Fishing in Cornwall: Learn Rigs, Knots & Boost Mental Health with Family Workshops

A family fishing from the pier in Falmouth.

Fishing in Cornwall isn’t just about catching fish, it’s about learning essential fishing rigs and knots, enjoying the Cornish coastline, and supporting mental health and wellbeing. At Tight Lines, our family-friendly fishing workshops teach beginners how to tie knots, set up rigs, and enjoy quality time outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity or a mindful way to relax, our hands-on sessions make learning fishing skills simple and enjoyable.

Why Learning Rigs and Knots is Good for Mental Health

Knowing how to tie the right knots and set up simple rigs does more than make fishing easier, it benefits your mind too. Our upcoming angling workshops combine skill-building with outdoor activities in Cornwall, helping families:

  • Focus and practice patience – Tying knots and assembling rigs encourages mindfulness.

  • Build confidence – Mastering new skills gives a sense of achievement.

  • Connect as a family – Learning together strengthens relationships and creates lasting memories.

Spending time outdoors in a calm, supportive environment has been shown to boost mental wellbeing, reduce stress, and improve mood.

Scrabble tiles spelling out the words 'mental health' with basil leaves next to them.

Beginner-Friendly Rigs to Try in Cornwall

Here are some simple rigs we cover in our workshops:

1. Running Ledger Rig

  • Purpose: Lets bait move naturally along the seabed.

  • Setup: Thread line through a lead weight and bead, tie a swivel at the end, then attach a length of line with a hook.

  • Why it’s great: Perfect for beginners targeting bottom-feeding fish.

2. Paternoster Rig

  • Purpose: Ideal for piers or boats, can be used with multiple hooks on one line.

  • Setup: Attach a weight to the bottom, then tie short leaders with a hook(s) above it.

  • Why it’s great: Reduces tangles and keeps bait off the bottom.

3. Sliding Float Rig

  • Purpose: The float slides down the line, cocks, and settles at a set depth once the float stop hits the bead, making it ideal for deep water, weed beds, or fishing over complex bottoms. 

  • Setup: Slide a bead, float and swivel onto your line,tie off. Add a hook length and tie a hook.

  • Why it’s great: Fun and interactive for all ages.

A running ledger sea fishing rig showing weigh, bead, swivel and hook.

Essential Fishing Knots for Beginners

Learning a few key knots can make all the difference:

  • Improved Clinch Knot: Reliable for attaching hooks.

  • Palomar Knot: Strong and easy to tie.

  • Loop Knot: Lets your bait move naturally.

Mastering knots gives you confidence and lets you spend more time enjoying the water, not worrying about tangles.

Half blood knot diagram, how to instructions.

Hands-On Fishing Workshops for Families in Falmouth

Reading about rigs and knots is helpful, but the real learning happens hands-on. Our family workshops provide a welcoming environment where families can:

  • Learn and practice basic rigs and knots.

  • Handle rods and casting techniques with guidance from friendly volunteers.

  • Enjoy the fresh Cornish air and coastline.

  • Connect with other families, share tips, and have fun.

Workshops are designed for beginners, so no prior experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to learn.

A mackerel on the rocks caught by red metal lure in Cornwall.

Why Families Love Learning Fishing Skills with Tight Lines

Our sessions are more than just skill-building:

  • Spend time outdoors in a calm, supportive setting.

  • Teach children patience and curiosity.

  • Relax, laugh, and connect while learning practical skills.

  • Build memories together around a shared achievement.

Fishing in Cornwall has never been this accessible and enjoyable for families.

A young angler catching ballan wrasse from the rocks in Cornwall on worm baits on a float.

Join Our Fishing Workshops and Improve Wellbeing

Whether you’re from Falmouth, Truro, or anywhere in Cornwall, our workshops offer a simple, enjoyable way to learn fishing skills and boost mental health. Learn, explore, and connect in a welcoming outdoor environment.


Ready to master rigs and knots with your family in Cornwall? Register for our workshops and family fishing sessions here or contact Tight Lines today.

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Family Fishing Days in Cornwall: Nature, Learning and Wellness with Tight Lines