Poles apart

[Ron Clay]

In the world of coarse fishing there are obviously two distinct disciplines of keen coarse angler:

1: The dedicated match angler.

2: The keen specimen hunter or specialist.

Just how much of one of these codes is influencing techniques or even the philosophical approach to angling of the other code? Are there still some specialists who call all match anglers "a bunch of tiddler snatching noddies". Or are there still match anglers who call specialist a bunch of "bivvy dwelling skull dragging fish haulers".

I have noticed of late that a few match anglers are changing code. I get a lot of match angling types asking me about barbel fishing on the Trent and even zander fishing in the fens.

Also, just how much do match angling techniques influence specialist anglers and vice versa. Some match anglers for example are now using hair rigs.

What do you thinkk?

 

[Mike Parker]

Surely there is a third discipline - The keen Pleasure Angler?
I consider myself to be a keen pleasure angler (I manage to wet a line, on average, 3 times a week) but I also enter the old Match and spend most of my time at this time of year after large river spieces.
I have found that both Match & Specimen Anglers in general take Fishing far too seriously!- Lifes too short to grow your own maggots.
I can understand why Match anglers are moving across, fishing matches are not a pleasant experience either before during or after the match (especially if you frame or draw a flyer peg)
I for one do not knowingly use Match techniques when Speci hunting, but do use Speci Techniques in my 'Pleasure' and Match Fishing. I only go crap (sorry I mean carp) fishing using floating (no not Floaters D O'L et al) baits or trimmed down 'Duffers' and a fly rod.
Everyone should be open to what the 'opposition' are doing and I will always try something if I think it will work, or even to prove to myself that a technique/bait is not applicable to a particular situation.
The best technique which is transferable between all disciplines is that of if your not enjoying it and have difficulty in raising a smile, even if its cold and wet,- take up doing Jig Saws or Painting by Numbers!

 

[Ron Clay]

You are dead right of course Mike, and a man after my own heart. I would not call myself a serious spec-hunter any more