Boat Match Fishing

[Mike Fox]

Since George returned from the World Championships, he's succeeded in repeatedly demonstrating to me the difference between fishing and catching. He's picked up dozens of new techniques which when combined make a phenomenal difference to overall catch rates. While he is unable to discuss these techniques which were passed in secrecy to him, other anglers on the same boat can observe tackle, rigs and techniques used, and adapt their own approach where relevant. I've been fishing with him to "Worlds" rules since he returned, and have changed equipment and techniques to try to help close the gap, but even after 3 months, there's still a long way to go.

 

To help George get into the Under 21 squad again in 2015, I'm keen to help George further hone his skills, and help him compete in as many relevant competitions as possible before September, so he's match-ready, prepared, and has further uplifted his skill with the equipment. I'll pair up with him for pairs comps, but where there's a need for a team of four, it would be good to know if there are other club members who would be able to take part as well.

 

I'm conscious that Frisky is slow, limited when compared to specialist angling boats, and is not the best fishing platform for him to use all of his kit to the optimum level, but we will continue to fish together, and I want to be able to push George every time we go out. Others in the club will almost certainly be able to push George harder, challenge him more, and offer additional opportunities to further uplift his game.

 

The purpose of this thread is to assess the interest levels in the club for boat match fishing, a very specialised branch of sea angling, where quantities of qualifying fish are the aim to "win the boat", with points per species, and ruthless fishing efficiency is the method of achieving it. It's a totally different definition of fun to relaxing dangling.

 

- Who in the club is already interested in boat match fishing ? I can think of several potential names already.

 

- Who already has the specialist kit and wants to see the investment start to pay off more?

 

- Is anyone interested in seeing the differences in what can be achieved first hand, and is keen to consider changes to tackle and techniques to uplift their own catches?

 

- Would anyone like to fish with George and I to "Worlds" rules in competition, so that you can observe the techniques used, in a friendly setting where scores can be calculated, and techniques honed? 

 

- Is anyone able to offer George and I fishing places on their own boat, where we can unofficially fish to "Worlds" rules, and invite you to join in? Maybe Saturdays to avoid a clash with club competitions.

 

- Is there enough interest to set up a "World's League" within the club for those interested members where we keep and publish scores?

 

- Who is interested in joining George and I in the various open boat competitions in the area, and is prepared to put in the effort and practice to achieve exceptional results?

 

- Can club members collectively help to identify those open boat match competitions worth entering ? e.g. Poole charter skippers species comp, EFSA, Angling Trust, Weymouth Angling Centre ones, etc. I'd like to build a calendar of events to target, and to plan for each one.

 

- Would uplifted club performances in open competitions be of any benefit to the club itself? Publicity, membership, etc.

 

- What can the Club itself do to assist?

 

- Does anyone have any other ideas that might help?

 

At this stage, I'm just trying to assess interest.

 

Many thanks,

Mike

[Rob]

Since George returned from the World Championships

You kept that quiet!!!!

 

On a serious note, it sounds interesting and could appeal to a few.

 

I have been amazed how many boats have been captivated by Dave's Annual Species Hunt. It really focused some energy and effort within the club.

 

Good luck with the practice, would freshwater match fishing be at all relevant, for the times that boats / weather don't fall in to line? That's all about presentation, organisation and changing methods until finding what works!!!

 

Best of luck and tight lines.

 

Rob

[Steve S]

Mike, I am curious what are the "worlds" rules?

[great white]

I too am curious about fishing to world rules, please let us know a little more

 

There are a lot in the Club that like me have fished serious competitions in the past and some that still do, so I expect that you will get some interest.

 

Having seen the turnouts for Club comps drop off over the years, even though rules and times are aimed at making fishing easy and fun.

I personally doubt that adopting strict rules and true match tactics would appeal to many.

 

Good luck with helping George out Mike

 

I would like to take you both out one day, to see the differance first hand.

Not sure I will be wearing a blindfold all day though. LOL

[Mike Fox]

Rob,

The freshwater principles are now adopted for Sea as well, with appropriate gear sizing etc. Good idea mind.

