The big match qualifier

 

Let me share the story of a feeder match I participated in not long ago, this added added some excitement to my usual fishing sessions. This is not just about catching fish but about outperforming everyone else on the lake. Although I enjoy it, I must admit it can be quite stressful.

This time, I took part in a Feeder Master Qualifier at the renowned Barston Lakes. The final has a significant cash prize, making it one of the biggest matches I've ever fished. Naturally, I was eager to give it my best shot.

Minutes before the draw, I had a good chat with fellow anglers, discussing our strategies and hoping for a decent peg. When I draw my ticket, my enthusiasm waned as I discovered I had drawn peg 100. In my previous four matches there, I had drawn pegs 99, 102, and 101. Familiar with these pegs, I couldn't help feeling disappointed and uncertain.

Nonetheless, I remained positive and headed to my peg to set up my gear for the match. Given the silty nature of most of the swim finding a suitable fishing area proved challenging. After some exploration, I identified a promising spot about 28 meters out and another closer to my right. I prepared three rods: a 10 ft feeder rod for the closer swim, an 11 ft rod for the 28m swim, and a 12 ft rod for potential long-range searching for the fish,.

Baiting up was a crucial aspect, so I fed both swims with corn and 8 mm pellets, . The aim was to attract larger fish to the area. For hook bait, I used 6mm pink wafters on a size 10 round hook and the method was loaded with micro pellets soaked in a sweet liquid, 

As the match commenced, the first hour proved slow with only a small bream caught. However, a couple of hours later, I landed a few more decent-sized breams. Around the three-hour mark, I started reeling in small carp, one after another, for about an hour. It seemed like a feeding frenzy, accompanied by the occasional big bream. Unfortunately, the bites abruptly stopped, and no further action occurred until the end of the match.

During the weigh-in, my catch totalled 42lb, which fell short as the section winner from the opposite bank recorded an impressive 130lb. While I didn't qualify and my draw was unfavourable, I was quite happy with the way I fished.. Ultimately, you can't catch fish if they aren't present in your swim. I remained hopeful for a better draw and a greater chance at success in future matches.