Match tackle is an interesting, and most importantly, effective method of fishing, which, due to its specificity, is not very popular, especially among beginner anglers. At the same time, in skillful hands, match tackle can become a real long-range weapon, and under certain conditions it is simply irreplaceable. Today we will consider the device of match gear, find out how to use it, and what advantages it has in relation to other types of fishing.
general characteristics
In most water bodies, fish, especially large ones, prefer to be at a decent distance from the coast. Therefore, to catch this fish without long casting, most likely, does not work out. Fishing for match gear allows you to catch a large area without resorting to the use of boats. Of course, there are other ways of long casting, the most famous of which is the feeder. It is not necessary to say that it is more effective, a match or feeder, since both methods are good in certain conditions. The feeder is more effective when fishing on the course, as it involves the use of heavy snap-ins, and the match - in stagnant water, due to the use of float gear.
If the differences between the match and the feeder are obvious, then with Bologna gear it’s more difficult, because it also involves long-distance casting and the use of float equipment. In this regard, many beginners are wondering: “What is the difference between Bologna gear and match gear?” The difference is actually quite substantial. It lies in the fact that Bologna tackle is caught in the wiring on the course, match-up - on stagnant water, and if on the course, then definitely without an emphasis on wiring.
In order to fully unleash the potential of match fishing and receive only positive impressions from it, you should be extremely careful about the selection of gear. So, let's find out how to assemble match gear.
Fishing rod
First of all, as in any other type of fishing, a rod is selected. Forms from 4 to 4.5 meters long are used for the match, with a test of 5-25 grams and a large number of rings on high legs. The main criterion for choosing such a fishing rod is not the manufacturer and not the external attractiveness, but the ability to quickly dampen the tip vibrations that occur during casting and to ensure sufficient propelling forces. When choosing a rod, they need to shake when assembled. If, after stopping the hand, the fishing rod quickly restores its position, then it is suitable for match fishing. As a rule, such rods are assembled from three tribes. Manufacturers of modern carbon blanks are constantly improving, so on the market you can find a lot of good options at a very reasonable price.
Coil
A special reel should work in tandem with a match fishing rod. Spinning models are not suitable here. A reel for a match has such distinctive features:
- Shallow but wide spool. Match gear uses thin fishing line and light weight. When using a deep spool, its high sides will prevent the descent of fishing line, thereby reducing the casting distance. In this case, it is advisable to choose a spool of large diameter, which allows to increase the winding speed and protect the line from rapid wear.
- High gear ratio. For a match coil, it must be at least 5.5. Thanks to the quick winding, you can significantly save precious time. The effectiveness and comfort of fishing depends on this quality of the reel.
- Lightness of the product and low power of the mechanism. Mostly small-sized fish are caught on match fishing gear, so there is no need to use a massive reel.
Fishing line
A special fishing line is used in the match, which can be recognized on the counter by the inscriptions: Match Line, SuperMatch, Sinking, and so on. You can, of course, use a simple fishing line, but such a tackle will be less effective.
Key fishing line requirements for a match:
- Minimum memory. Fishing line should not be taken in rings.
- Must sink well. Match fishing is possible only with flooded fishing line. Floating fishing line will blow the float at the slightest wind and surface current. It is worth noting that the fishing line itself does not sink - it needs to be submerged.
- Dark color. Marker marks are clearly visible on such fishing line, which help the fisherman to control the fishing distance.
The diameter of the main fishing line for catching small and medium fish, as a rule, does not exceed 0.14 mm. Such fishing line is equipped with match tackle for crucian carp, roach, scavenger and other small fish. If the tool has a large weight (more than 12 grams), then you can put a fishing line with a diameter of 0.16 mm. Well, for catching large fish, such as carp, they also use 0.18 mm fishing line. When choosing a fishing line for a match, you need to consider that it, on the one hand, should be strong enough, and on the other hand, have as little sail and weight as possible.
Float
The most important component of match tackle fishing is the float. In this type of fishing, floats 25-35 cm long are used, as a rule, with full or at least partial loading. The main distinguishing feature of a match float is its good aerodynamics.
Match floats are of the following types:
- With adjustable load. This is the most versatile and common type. You need to adjust the load in order to adjust the tackle to certain fishing conditions. For example, in shallow water, where snap-in weighing 0.5 grams confidently sink to the bottom, the float is surrounded to the maximum. When fishing at great depths, the weight of the equipment increases, while the float decreases.