 

Steve and Charlie,

See Page 44 for rules for Angling From Anchored Boat here: http://www.fips-m.org/upload/pdf/reglementsFIPS-M/FIPS-M%20R%C3%A8glements%20Anglais%20Lisbonne%2026%2004%202013.pdf

 

Points by species are on Page 12 here: http://www.fips-m.org/upload/pdf/brochures/2014/2014%20World%20Boat%20Championships%202014%20for%20Seniors%20and%20U21%20update.pdf

 

Charlie,

Would love to take you up on your offer, blindfold not needed .

 

Mike

[niggle]

I enjoy competition fishing for a change but it can be so intense and tiring that it almost takes away the fun of fishing IMHO

Rob raised a very good point on freshwater match fishing or even beach comps as some of the best boat species anglers I know also do very well in all types of fishing comps.

If George only wants to focus on boat comps then the weymouth ones are very good also in Poole ,charter skipper Matt with Piscary holds a on boat species comp and usually hits 50 species every year and a few species trips with him could be informative so may be worth a phone call.

If you both would like some practice days in the spring then you're more than welcome on Wishin Too but I must warn you I may do over 7 knts

I also have numerous quivertip rods that George is welcome to try or borrow

Nigel

[Leicester Fisheagle]

Would be interested in talking more about this with you and George. My three tip quiver rod and my French, Italian and home made mini rigs are ready for a workout next season. Find it difficult at times to convince crew that species hunting can be great fun and that the preparation involved and the constant working to get fish has a spin off across the board.

 

Allan.

[Mike Fox]

Hi Nigel,

Would love a trip on Wishin Too, thank you! Piscary is a good idea, we'll look into that. Agree your point about intensity - it's not a relaxing form of fishing. George will no doubt ask more about your quivertip rods at the next meet

 

Hi Allan,

We're both interested in species hunting, and it might be interesting to see your French/Italian rigs particularly. The 2015 Worlds are in Croatia, so Adriatic/Italian might be similar species and hence rigs. The rigs might give an early insight. Agree with you that there are spin-offs in "buying a bite", encouraging a take, etc that impact ALL forms of fishing. Carol is looking at hanging onto her existing rod/reel and uplifting her skills in other ways, for example.

 

Thanks both,

Mike

[gjb]

Good luck with this and wish you all well for 2015 but i think by the time i have read all the rules i will be too old to fish any comps

graham

[Jim]

I'm not interested in match fishing. ( but I'm just a boring old fuddy duddy )

 

I had a mate in the midlands who was well into it.

It was cut-throat and quite nasty at times.

He only did it for money. ( as did many others )

 

Not for Me Thanks !

But anyone who is interested, feel free.

 

 

Jim

[budgie]

I have given up competition fishing since leaving the Army but happy to take you both out on my boat in exchange for some info on the marks around Poole Harbour and Bay.

[Mike Fox]

Hi Graham,

Yes the rules are extensive, but designed for charter boats where a steward keeps score and maintains order. On Frisky we've focused on the points per species, stuck with fishing at anchor, and applied a pragmatic set of rules, such as banning side or overhand casting - to help practice the underhand lob that can still give good distance when needed.

 

Hi Jim,

Yes, there is cut-throat element in match angling, that can be quite nasty I believe, and this is a good reason why the Club doesn't give cash prizes for internal comps etc. The cost of competing (and practicing) can be steep, and prize money so rarely won, that most sea match anglers will not break even in a year. I understand there's a fair bit of "gamesmanship" and banter involved, but a lot is just to put off the opposition.George isn't in it for the cash prizes, just to improve his chances of being in the U21 England squad for 2015. 

 

Hi Budgie,

We would love to accept your offer of a trip, and am more than happy to share mark info. If you attend the club meeting next week, and can bring a paper chart and a notepad along, I'll give you a head start.

