When approaching a swim, and while you are tackling up, keep in mind that fish are cautious creatures. They have many predators and are always alert to danger.
If you cause disturbance on the bank, or are visible against the skyline, you may spoil your chances of catching fish.
This is particularly important when approaching swims on small rivers, or where the water is very clear.
Tackle up away from the bank side and set up your tackle with the minimum possible disturbance. Just because you cannot see the fish, doesn’t mean they cannot see you, and if you can see the fish, they can almost certainly see you.
Make use of bank side cover to hide your presence from the fish. That doesn’t just mean cover in front of you – positioning yourself in front of a bank side feature such as a high bank, bush or tree behind you will disguise you, especially if you wear drab clothing that helps you to blend in.
See the other sections of this guide, accessible from the menu on the right, for tactics and rigs for fishing in various waters.