- With fixed load. In order for the fisherman to be able to adapt his tackle to certain conditions, he should have a set of such floats in his arsenal.
- Not loaded. They are used in the match in some cases, when the bulk of the cargo to be thrown should fall on equipment (the presence of a current, great depth, and so on).
When choosing a float, you should pay attention to its antenna. A clearly visible thick antenna made of a sealed tube is not suitable for all fishing conditions. Recently, floats with thick open tubes have been popular. The carrying capacity of such antennas is small, which means they are very sensitive. There are floats that are equipped with a set of removable antennas, different colors and characteristics. As far as color is concerned, there is a universal rule for float fishing: bright antennas should be used on a sunny day, and black ones on a cloudy day.
When choosing a float, you should first of all think about how it will fly, and then about its sensitivity and elegance. Otherwise, it will not be match fishing.
Float mount
In a match, the installation of a float may be:
- Deaf. If possible, this installation method should be preferred, since blind equipment works better and is controlled. The disadvantage of this method is that casting a long installation over a long distance is problematic. Therefore, it is used only when fishing at a depth of up to three meters.
- Sliding. Match tackle with a sliding float is used forcefully when fishing at a depth of more than three meters. The float is attached to the coupling, which moves freely on the fishing line. To fix it at the desired depth, special stoppers are used that normally pass through the rings when casting.
Leash and hook
During match fishing, the angler is not able to see the slightest bites, which are noticeable when fishing at close range. Therefore, there is no need to talk about instant sweeping and forcing events. To compensate for rough equipment and a heavy float, small hooks are used, fastened to very thin leashes. With such a snap, the fish behaves bolder and decisively swallows the hook.
The line for the leash should be thinner than the main line, as much as possible, taking into account the weight of the intended catch. The length of the leash varies between 25-50 cm. The size of the hook should also be as small as possible. The color of the hook matches the color of the bait / bait.
It is recommended to attach the leash to the main fishing line through a small swivel. This will compensate for the twisting of the leash, which occurs when vyvazhivaniya due to sailing weights.
To increase the information content of match gear, many anglers overload the float so that only its tip remains visible above the water, clearly visible among the waves. In this case, even with a slight bite, it will go under water or rise, and will become more noticeable. This will indicate that it is time to prepare for a cut.
Consider in more detail the installation of match gear.
Blind snap
The standard deaf match tackle for roach, crucian carp and scavenger, for fishing in standing water, consists of:
- Buoyancy float from 10 to 14 g, with sensitive antenna and adjustable load.
- The main fishing line with a diameter of 0.14 mm.
- Loads of pellets with a total weight of 1.5 g.
- Sub-feed weighing 0.2 g, located 70 cm from the pellets.
- Leash of 0.8 mm fishing line 30 cm long.
- Hook number 18.
If necessary, this equipment can be adapted to other fishing conditions. If there is shallow depth and standing water in the pond, then the fishing line load can be reduced, and the float load, respectively, can be increased by the same amount. If there is a current on the pond, or the wind broke out, then the shipping of the fishing line, on the contrary, is increased, and the float is reduced.
If a large fish started to peck during fishing, it is better to resort to using a thicker fishing line (a spare spool should always be at hand). To make the thick leash invisible, they select the depth so that it lies completely at the bottom. When catching large fish, this practice is quite familiar. In this case, the information content of the float decreases, but it is not needed here, because large fish themselves are detected reliably.
Sliding tool
The equipment consists of the same elements as the previous one, but there are some nuances in its installation. The rate of bait dipping here depends on the weight of the load. In stagnant water, they usually use this rule - 1 meter of depth is equal to 1 gram of loading. Thus, for fishing at a depth of 5 meters, you need to hang 4-5 grams of cargo on a fishing line. Such a heavy load is needed in order to get through the bushing of the float using a fishing line and deliver the nozzle to the desired place as soon as possible. During the course, the mass of weights increases at least twice. It all depends on the strength of the current and the depth of fishing. As a rule, during the course, the weight ratio of the weights and the float is selected experimentally. That is why it is more convenient to use floats with adjustable load.
On unregulated floats, the mass of the cargo that needs to be fixed on the fishing line is written after the “+” sign. For example, if “8 + 4” is written on the float, this means that its own load is 8 grams, and you need to hang another 4 grams on the fishing line.
