HOW DO YOU GET STARTED WITH MATCH FISHING ?

How do you get started with match fishing ?

The symbol of recreational fishing in all its finery, still fishing with a reel, or so called "English" fishing means you can touch beautiful white fish such as bream, carp and other large roach, which are generally out of reach with a big rod.

Equipment

Rod 

Designed with 3 blanks, 3.60m to 4.20m long, English rods are equipped with numerous extensions to limit the friction of the line on the rod and thus cast long distances.

For anglers looking to start out with the English technique we recommend using a rod with a semi-parabolic action.
For more skilful anglers a rod with a tip action will be perfectly suitable. 

The reel

Light casting model, with a very gradual drag and good recovery speed. Ideal for commonly used nylon line (12.5/100), it is frequently used for long distance fishing on condition that the spool is properly filled. The skirted reel considerably reduces the risk of backlashes and means you can fish with thin nylon lines. 

Nylon line

You need to choose a special English nylon line, which flows easily, is relatively inelastic and surface treated to resist the friction of the rings when casting. Recommended line diameter 11 and 16/100.

Special english floats (wagglers)

The choice of float depends on the usage conditions.

With a current

With no current  

Swivel float attachments

The silicone case with an eyelet means that floats can be changed very quickly. Self-weighted models prevent the body of the line from being too loaded and are recommended for sliding rigs. 

Setting up wagglers

Fixed position: the bottom of the waggler is stopped on both sides by soft leads at the desired depth.

Sliding position: The leads positioned upstream are removed. The waggler is stopped using a nylon band which slides perfectly through the rings. 

Baiting

To be able to bait outdoors you need to use sticky bait. Gooster ready to use English bait is perfectly suited to this technique.

You can add live bait (pinkies) to the bait at a rate of around 1/4 litre per kg of bait.

Generally speaking, you need to throw 5 to 6 balls of bait the size an orange over the fishing site. To be more effective, you need to regularly carry out "light" baiting using a sling and large "gozzer" type maggots. 

Fishing action

Casting is very important: you need to try and play on the action of the rod and cast effortlessly so that the line lands properly stretched out over the water (stop the line falling with a finger on the spool).

Throw the waggler further than the fishing spot. Next, dip the tip of the rod in the water before reeling quickly to drown the banner. The rod is held like this with the tip immersed. When there's a touch, you need to strike on the side with a wide movement of the rod.