Love fishing and enjoy a bit of a challenge? Then why not enter a match and see how you fare? You might just surprise yourself and get hooked in the process!
For many, fishing is the ideal way to relax and unwind by the water, but match fishing takes it up a notch, turning a peaceful pastime into an exciting competition. Every week, anglers from all over the country come together to test their skills, aiming to catch the heaviest weight of fish within a set time. If you’ve ever spotted a match in action and wondered what it’s all about, you’re in luck and here is why you should give it a try!
Match fishing isn’t just about catching the biggest weight of fish, it’s also about strategy, decision making, and honing your skills while enjoying the company of fellow anglers. Whether you’re a pleasure angler wanting to step it up or a complete beginner, this guide will help you navigate your first match.
THE BEST FISHING POLES ARE A MUST HAVE FOR A MATCH ANGLER.
Picking your first match
If you’re new to match fishing, a great way to kick things off is by entering a local club match or a small open event. Club matches tend to be laid-back, making them a perfect introduction without too much pressure. Before you dive in, it’s a good idea to do a bit of research on the venue. Find out what tactics work well, what fish are usually being caught, and what gear you might need.
Practising different methods beforehand, preparing before hand to save time, can boost your confidence, but don’t stress too much, your first match is all about learning, not just winning. The key is to enjoy the experience, stay relaxed, and soak up as much as you can. Regardless of the outcome, you’ll walk away with valuable insights that will help you become a better angler.
USE THE BEST SHORT FEEDER RODS ON OPEN MATCHES ON COMMERCIAL FISHERIES.
Join a club
One of the easiest ways to get into match fishing is by joining a local fishing club. Traditionally, these clubs were formed by groups of friends or colleagues, but nowadays, social media makes it super easy to find a club near you. Many clubs have Facebook groups where members share match reports, upcoming events, and handy fishing tips.
Fishing club matches are perfect for beginners. They provide a friendly atmosphere where you can sharpen your skills and get accustomed to match conditions. Plus, they usually have a regular schedule, on smaller venues, giving you plenty of opportunities to compete throughout the year.
USING THE BEST FISHING REELS WILL UP YOUR MATCH FISHING GAME.
Open matches
Once you’ve got a few club matches under your belt, you might want to try your hand at an open match. Open matches are exactly that, open to anyone and they attract a mix of club anglers and seasoned match fishermen.
These events can vary in size and competitiveness. Some larger commercial venues host open matches with big turnouts and decent prize pools, while smaller fisheries offer more relaxed competitions that are great for building your confidence. Either way, open matches give you the chance to learn from experienced anglers, pick up new tactics, and improve your fishing.
THE BEST SEATBOXES WILL ENSURE YOU ARE COMFORTABLE DURING A FISHING MATCH.
Competing on the big stage
Caught the match fishing bug? Then there are major competitions across the UK that offer serious competition and even substantial cash prizes. Events like FishOMania which is televised, and Match This and the Golden Reel all offer life-changing prize money.
Feeder fishing more your style? Competitions like Feeder Masters and Golden Rod are worth a look. River anglers can also test their skills in Riverfest, the largest river match series in the country.
Many of these big events have qualifying rounds, so you don’t have to be a top-tier angler to enter, you just need to fancy your chances. And that’s the beauty of match fishing, if the fish are feeding, you’re in the right area and you get your tactics right, you always have a shot at winning.
MATCHES ARE FISHED IN ALL WEATHERS, KEEP DRY WITH THE BEST BIB AND BRACES.
Fishing festivals
If mixing competition with a social vibe is appealing to you, then a fishing festival could be just the thing. These multi-day events take place at top fisheries and challenge an angler’s adaptability across different lakes and conditions. With many venues offering on-site accommodation, festivals are a fantastic way to enjoy match fishing while making the most of a short getaway.
CHECK OUT FISHERIES WITH ACCOMMODATION IN OUR WHERE TO FISH GUIDE.
Give it a try
Match fishing is one of the most thrilling and rewarding aspects of angling. Whether you’re after a friendly club match or dreaming of competing in a major event, there’s a match out there for every angler no matter your experience or skill level.
IF YOU ARE MATCH FISHING YOU ARE GOING TO NEED A FEW OF THE BEST KEEPNETS.