Float weight
The mass of the float depends on the casting distance, the thickness of the fishing line, wind strength, current strength and depth. The harder the fishing conditions, the greater should be the weight of the equipment, and the less weight falls on the float. For example, a float with ogruzka “3 + 7” (it doesn’t matter whether it is sliding or deaf), is suitable for fishing from a long distance, at a considerable depth, in still water. The same loading formula is suitable for average distance, average depth and underwater current. In certain conditions, it is possible to use a completely unloaded float.
It is worth considering that the flight of equipment depends on the mass ratio of the float and weights. If these masses are approximately equal, then there will be no “leader” in flight, and rigging will often be confused. In addition, the sailing of the fishing line during splashdown leads to tangling of the equipment. To avoid this, at the end of the casting by braking the fishing line, you need to straighten it in a straight line.
How to set up match gear?
The number of weights . When installing any float equipment, a simple rule should be taken into account - the less weighed on the fishing line, the more stable the equipment works and the less it will get confused. In any case, increasing the number of weights is only for those who have mastered the fishing technique. In match tackle for beginners, as a rule, one sinker-olives and a sub-stick are enough.
Casting distance . In match fishing, casting is whenever possible carried out 5-10 meters further than the fishing site. This is necessary so as not to frighten away fish concentrated in a fed place. In addition, the stock of distance is necessary in order to drown the fishing line.
Cast. Match tackle is usually thrown over the head. When the rod is retracted, the butt remaining in front indicates the direction of casting. Novice anglers sometimes throw match tackle over their shoulders.
Check for lack of overwhelming . Before casting, you need to raise the rod up and, pulling the fishing line with your fingers, make sure that it passes through the rings without overlaps. Otherwise, during a sharp casting, the float and equipment may come off and set off for free flight. Due to such nuances for beginners, match tackle may seem too complicated, but it is not.
Straightening fishing line . In the final stage of casting, it is necessary to slow down the descent of the fishing line with your finger so that the formed “sail” straightens out and the fishing line falls into the water even.
Recession fishing line . Having slowed down the flight of equipment, you need to close the arms of the forest layer with your hands and quickly exhaust the resulting slack. Immediately after that, you need to make a short swing with a fishing rod to the side, pull the fishing line into the string and flood it. If the fishing line has not completely drowned, then the “winding-twitching” technique should be repeated. Leaving fishing line on the surface of the water is highly discouraged. Then the tip of the rod is lowered slightly into the water, and the fishing line is wound to a marker mark indicating a suitable distance.
Marking fishing line . Having chosen a suitable fishing distance, it should be marked with a special white marker on the fishing line near the reel. The white marker stands out perfectly on the fishing line, especially if it is dark. In the process of fishing, the mark must be periodically updated.
Measurement of depth . Determining the depth of match tackle if it causes difficulties, then perhaps for beginners. Depth is determined by simple selection. The only caveat - all sinkers need to be moved to one place. If the float sinks during casting, it means that the set depth is not enough. If it pops up - on the contrary. The main thing here is to throw at one point.
Catching and hooking . When a fisherman expects a bite, watching the float, the tip of the rod should be under water at a depth of 40 centimeters. The slack between the fishing rod and the float should not be. When hooking, the fishing rod rises slightly and a sharp swing to the side. Due to the fact that the fishing line is not removed from the water, the transmission of force from the tip of the rod to the hook leash is the fastest.
The shock leader . A shock leader is a piece of thick fishing line, two rods long, which is attached between the main line and the leash and serves to reduce the risk of breakage during casting and the final stage of fishing. In match fishing, the shock leader is used when using a float weighing more than 20 grams, since the presence of excess nodes on the fishing line affects the casting distance badly and can lead to confusion.
Bait . In match fishing, bait balls must be thrown at the same point. This is quite difficult to do, especially for beginner anglers. To facilitate the point feeding of fish, it is recommended to use a special slingshot. It is worth choosing it depending on the casting distance. For example, to deliver bait to a distance of 30 meters, a low power slingshot will be enough. With each casting, it is worth stretching the rubber of the slingshot to the same length. Additionally, you can adjust the casting distance by changing the elevation angle. Balls need to try to make the same size. After several workouts, you can achieve quite acceptable results.