Match fishing rod: rigging methods and fishing tactics with this gear

A match rod is one of the types of float tackle with which you can comfortably fish long distances. As a rule, fishing with this type of rod is carried out in standing or weakly flowing reservoirs. The object of production when using this type of gear becomes absolutely any type of fish that lives in our freshwater bodies, be it a predatory or peaceful population, because the equipment of a match fishing rod can be in very wide variations. A variety of rigs provides real opportunities for supplying bait of any type and size to the hunting zone, and floats specially designed for fishing with a match fishing rod can allow the bait to sink to depths of varying sizes.

Plug match rod

Both complex in composition and configuration, and quite simple in assembly, can cover any fishing conditions on calm water bodies, based on which we can confidently conclude that match fishing, even for beginners, can become a method of float hunting where you can sufficiently quickly learn the basics of catching almost all types of fish. How to assemble a rod for long-distance fishing, learn how to use it effectively and at the same time have high results in catches will be presented to the reader in the article.

What is a match rod

Match rods in their configuration have a number of common basic assembly elements with both fly and Bolognese tackle. These elements are absolutely identical for some fishing conditions. The main difference from other types of float rods is the structure and size of the blank. The structural features of the fishing rod make it possible to make long casts. Match tackle based on a special fishing rod is equipped with a spinning reel and a main cord, on which the required rigs, consisting of floats, sinkers, leashes and hooks, are based.

The installation components are mostly standard fishing accessories that can be purchased at any fishing store. The only thing is that when purchasing floats you need to be guided by some rules for choosing a product that will provide the possibility of long casting and achieving the desired level of immersion of the bait. A detailed description of the components and necessary fishing accessories, without which the equipment of a match rod cannot be completed, is given in the following sections of the material.

Equipment elements

Match fishing to ensure the reliability of connecting equipment elements, limiting the sliding range of floats and preventing tangling, which is often the main problem that seriously affects the casting distance, balancing the float and bait, as well as keeping the installation at a promising point, requires the purchase of auxiliary fishing accessories, which include: relate:

Small swivels to prevent twisting of cords and tangling of equipment.
silicone stoppers for fixing bait delivery depths by sliding along the float line.
special connectors for attaching floats to fishing line in various types of match equipment installations.
fasteners and carabiners for connecting leashes with main fishing lines.

The fisherman must have all of the above elements in his fishing arsenal on every trip to ensure the assembly of new rigs, as well as the timely repair of damaged and failed float equipment.

Match rod

Telescopic match fishing rod
The match fishing rod has a number of features that allow you to make both long casts and high-quality detection of fish by making a sharp hook on a long fishing line. The main design features of the fishing rod include:

the presence of a long cork or polyurethane handle, which allows you to make long casts without much effort with both hands.
The design of the match has a plug-in type, mainly consisting of two or three components of the fishing rod.
The rod blank is made of carbon fiber or composite materials.
the presence of a large number of passage rings on the tackle, unloading the fishing rod blank and preventing the wet cord from sticking.
The reel seat mechanism in a match fishing rod is distinguished by its clamping density due to the reliable and reinforced material of the clamping worm pair; as a rule, this construct is made of metal.

A match rod is characterized by certain operating parameters:

The length of the rod varies from 3.5 to 5 meters.
The test parameter of the match tackle form falls within the range of 8 to 25 grams.
The fast action of the fishing rod makes it easier to hook a trophy, increases casting accuracy and improves control of installation with bait.

Setting up match gear for fishing in currents

I have listed the main advantages and disadvantages of Bolognese and match gear known to me. We can say that in the matter of choosing equipment, we decided and chose match equipment. Ah, now let's get straight to the point. Let's talk about the design of match gear for fishing in the current.

Rod

Probably the main condition for choosing the right rod for such fishing is its length. Anything less than 4 meters is definitely not suitable. The most suitable rod length is between 4.2 and 4.5 meters. Well, maybe even 4.8 meters. Nowadays there are longer match rods, but they are designed for other tasks. With rods over 5 meters they fish in the current, near the shore in a retrieve, without long casting.

