Tricks of the Trade. Dave Roe – Part 2

Being prepared is one of the key traits of a successful match angler. Its no good arriving at a competition with all the flounder rigs you made last week, only to find out that dogfish will be the main quarry. Similarly, its no use arriving with a flask full of sandeels when crab is the only bait the fish are interested in. I won’t even start on some of the lengths myself and Dave used to go to in order to ensure we had the best bait available.

Dave picks out the rigs he will start with

Quality bait

Reel in, clip on new rig, and cast back out as quickly as possible. Every second counts, especially in a close match with lots of fish - the time saved by doing this throughout the match could mean you fit in an extra cast or two, and an extra fish or two

Distance can be vital on this beach, especially in daylight

Each time Dave was down at the waters edge reeling in, i managed to rummage a little deeper into his tackle box. What was apparent was that a great deal of thought had gone into everything, from the meticulous layout of his seat-box and all its contents to the way all the bait was stored and transported.

People often wonder how the successful anglers do it time and again, coming up with all sorts of reasons for their own failure to catch, when in reality they should be questioning themselves and where they are going wrong. The preparation for a big match starts weeks in advance. The hours spent making rigs, fine-tuning equipment, digging bait and then keeping it alive – this cannot be done unless you are motivated.

Dave has a busy schedule over the next few weeks with matches on most weekends, and the preparation for them began as soon as this competition ended. While most anglers went home after this match, Dave had a long night ahead of digging maddies to look forward to.

: Dave picks out the rigs he will start with

: Quality bait

: Reel in, clip on new rig, and cast back out in as quick a time as possible. Every second counts, especially in a close match with lots of fish – the time saved by doing this throughout the match could mean you fit in an extra cast or two, and an extra fish or two

: Distance can be vital on this beach, especially in daylight

: Full rig wallets. Three hooks are the norm, maximising the chance of catching

: A spool of light fluorocarbon kept within easy reach. Some days the fish simply do not want 25lb Amnesia, no matter what bait you have on!

: Long light rigs are stored on foam winders rather than in sealed plastic bags.

: Baiting needles are a must for neat bait presentation.

: First fish of the day is a Dab.

: Impact leads, pyramids, plain bombs – all have their place.

: Kamasan Match 4’s are a favourite match hook. Note the wide selection of freshwater hooks in small sizes.

: Scissors are far neater for trimming baits than a knife

: Kneeling on stones all day can be sore (especially if you’re getting on a bit like Dave!). Here he kneels on a sheet of foam that fits into the top of his seat box.

: A good flounder. Make sure you remember to enter the longest fish pool (unlike Dave!)

: Some of the quality lines Dave prefers.

: Neatly organised rigs, match card and measure all ready to go

: Getting a fish signed by neighbouring angler Tom McAdam.

3 comments on “Tricks of the Trade. Dave Roe – Part 2”

Bill Hancock
March 14, 2013

I still enjoy reading these articles over and over.
What are the gadgets for storing the reels on the lid of the tackle box called and where can they be purchased?

Reply
- steve
  March 15, 2013
  
  The reel holders are from Breakaway Tackle UK (you should find them on google – most of the larger tackle shops stock them). They fit small multipliers comfortably, but struggle with any of the larger ones. Very handy though!
  
  Reply
  - Bill Hancock
    March 16, 2013
    
    Hi! Steve,
    
    Have managed to buy them online from Breakaway.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Regards,
    
    Bill