match fishing

i have done two matches so far & came about 7th out of 20 but i find it very different from normal fishing??????
i was wondering what peoples views (good or bad ) on match fishing

i mainly caught silver fish on a waggler style but i have just bought a pole & i am gonna give that a try because i think it will help in accuracy in the matches
cheers

it depends on the type of match mate, i have fished in a few matches now and also struggle, i have done better in the matches what have been for abit of fun, but panic like hell in opens, opens if you didnt know are normaly very serious, or some can be. there normaly the big money matches. i normaly just enter the charity ones or ones set up of a forum.

I don't match fish anymore but used to be in the boatyards in Norfolk every Sunday morning over the winter. I loved the atmos and banter, the draw, getting to your peg and working hard and getting fish into your swim and feeding, never really thought about other anglers on the day to much or pressure, i was too focused. My dear old dad used to say as long as you beat the people either side of you, you have done well..but i always like to get a section winner at least.
Might even go back and try again one of these years when the bigger fish are out of my system..happy days thinking back..just enjoy..

ok but thanks for replying to my post
the charity ones sound more suited to me

[Darren]

Hi slimeofsnail, nice username BTW

If you enjoy the concept of matches the best thing you can do is join a local club. You will find they are a lot more helpful than the people who fish the opens and a lot of them will show you what they are doing..

A lot of people that fish the opens fish there every week hoping to place in the money. Most of them won't help you because it decreases there chances of placing...

In a club a lot of the people are just pleasure anglers enjoying a laugh and a bit of banter. Like the club I am in, my dad usualy wins his fair share of matches each year. After hes won 4-5 he will usualy sit behind someone to help them improve on the other matches..

Darren.

I have fished matches on and off since the age of 11 and Im now 54.
After the onslaught of carp puddles I stuck it out for another few years but then retired out of it as I hate carp puddles.
During that time I fished club matches ,open circuit, team fished and enjoyed a couple of heady years of sponsorship.
My point is I guess I know were your coming from.
I couldnt agree more with Darren. Start with a good club with a decent match calender.
Fishing opens from the off is a mugs game and is probably going to discourage you and will definitely skin your wallet.
You will be surprised at how quickly you learn.
Always make a point of opening your ears and eyes and following the scales round after as well. You will find the best pegs for practice and 9 times out of 10 the guys will be nattering about what and how they did whatever.
Just listen and soak it in. Wait until the results and then go and natter to them.
If your looking to pick up money try and limit your venues as you progress. Learning 3 or 4 regular match venues well will pay dividends moreso than trying to be an all rounder. That will come with time and practice.

I agree with the above. I started with a good club that had 20 matches per season and then went and started fishing in the open matches around my area. The best advice is just to focus on what you are doing and let them worry about you. I do look around and see what is on the hook of other matchmen and how deep they are fishing etc but that only takes a second or two when you can hear them shipping out. Another thing to do is ring the lake where your next match is and ask what bait is bagging up or a peg that's on hot form. Practice makes perfect, I go fishing for 6 hours. 1 hour set up and 5 hours fishing. In this time I can go through my session just as if I was in a match senario and get everything how I want it. Most of all just enjoy it!!! Hope you do well!!!!

The best thing to do is to ask if your not sure you will find on a club match there will be people only to happy to help.
Ive fished in more comps than i care to remember find your local club and watch some of the better anglers around you you will soon be picking up a few quid .
When you have got your new pole try to get an experienced pole angler to run your elastics for you and watch closely as you will need to change them after a few good session's in the summer .
You will also need to make some rigs again ask and you will get some very good advice .however please remember its not something you will pick up overnight but your catch rate will improve straight away. GOOD LUCK. PLS NOTE IM NOT A JUNIOR

I use to match fish a lot til my Club folded.
Then it was a couple of seasons day ticketing here and there.
But I missed the competive edge, out catching some of the numpties met whilst day ticketing got me looking for somewhere on the open scene I could go to.
Found a triffic lake, I do not expect to win but am happy to pay £20.00 match fee to fish the lake for 5 hours.
Average weight of Carp caught, approx 9lb.
I still enjoy the occassional freelance day, as long as I think I am out fishing those around me!

WHEN U STARTED FISHING MATCHES NO DOUBT U WERE CLASSED AS A NUMTEY .We should help these people and give them as much advice as we can u will get more thanks than poss imagine give it a try.