As for the rod's construction, there are no strict restrictions. Probably, only very soft and light rods are not suitable for fishing in the current. And so, everyone already has their own preferences, so focus on them. The rod should be comfortable for your hand. Personally, I have already developed some kind of feeling, maybe intuition - I pick up a rod and feel it’s mine. In general, the choice of rod in terms of rigidity and power largely depends on the size of the fish you are going to catch. The most versatile rod can be called, with a test ranging from 5 to 20 - 25 grams.

As for any specific models, it is difficult to advise anything here. Not everyone can afford rods from famous manufacturers. Yes, to be honest, you don’t always need to focus on the “company”. Nowadays the range of fishing rods is huge, and if you try, you can find something with decent quality at a reasonable price.

Coil

When choosing a reel, I would advise you to pay attention to the reeling speed. The fact is that when fishing in the current you have to make a large number of casts. With a slow reel you will waste a lot of that precious time. Pay attention to the operation of the friction brake - it must work clearly. In general, the main requirement for any match reel is precise operation of the clutch under light loads. It is very desirable that the reel has a couple of replaceable spools - this is for different fishing conditions. There is a large assortment of reels on sale, there is plenty to choose from to suit your taste and the thickness of your wallet. The most famous and revered brand among fishermen is “Shimano”.

Equipment

To make equipment, as the main one, I prefer to use sinking fishing line. It’s not that its sinking qualities are so necessary, it’s just that it’s softer and more elastic, which is a positive quality for long-casting fishing. I usually select the diameter of the main line in the range from 0.14 to 0.16 mm. In some cases, it is necessary to use a thicker fishing line - up to 0.18 mm.

Well, I select the diameter of the fishing line for the leash and the size of the hook according to the size of the fish that I plan to catch. For example, for small fish - roach, silver bream or white bream, I use a leash made of fishing line from 0.08 to 0.1 mm, a hook from No. 20 to No. 16. If larger prey is expected, then a leash is needed from 0.1 to 0.12 mm, and a hook from No. 18 to No. 14. Well, if a serious, large and powerful trophy is expected, then I use a leash from 0.12 to 0.15 mm, a hook from No. 16 to No. 10. Something like this.

In addition, I also select hooks for the bait I am going to fish with. The more compact the bait - maggots, pupae, bloodworms or small grains - the smaller the hooks I use. If the bait is voluminous - a worm, a bouquet of scabs or bloodworms, several grains, then it is clear that a larger hook is needed.

Coil

Match fishing rods are necessarily equipped with an inertia-free reel, which provides storage of fishing line, the volume of which is necessary for feeding bait over long distances, and also simplifies the process of landing fish by means of a friction clutch, protecting the equipment from breaking due to excessive overloads. The inertia-free machine for the match is chosen in a lightweight version without unnecessary functionality, such as a baitrunner, which weighs down the mechanism. In most cases, the acceptable weight of the coil does not exceed 250–300 grams. The capacity of the spool should allow you to easily fit 150–200 meters of nylon fishing line with a diameter of 0.1 mm. Thus, a reel for match fishing should be marked 1500–2500 units, which will cover any fishing conditions and provide the required line supply.

The presence of five or even three bearings can guarantee smooth and reliable operation of the mechanism. Their excess quantity will only make the device heavier and make it more sensitive to maintenance, which will require extra time and material resources, which are not always justified when conducting this type of fishing. To quickly reel out the line from long distances in match fishing, I use mechanisms with a high gear ratio starting from five, sacrificing the traction parameters of the reel. The friction brake must be quite finely adjusted, which is something you must pay attention to when purchasing. Its location does not play a significant role in the fishing process, and the angler determines the front or rear version of the location of the function based on his personal preferences.

