GENERAL 

Many shore anglers switch their attention to match fishing with the added incentive of a cash prize and the buzz from competition against other anglers. Match fishing can be great fun and it's fairly easy to get started with your normal tackle. Perhaps the only changes are the reduction of hook size, the use of multi-hook rigs and a greater awareness of the baits that can be used.

In general, match anglers need to target what fish are available on a given venue at a pre-arranged time, which is not so easy as picking a time to fish when the fish you want to catch are plentiful. Unlike most sports, the complete angling novice can sometimes beat the experts. The large rover events, where you fish anywhere within boundaries, are the ideal place to start and are based around the biggest fish. You can fish with your friends, get on the hot spot provided you arrive early and copy the methods of others. Your chances of success still may still be slim, but they are better than in a pegged event, which is based on total weight of fish caught.

Whatever type of match you chose, becoming proficient takes time. The best place to start competitive fishing is with your local sea angling club. It is the first rung of the match fishing ladder, but the best learning ground. Most clubs operate a series of weekend or evening competitions. Your first tasks will be to learn about a specific venue and this is where a club series based around a single beach or pier offers the ideal environment to start. You can learn how the tide determine the fishing, what the best baits are and for what species, the range and types of sea beds that the different species are caught on, plus the hot spots and best tackle. This knowledge can then be translated to other venues and situations. Along with a combination of skills and plenty of practice, this will eventually make you a better angler. The biggest advantage of a club atmosphere is that you can watch and learn from others fairly easily.

TIPS

1. Buy a fridge for your bait because bait management is an integral part of match fishing.

2. Your fishing memory is very important. Keep a diary of events and you can look back when a venue, tide and weather repeats itself.

3. Be prepared. Never go to a competition un prepared. If you think you need to do something, do it.

4. Fish as hard in the last five minutes as you do in the first five.

5. Be impatient. When you are not catching try something else, such as another bait, rig or different casting range. Don't wait for the fish to change their habits to suit your methods.