Match Report – Shimano Aero Bomb & Feeder Winter League, Round 9
A disciplined approach on the mini method feeder produced steady bites from pellet-reared stock fish, allowing me to build a reliable weight without drifting between options. A bri...
Christene Jayne •
23 Jan 2026 
Super Sunday Winter League - Blanked!
This Field Note documents a tough winter league session at Aston Park, where conditions, turnout, and fish behaviour all pointed to a venue that had effectively switched off.
When Is It Too Cold to Fish? Lessons from an Icy Day at Sykehouse
Sub-zero morning, patchy ice across several lakes, one early perch on the whip — then the cold beat us before the fishing did.
Sykehouse Fisheries Open Match – Rover Draw, Cat Ice, One Perch (Packed Up 11:30)
The 'Rover' draw put us late in the queue, pegs icing over fast. We cleared the cat ice on the swim, nicked a nice perch early, but the session became a battle with the temperature...
The Importance of Notes: Why Every Match Angler Should Keep a Fishing Diary
Fishing memories fade fast, but notes preserve the details that matter — weather, rigs, bait, peg, and results. A diary turns casual outings into a growing knowledge base, letting ...
The Complete Guide to Fishing Pellets: Prep, Science & Feeding Strategy
Pellets are the foundation of commercial fishing, but preparation is everything. From feed pellets to expanders and hook pellets, small differences in soak time and texture change ...
How to Start a Match: Opening Strategy for Match Anglers
The opening move defines a match’s rhythm. Margins are tempting but rarely productive early; feed them lightly for later. The long pole is the reliable start, building confidence a...
Spring Silverfish Fishing: How to Target Roach & Skimmers When They Feed Best
A seasonal guide to silverfish in spring. Explains why roach and skimmers feed best as water warms, covering line, hooklength, and elastic choices. Focuses on groundbait feeding, f...
Winter F1 Fishing: The Complete Guide to Catching F1s in Cold Water
Explains how to catch F1s in winter, focusing on fine lines, soft elastics, delicate feeding, and steady rigs. Highlights scaling down main lines and hook lengths, using hollow 10–...
Lindholme Lakes – Sunday Open- Benny’s Peg 53
A slow, testing open on Benny’s. Early liners but few bites on the method, a timely margin F1, and a late run of skimmers saved the session. A reminder that consistent pellet feedi...
Lindolme Lakes - Sunday Open, Bonsai Peg 82
A strong start on the method to the island produced a steady run of F1s. A failed switch to bomb and pellet cost time, but persistence back on the method salvaged the session. A la...
Three Rigs That Cover Everything: The Case for Simplifying Your Match Fishing
Pole anglers often overcomplicate rig choice, but three core setups cover almost every match scenario. A carp rig with 0.22mm/0.20mm lines, hollow 14–16 elastic, and bulk-plus-drop...
Autumn Transition: Scaling Down as Temperatures Drop
A seasonal guide to autumn fishing, showing how to adapt as temperatures drop. Explains scaling down lines, elastics, and feeding to match cooler water behaviour. Offers tweaks to ...
Pole Float Masterclass: Matching Shape to Situation
This article explains how to match pole float shapes to different conditions, species, and baits. Slim floats for silvers and F1s, rugby balls for deep stability, diamonds for vers...
Know Your Peg: Plumbing Up and Mapping Your Swim
This guide shows how to plumb up and map your peg before fishing. It explains using a plummet, identifying shelves and features, and noting depths on short, long, and margin lines....
The Hooklength Question: 4″ vs 6″ and When They Matter
A practical look at the 4-inch vs 6-inch hooklength debate. The article explains how length affects bait presentation, bite detection, and control, with recommendations by species ...
Why Fishing Is Good For Our Mental Health
Fishing is more than a pastime — it’s a natural therapy for mental health. Time by water reduces stress hormones, restores focus, and encourages mindfulness. It offers both solitud...