Match reel

The main difference between the reels used in the match is the shallow spool, designed for winding thin fishing line. It is necessary that the line is flush with the edges of the spool, and casting can be done without difficulty. And in order to avoid winding excess fishing line, which will require quite a lot, a lining made of elastic material is attached to the spool. This little trick allows you to reel in just the right amount of rather expensive fishing line.

Another feature of reels for match fishing is the large diameter of the spool, which in a match are 45-46 mm along the sides. On a spool of small diameter, the line can become deformed and become like a spring. It is impossible to make a long and accurate cast with such a fishing line.

Due to the fact that match reels are made of durable and lightweight plastic, they are also lightweight, while having sufficient strength. Therefore, probably, matcha reels are also used in other types of fishing, for example, in Bolognese equipment. It is better if the friction brake is located at the rear. This allows you to adjust it directly while landing fish.

Some models of match reels with a gear ratio of 6.0:1-7.5:1 are made specifically for sport fishing, where high-speed reeling is required. Such reels are quite expensive and amateur fishermen make do with match reels with more modest technical characteristics of the order of -5.0:1-5.5:1, since their quiet and contemplative fishing does not tolerate haste and fuss.

fishing line

Match equipment is delivered to the fishing zone on monofilament fishing lines specialized for match fishing. Manufacturers produce these fishing lines with special physical properties that allow the cords to sink spontaneously. The specific density of such threads is much higher than the density of water, and when the equipment splashes down, the fishing line immediately goes into the water column, thereby significantly reducing the windage of the installation. In addition to this feature, fishing lines specialized for match have low memory with average stiffness parameters and low stretch coefficients compared to conventional monofilament, which has a better effect on the sensitivity of the equipment.

Depending on the fishing location, where there are differences from the usual color of the water, monofilament can be selected in both transparent and black colors. As a rule, the diameter of the main lines on a fishing rod varies in the range from 0.15 to 0.20 mm. When using a shock leader, the end of the installation of 5–10 meters is made from threads of 0.22–0.25 mm.

Float

Match fishing would not be complete without the use of one of the most high-tech installation elements, namely a float. For this type of fishing, specialized alarms are produced with combined functions, focused not only on biting control, but also influencing the range of casting the bait and its delivery to the required deep fishing horizon.

The match float can be characterized as follows:

a spindle-shaped float made of a lightweight material, often balsa or cork, with a durable coating of moisture-resistant paint in a neutral color.
The float antenna is made of plastic and painted in a dotted pattern horizontally in white-red or yellow-red. Models of floats can have the ability to increase the length of the antenna or reduce it, and also be equipped with a bright boss on the top, which plays the role of not only a beacon for monitoring the accessory, but also serves as a stabilizer.
The float has a built-in weight with a loop for attaching to a fishing line. In addition, such a constructive solution acts as a keel. Some models provide the ability to change the load by removing or adding ballast washers required by fishing conditions.

Match floats at commercial fishing points can be found under the name waggler. The test for such an accessory starts with four grams. An assembled rig with a sliding float is one of the most common options for mounting used for a match.

Match fishing rod equipment installation of equipment

Match fishing rod equipment

Nowadays, two main types of floats are used for match fishing. This is equipment with a sliding fastening and a blind one. Their choice largely depends on the depth of the lake where match fishing is planned. When using blind rigs, it is necessary to take into account the overall length of the fishing rod. In fairly deep lakes it is necessary to use a sliding mount for a match float.

When the match float is firmly attached, it is quite easy to catch carp and bream. The advantage of this method is its good sensitivity and very slow immersion of the bait after casting. Experts divide equipment into the following types:

Lightweight , in which the shipping weight is between 0.4 and 0.8 grams. It is used when the depth of the lake is shallow, in good weather and lack of wind.
Medium , in which the shipping weight ranges from 0.9 to 1.6 grams. It is used at medium depths up to 4 meters.
Heavy , in which the shipping weight is from 1.9 to 2.6 grams. It is used when fishing from the bottom or at an average depth of 4.5 to 7 meters.

