Match Fishing

Ron 'The Hat' Clay · Oct 3, 2005

I have often wondered why match fishing necessitated all the specialised tackle, expensive poles, complicated groundbaits, rigs, hooks, floats, hookbaits etc etc.

Why can't matches be fished for example to these simple rules.

One rod no longer than 12 feet. One reel loaded with minimum 3 lbs line. Float tackle only. Bait allowed - 1 pint of maggots, time allowed - 2 hours.

I think this would sort out the real match anglers from the boys. It would be an end to that disgusting term: "Bagging up". It would make the competitors involved really think about how they were to catch a few fish in very limited time on limited tackle. And it would make match fishing something spectators could watch and see a result without getting too bored.

Or perhaps it would not suit the commercial vested interests.

What do you think?

paul williams 2 · Oct 3, 2005

Dunno what the top match lads would think Ron, but personally i think it would make a damn fine day out...................so long as a pub meal is part of the plan!

Ron 'The Hat' Clay · Oct 3, 2005

Yes Brummie that would be a good idea.

Much more time in the pub.

And it would stop fish being kept in keepnets for long periods.

Heck mate I will never get used to how you have changed. What have you been eating? You've not been to Ed's place and eaten scouse have you?

christian tyroll · Oct 3, 2005

i like it, it might make me take up match fishing but like pual said i dont know what the top match lads would think!
might just be the best post ive read all week (apart from the scouser eggs)!

Ron 'The Hat' Clay · Oct 3, 2005

Lets's face it, snooker is played to a strict set of rules, so is golf and so is tennis. They don't make a top darts player throw at a bigger board so they can get better scores do they?

Match angling in the UK should be fished to the same ethos that pro bass tournaments have in the USA.

Every angler has the same set of tackle.

Period.

Baz · Oct 3, 2005

It could be argued that each man has the oppertunity to fish a match as he sees fit though, ie waggler, tip, or pole, all depending on the conditions of the day. Then it would be up to the individual angler to use his skills and knowledge to the best of his ability.

I watched part of the north Cheshire winter league match yesterday, each angler must have had a fortune in tackle laid out by his side.
And at least five different types of bait.

kev woolrich · Oct 3, 2005

sounds good to me that ron. long gone are the matches mate where hundred or more anglers lined the banks of canals, rivers and (natural) still waters all fishing rod, line and a float. beats a floating pole for me mate any day!!!

Ron 'The Hat' Clay · Oct 3, 2005

That is the whole point of this thread Baz.

Let the top anglers be supplied with only a limited amount of bait and simple tackle.

Only one rod and reel.

And only 2 hours to fish.

And lets see who can improvise with the limitations he has? It would be fascinating believe you me.

Ron 'The Hat' Clay · Oct 3, 2005

And what about matches where only fly tackle is allowed? And I am talking about coarse fish only.

I would love to see the likes of BN brought down to earth because he can't cast a fly for toffee.

Wouln't it be a revelation in angling terms.

If I had the money, which I dont, I would like to see a match in the Trent for example using fly tackle only fished, over 2 hours. Someone is going to win it to be sure, but how he won it and what pattern of fly he used would be utterly fascinating to learn.

And I would put up ?100,000 in prize money.

Baz · Oct 3, 2005

I see your point Ron.

The last friendly match I fished must have been about three years ago. Even so, I was the only angler fishing rod and line out of 25 anglers on a 14 mtr wide stretch of canal in winter. Everybody was on pinkie or squatts, fishing the far shelf with their poles, and I was on worm, and I won the match, with three 2lb bream, from out of the boat channel. (halfway)

Baz · Oct 3, 2005

?100,000 in prize money?? I'll have some of that Ron.
What are you chargeing for the entrance fee?

kev woolrich · Oct 3, 2005

i'll have some of that aswell ron, i'll have to pinch some worms off you though baz!

Steve Spiller · Oct 3, 2005

I think I know what the match lads would say to it Ron, but we're not in BB!

While we're on the subject, why don't we seem to hear much from the match anglers?

Kev?

Frank "Chubber" Curtis · Oct 3, 2005

I see your point Ron; a bit like the new A1 motor racing with an even playing field for participants. Sounds good to me but I think some of the top matchmen would struggle as they seem to have a mindset about tackle and baits especially on canals.
I once fished a match on the Lea and was drawn 2 pegs away from one of London's top anglers of the day. Even though it was peeing down with rain and a stiff breeze blowing he fished, with difficulty, the far ledge with pole and bloodworm whilst I fished just over the inside ledge with a 3metre whip and pinkies. I ended up winning my section with over 9lb of roach while he finished the day with 6ozs of minute perch.
When I asked him why he'd persevered with the pole and bloodworm when he could plainly see how I was catching all my roach he told me it was because that was the way he always fished the Lea in winter.
Talk about blinkered.

kev woolrich · Oct 3, 2005

i spent 12years or more matching fishing and only recently knocked it on the head for the want of specimen fishing and the way watercraft is involved in out witting these fish. its a different match circuit nowadays, there asking silly money for entries for a start and also the cost for the amount of bait needed on these waters can cost a fortune. its okay for all these guy's that have sponsors, to a degree there buying the match!! no more for me its time to sit back think and enjoy more of the surroundings!

Steve Spiller · Oct 4, 2005

Kev, same here mate.
"Pool Fodder"
No sponsor meant you could not compete!
Their loss not ours!

I did have one special one though, the "best" turned out for a memorial match, a very good friend of mine, I won.
They were all asking who is he? But I whooped ass for him, Graham Kyle, mine is the first name on the trophy, they didn't like it up em!
I knocked it on the head after that, eight years ago, I haven't looked back.

Sorry Ron, for the hi-jack, that's it!

Phil Hackett PCPL with Pride · Oct 4, 2005

Just a little rich don't you think Ron? Laying down rules for an area of the sport you are not involved in.
Each to his own, his knowledge, skill and experience!

Phil Hackett PCPL with Pride · Oct 4, 2005

P.S. Next you?ll be banning keepnets on rivers with barbel in them! Whoops enter the DVSG!

Smokedodger · Oct 4, 2005

"Or perhaps it would not suit the commercial vested interests"

I think you hit the nail on the head Ron and I would like to see more matches under your rules,I would definitely fish them.

Richard Baker 4 · Oct 4, 2005

In fly fishing circles in the states they have a one fly only match. You have to pick one fly at the start of the day and fish with it throughout the day. Its fished on rivers and the guys out there love it. The flys that people come up with as a result are ingenious. Dry flies that can be converted to wets by clipping off hackles, or by adding sinkant and vice versa.

I agree with what you're saying about the american bass tournament's Ron. I used to watch Bass masters every Sunday morning when I lived in the states. These guys are so proffessional, the skill involved and the tackle they have advanced to cope with all manner of situations is unreal. The fact that bass masters also makes anglers target higher than average fish (there is a minimum size) can only be good for the fisheries too. Could never see it working over here though. We just don't have the waters. Unless of course you were to experiment. I'd love to see a proffessional Americal Bass fisherman with all his kit let loose on Rutland of Grafham fishing lures.

Rich

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