If you’ve never picked up a fly rod before, Felix Farm is a genuinely good place to start. We get a steady stream of complete beginners through the gate every season, and most leave having caught their first trout on the fly. Here’s what you need to know before your first visit.
Do I need my own gear?
No. If you don’t own tackle, our All Tackle Package covers everything you need for the day — rod, reel, line, and flies — for a small hire fee plus a refundable deposit. It’s the easiest way to try the sport before committing to buying your own kit.
Should I book a lesson first?
If you’ve truly never cast a fly rod before, we’d strongly recommend our 1 Hour Fly Fishing Lesson, or better still the Beginner Starter Fishing Pack, which combines tuition, tackle hire, and a 2 Fish Day Ticket in one go. An hour with an instructor will save you a lot of frustration and tangled line, and it means you’ll actually be fishing properly — not just casting — for the rest of the day.
What should I bring?
Polarised sunglasses make a huge difference, both for seeing into the water and for eye protection while casting. Beyond that: weather-appropriate clothing, a landing net if you have one (we can also lend these), and a bit of patience for your first hour or two.
Bank or boat?
For a first visit, we’d generally point beginners towards bank fishing rather than boat — it’s more forgiving while you’re finding your feet with the cast, and easier for an instructor to help you from alongside. Boats are a great option once you’re comfortable, particularly for reaching different parts of the lake.
Do I need a rod licence?
Yes. Everyone aged 13 and over needs an Environment Agency rod fishing licence, even on a private lake like ours. Junior licences for 13–16 year olds are free. Buy yours online at GOV.UK before you set off. Our rod licence guide explains everything.
Is there anything I must wear?
Yes. Headwear and protective glasses are mandatory for everyone fishing at Felix Farm. A cap and a pair of polarised sunglasses cover both. See our guide on what to wear fly fishing for season-by-season advice.
What happens on the day?
- Sign in and pay before you start fishing. Last tickets are sold at 16:00 in spring/summer and 14:00 in autumn/winter.
- Tuition first if you’ve booked a lesson or the Starter Pack. You’ll learn to cast, retrieve and play a fish.
- Fish! Our rules are single fly only, with no droppers and no bite indicators. That keeps things simple for beginners.
- Land your fish carefully with a net. All brown trout must be returned. Rainbows can be kept up to your ticket’s limit, or released if you’re on a catch-and-release ticket.
- Fill in your catch return before you leave, even if you blanked.
Five tips for your first trout
- Don’t cast too far. Plenty of fish patrol within 10–15 metres of the bank.
- Retrieve slowly. Beginners almost always pull the fly back too fast.
- Watch your line. A twitch or a tightening is often the only sign of a take.
- Lift, don’t strike. When you feel a fish, lift the rod smoothly and keep the line tight.
- Change flies. If nothing happens after 20–30 minutes, try a different pattern or depth. Our guide to our 8 recommended flies shows what to try when.
Thinking of buying your own kit?
Once you’re hooked, and most people are, our beginner’s fly fishing gear guide explains exactly what to buy and what to skip.
Ready to give it a go?
Take a look at our Tickets & Availability page for current pricing, or get in touch if you have any questions before booking your first visit. We’re always happy to advise on the right option for a first-timer.