Minimal tackle trip

[Fishplate 42]

Following my post regarding taking too much tackle to the bank (See HERE), I spent a day fishing with minimal kit, just a float rod and a selection of bait. It was like going back in time to a couple of years to when I first started fishing. I caught fish of all sizes from roach and rudd of an ounce or less in weight to a nice ghost carp tipping the scales at 6lb+. The full story of the day can be found HERE. I probably had one of the most enjoyable days I have had for a while. The real bonus is that I got a lot more fishing time as setting up and packing away was a breeze.

 

I am now thinking about applying the same strategy to my match fishing. I am not a serious match fisher, only joining in with the friendly matches held at my local fishery and a few informal get-togethers. My only goal is not to come last. As I have acquired more gear is is hard to work out what I really need to have with me. When I first started match fishing, all I had was a plastic box to sit on (enhanced comfort was provided by a couple of pound-shop kneelers to sit on) a feeder rod and a pellet waggler. Now that has got to silly proportions with several rods and a couple of poles, Seat box with fittings and more bait than my local tackle shop, well almost!

 

I am off to a match on Wednesday and I will be stripping back the amount of gear I will be taking. It will be interesting to see if this approach pays off.

 

Ralph

 

 

[chesters1]

I had the next peg to a very good angler of the time in one of the kent championships in the early 70's ,he had 33 assorted baits i had 3

We both blanked ,its not what you take its what works ,if a rod reel and loaf of bread is all you need then thats all you need along with a landing net and mandatory stuff.

Most fish will eat bread i have even caught perch on it ,i dont even use a bread punch so dont need even that

The pole angler will beat any amount of carp anglers in matches (as seen in our matches) so you could leave out the rods and all the carp stuff if your just out to catch fish ,but fishing in many peoples eyes (mine inc) isnt just about catching fish

Edited August 1, 2016 by chesters1

[Del_R]

 

 

I got into lure fishing a few years back partly because I didn't have a car at the time and I could carry all I needed on my pushbike. As you say, it was like going back in time. When I was a kid we cycled everywhere and didn't think about carrying too much tackle - all the tackle I had fitted in a small box, with my one rod and reel tied to the cross bar off we went.

 

A while back I noticed I was starting to carry too much stuff again. I bought a small holdall to force my hand a bit... yet I'm still carrying too much! I'm on a session by session mission to reduce stuff to the minimum. Part of the joy of angling for me is to be able to wander along the river bank, for miles if necessary, enjoying the walk and the scenery as much as the fishing itself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[RUDD]

If match fishing I pretty much know what tackle is needed for a certain venue and can leave stuff at home.

If I feel it may be needed I take it, to many times I have seen an angler draw a peg that is better feeder or waggler fished and they only have a pole with them.

 

During a singles club semi final one winter I was fishing against a browning sponsored angler who is well known on the SE match circuit.

An hour into the match he had set up a waggler using a 10ft method feeder - REASON, I was catching Roach after Roach at range up in the water with a 13ft waggler rod whilst he could not get a bite on the pole.

I lost the match by a few ounces as later on he had some small bream / big skimmers on the pole at 16 meters.

After the match I asked him why he did not have a waggler rod - didn't think I would need one was his reply!