 

Thanks all,

Mike

[budgie]

Thanks Mike,

 

 

Work has prevented me going to the meetings but hoping to make it next week, so see you there

 

Budgie

[Peter]

Mike, Like Charlie I would be interested in witnessing techniques first hand. If it would help to have a change of scene and try some different things you would be very welcome to come out with us from Portland

Happy new year

Peter

[Mike Fox]

Hi Peter,

That would be brilliant, and we will be delighted to take you up on that offer.

 

Thanks,

Mike

[Kingfisher 126]

Hi Mike

 

I have been invited a couple of times to join a team for comps, and personally as Nigel says it was so intense the enjoyment was lost for me.

The club comps and the Poole Species Comp is about the limit for me, timewise and enjoyment.

The banter we all have on a day out is part of it for me.

 

There is an invite to come out anytime that may help you no problem, kettle is always warm!

 

With all these offers I can see Frisky Fox up for sale!!

[Mike Fox]

Brilliant Chris, many thanks, we will take you up on that

 

Mike

[Coddy]

Mike

 

Perhaps George is willing to give us simple souls some of his newly learnt experience, without giving too much away, at a club meeting to see if we can all improve our catch rate.

[Mike Fox]

Hi Dave,

I know you and others would love to have a "magic bullet" that will instantly uplift your catches. However, please see my original post "While he is unable to discuss these techniques which were passed in secrecy to him, other anglers on the same boat can observe tackle, rigs and techniques used, and adapt their own approach where relevant."

 

George can talk about his experiences, the competition itself, how to work within the rules etc, but please understand the real constraints he's under.

 

Thanks,

Mike

[budgie]

They are a secretive lot but Mike is right you can get a lot from them when they are fishing.

 

The AAF used to fish against the England Squad on a friendly comp once a year in Newhaven, the first year they kicked our butt and the second year we kicked theirs.

 

The Navy and RAF had guys in the England squad so when we fished the Interservices boat champs and Combined Service V's the Police boat match, we used to watch the England Team guys and then take it away and have training days to practice on what we saw.

 

Oh how I miss getting paid to go fishing lol.

[great white]

Oh how I miss getting paid to go fishing lol.

 

Me too Budgie

I can not see my present employer letting me have a week off to go fishing in Scotland or North Wales like the Navy did for inter services boat matches.

[Jim]

Mike & George,

I didn't mean anything against George.

Just that on the rare occasions that I get out fishing I would like it to be pleasurable and stress free. ( Yes Chris . . . with plenty of banter )

 

Match fishing's definitely not for me !

 

Although I do enjoy a few comps . . . . . .  or maybe it's the beer & food at the weigh-in that lures me. 

 

Jim

[biggcol]

Charlie and Budgie I agree miss those trips all over the country fishing for the AAF and the combined services teams. Budgie are you the same budgie that I new when I was in the mob. I was the big ugly back caster. In fact I still am ( before Rob says it )

 

With regards to the match fishing I have to agree that it is bloody hard work. If you want to win you have to work at it and it is a continuous process. I used to match fish shore, and boat and trout fly fishing, only through lots of prep and practice did I manage to get a few good results.

 

It's great that you are going to give George your support Mike. I'm sure you will both learn lots and put into practice what you learn. I wish you both all the best in your quest for knowledge. I am still tempted sometimes to have a go at the odd match,I have even got myself a tubertini quiver tip and had great fun with it on Tuesday. Who knows I might even join you sometime Mike and George.

 

Good luck to you both.

[budgie]

Was in the Mob and was very active in the AAF, ran the Boat Championships, Interservices, etc for a few years after Jed, then managed the Army Team for about 5 years, Think I do remember something to do with Back casting lol.

[Steve S]

Well good on George for wanting to be involved in competitions at a national level and improve his standard.

 

Like many others in the club a bit of friendly competition either on the boat or in the club comps is all I'm up for. Running a business is all the competition I can handle.

 

However like others, I'm quite happy to take George, you and Carol out on Tigerfish for practice and if George wants some on boat competition thats fine, the only time she runs at Yacht speed is in the channels and over marks....

 

Steve