Fishing gear & deals — recommended retailers
Right gear, right technique, more fish. Here's who we point people to when they ask where to buy rods, reels, lures and other tackle.
Match gear to technique, not the other way around
A rod that's perfect for spinning after pike will feel wrong for float fishing after roach. Every species page on FishMap breaks down the recommended rod, reel, line and lures by technique — spinning, bait fishing, ice fishing, trolling — so you know exactly what to look for before you buy.
Find gear tips on your target species' page
Start from the fish, not the shop shelf. Browse fish species to see rod class, reel size, line strength and proven lures per technique, based on what actually works in the field.
Browse fish species →Gear guides by technique
Spinning, float fishing, fly fishing, trolling, jigging, ice fishing — each technique has its own gear checklist on FishMap, with rod class, line and lure suggestions.
Then find where to use it
New gear deserves a good first outing. Search the interactive map for lakes near you, complete with weather, species records and community tips.
Open the map →FAQ
Why does FishMap recommend Sportfish?
Sportfish is one of the UK's leading fishing tackle retailers, with a wide range of rods, reels, lures and fly-tying supplies. We list them because they cover most of the techniques shown in FishMap's fishing tips. The link is clearly marked as an ad — we may earn a small commission if you buy through it, at no extra cost to you.
How do I pick the right rod and reel for my target species?
It depends on technique and target species — spin fishing for pike needs heavier gear than bait fishing for roach. Every species page on FishMap has a 'Fishing tips & gear' section with recommended rod class, reel size, line and lures per technique and species — start there.
Does it cost extra to buy through FishMap's links?
No. The price is the same as going directly to the retailer's site. FishMap may earn a small commission from the retailer in that case, not from you.