Fishing Stag Do

A fishing stag do can mean a few things. A sea fishing trip out of a UK harbour, a full deep sea charter after the big stuff, or a laid-back day on a lake with a flask and some very long silences. All of them are good, and all of them end with men in waterproofs claiming the one that got away was enormous.

The sea version is where I’d start. Think less sitting under an umbrella waiting for a tiddler, more TV’s Extreme Fishing with Robson Green. Preferably without Robson Green. Nothing ruins a stag like a celebrity catching the biggest fish.

Sea fishing trips run from harbours all round the UK coast. A few hours out on a boat, rods and bait usually supplied, and in summer you’ll often be pulling up mackerel almost as fast as you can drop the line. Great for beginners and bigger groups.

Deep sea charters go further out for longer. A full day means bigger fish and bigger bragging rights, plus more time for the rolling sea to find out who has a weak stomach. Abroad, some charters offer shark or big game fishing if the stag fancies himself as Quint from Jaws.

Lake and river fishing is the gentle option. Book a fishery or a stretch of bank, bring a cool box and let the lads unwind before a night out. In England and Wales you’ll usually need a rod licence for freshwater fishing, so sort that before you go.

It’s down to earth blokey fun, and it’s one of the few stag activities that suits everyone from the stag’s dad to the lad who’s allergic to exercise. The competition takes care of itself. Biggest fish, most fish, first to be sick over the side. Have prizes ready for all three.

And dress the stag up. If you can get him on the boat dressed as a sailor from the Village People’s In the Navy video, even better. Have a rummage through our stag do costumes for inspiration.

• Seasickness. Take tablets before you board, not once you’ve already gone green. A heavy night before a long charter is asking for trouble.
• Half or full day. A half day is plenty for beginners. A full day goes further out where the bigger fish are, but it’s a long time if someone’s feeling rough.
• Booze on board. Rules vary by skipper. Some are fine with a few cans, others want a dry boat. Ask, and stick to the answer.
• What to wear. Layers, waterproofs and shoes with grip. Even in summer it gets chilly out at sea.
• The catch. Ask whether you can keep what you catch. Fresh mackerel on the barbecue that evening takes some beating.
• Weather. Boats don’t go out in rough seas, so have a backup plan for the day.

Coastal towns are perfect for this. Newquay and Brighton both have boats heading out and a good night out on dry land afterwards. For a slower-paced weekend, pair the fishing with beer tasting or a round of golf, and let the lads argue about who caught what all the way round.