Finding productive fishing spots can be difficult. Remote, untouched waterways are a better bet than metropolitan drains but such areas are rarely convenient, so start exploring the closer options.

Metro rivers, coastal lagoons, dams and even manmade lakes constructed for flood mitigation or decorative purposes can provide some action. Suburban waters are often presumed desolate due to the proximity to populations and the perceived water quality issues—floating rubbish and shopping trolley reefs can be a turn-off. However, it is this perception that can often save them as fishing spots, because few people fish them, as if they’re too obvious to be good.

So how do you pick the best from the rest? Tidal systems offer more potential because it is more likely that new fish will move in and out with each tide. However, land locked systems which open to the sea occasionally can also hold plenty of fish. It’s important to research such areas before you go fishing to check when the last opening occurred—if it hasn’t been flushed for years then your chances are slimmer than in those spots which open at least annually.

A good tip when fishing any closed system is to consider the effect of prevailing water temperatures. The cool of winter can force fish to move into shallower, sun-warmed waters; whereas the heat of summer might move fish into deeper sections where the water is cooler.

Also study the availability of food (such as baitfish, crustaceans and insects) likely to be eaten by the fish you want to catch, and fish where you find it. Tide times are important, even in non-tidal systems, because they can help indicate at what stage of the lunar cycle fish will most likely be feeding.

Good fishing is available to city slickers and it might be closer than you think. Explore your local waterways and if they offer fish food and shelter, then it’s time to start casting.