout and perch, use black barrel swivels in sizes 18, 20, or 22. For pike, choose size 3 swivels, and slightly smaller ones for zander.
Predator fishing
This term refers to fish that feed on the flesh of other fish. There are five main predatory species: catfish, pike, zander, perch, and black bass (which is rare or absent in Belgium).
Various techniques are used to catch these predators: live bait fishing (all species), dead bait fishing on the bottom (pike and zander), lure fishing (all species), dead bait spinning (pike, zander, and catfish), natural bait fishing (perch), and fly fishing (pike, black bass, and perch).
Due to the presence of sharp teeth in pike and zander, anglers must use a steel or wire leader to prevent the line from breaking when reeling in the fish.
Carp fishing
Carp fishing is often practiced using rods equipped with reels, but it can also be done with long pole rods fitted with elastic connectors. While most anglers bait their spot specifically to attract carp, this step is not strictly necessary.
When using a long pole rod, the rig is similar to that used in coarse fishing, although the lines, floats, and hooks must be adapted for carp. As for fishing with a rod and reel, this method is primarily a bottom-fishing technique. Commonly used baits include corn, seeds, and boilies.
Boilies are small, highly scented balls rich in protein, mainly made from eggs and flours such as casein, lactalbumin, soy, corn, or fish meal. These are cast into the fishing area to attract carp.
The rod used for this technique is preferably sturdy and robust, with a strong reel loaded with heavier line. Many accessories are available to facilitate this type of fishing, such as rod pod setups, sound and light bite alarms, and radio-controlled bait boats.
When carp are active near the surface, they can be caught using floating bait attached to a hook on a lead-free line, equipped with a "buldo"—a type of round plastic float filled with water depending on the desired casting distance.
Although most fishing is done between sunrise and sunset, night fishing for carp is permitted in certain areas.
Crayfish fishing
Crayfish in Wallonia
Native Crayfish
The red-clawed crayfish (Astacus astacus L.) is the only native crayfish species in Wallonia. As it is considered endangered, it is subject to protection measures throughout Europe. In Wallonia, fishing for this species is strictly prohibited. Its population has declined due to the spread of crayfish plague, which is transmitted through water and by non-native crayfish species.
Exotic Crayfish
Four species of exotic crayfish are reproducing in Wallonia: the Turkish crayfish or narrow-clawed crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus), the little american (Orconectes limosus), and the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii).
Which permit should you choose ?
To fish for crayfish from the water's edge using crayfish nets and tongs, a type A fishing permit is sufficient.
You may use up to five crayfish nets at the same time. The largest dimension of a crayfish net must not exceed sixty centimeters.
When is the best time to fish for crayfish ?
Native Crayfish
The only native crayfish species is the red-clawed crayfish (Astacus astacus L.), which is strictly protected and fishing for it is strictly prohibited.
Exotic Crayfish
Only the fishing of exotic crayfish is permitted in Wallonia. Turkish crayfish (or narrow-clawed crayfish), Little american crayfish, red swamp crayfish, and signal crayfish are classified under Group 4. Fishing for these species is allowed year-round in calm and mixed water zones. In fast water zones, exotic crayfish fishing is permitted from the first Saturday in March until September 30 inclusive.
Minimum Catch Size
Exotic Crayfish
For exotic crayfish, no legal minimum size is established by legislation. There is also no maximum catch limit for exotic crayfish.
Last update: September 11, 2025
