I'm curious about the long list of matches that is printed in the back of the Angler's Mail, each week, many of which are close to my home. Does an angler have to be in a club or team to take part in one? I'm never going to be a serious match angler, but I just thought it might be a sociable sort of thing, to go and take part. If they are open to anyone, do you just turn up? I used to fish a couple of matches a year, when I was younger, but my Dad dealt with the entering and rules. I remember that I've never caught a single fish, in a match, and I'd like to break my duck!

just phone the organizer and book in, some matches dont have that many taking part unless its a biggish place

If it is an open match then anyone can enter otherwise they are usually club matches.
mark

hi folks,
if u fancy it go for it.

Fill yer boots, most of them are open matches. ie OPEN to anyone who pays. They're good for a laugh. Depending on the size of the match you will normally find a very wide cross section of angler entering.

On the other hand places like Woodlands should be avoided if you are a novice angler as all you will be doing is paying £15 for a days fishing. The regular anglers who fish the matches there are venue regulars and very skilled and knowledgeable anglers.

Good luck mate.

Try walking around the venue you plan to match fish while a comp is on and watch the other match anglers. Try to see what they are catching on and you might even be able to get one or two of them to give you a few tips. Also try to catch the ballif and he should be able to give you a few points in the right direction to catching.

This could help you do better when you go in to a match.

Good luck

before entering a match make sure there are no signs saying "no walking around without permission" otherwise the baliff might catch you and have a word with you.

especially on day ticket carp waters . . .

good luck