Floats for match fishing

The peculiarity of equipment using a sliding float is that it can easily move between special float stops. When casting the bait, the float moves to the lower stopper on the line, and the upper float stopper will limit its immersion depth. There are the following types of sliding floats:

With a central main hole , which are distinguished from others by their good load-carrying capacity. With their help it is very convenient to attach and cast any bait.
With two ears for fastening . These are very sensitive floats. They are best used for match fishing on fast-flowing rivers.
With one eye for mounting . It is used for match fishing in lakes with still water or when casting over long distances.

Additional loading

Additional weight is placed below the float for better balance of the entire equipment. The float is loaded using cut lead pellets of various weights.

Important! The required number of pellets is clamped on the fishing line in such a way that they are able to move along the thread only with the application of a certain force on the part of the fisherman and in no way can they move spontaneously.

Blind installation of weights prevents the equipment from becoming tangled when casting, thereby not reducing the aerodynamic properties of the equipment. The use of sliding sinkers in a match is inconvenient due to their unpredictable position during casting, which constantly leads to overlaps and tangling of installation elements; moreover, they are impractical when adjusting the load, in the event of which it is necessary to radically change part of the entire equipment.

Leash with hook

Not a single method of match installation of equipment is complete without the use of a leash with a hook. It is recommended to attach the leashes to the main cord using a small swivel to prevent the line from twisting due to rotation of the bait when winding the gear. The thickness of the leads is optimal in the range from 0.10 to 0.12 mm. In combination with a finely adjusted friction brake, even such miniature fishing lines help catch and fish out trophies weighing a couple of kilograms without fear of equipment breakage.

The length of the leash is selected based on the fishing conditions and can be in sizes from 10 to 50 cm. Hooks are used based on the expected size of the fish caught and the type of bait used for fishing. The design of the connecting element of the hook does not affect the efficiency of installation, the main thing is that the fisherman has the skill of making a reliable knot, depending on the type of fastening eye.

Match rod and other equipment elements

You can, of course, use a long lap dog. With its help, it is comfortable to fish at a distance of up to 30 meters. Then problems with casting accuracy begin. And if the wind picks up, fishing will turn into a difficult exam with difficult tasks. Match rods have lengths of 3.6, 3,9,4,2 meters. There are also longer models, but they are used mainly by athletes. These fishing rods are designed for long casts. They have a test from 5 to 20 grams. That is, floats with such a carrying capacity are applicable for such matchers. For fishing at distances beyond 30 meters, it is better to use hard, fast-action fishing rods. They will allow you to throw the equipment to the desired point even in windy weather. It will be very difficult to achieve the same result with a Bolognese fishing rod. We attach an inertia-free reel with a volume of 3000-4000 to the rod. Match reels with front and rear drag are available for sale. Their names often contain the word "Match". The reel should be high-speed and reel out from 80 cm in one turn of the handle. It is very desirable that it comes with a spare spool on which the fishing line will be wound.

We wind the fishing line sinking and with minimal stretch. Match fishing lines are also sold in stores. They are usually black or brown in color and have a diameter of 0.16 to 0.25 mm. Thick lines are only appropriate if we are targeting large carp. In other cases, it is enough to get by with fishing lines from 0.16 to 0.2 mm. The thinner the line, the farther it flies. We use leashes with a diameter of 0.08 to 0.12 mm when fishing for roach, bream, and silver bream. Thicker ones from 0.12 to 0.16 mm when fishing for bream, ide and large crucian carp. When fishing for carp, leashes from 0.2 to 0.22 mm are used. Hooks are used from No. 8 to No. 20 depending on the object being fished. The smallest ones are used for catching roach and bream, and the largest ones are used for carp. Floats for match fishing in currents are of the Waggler type with loading and one attachment point. The load capacity is selected depending on the strength of the current. It happens that you have to use models with a load of 15-20 grams, and sometimes it is enough to install a float weighing 5-6 grams. When fishing in strong currents, it is better to use Bolognese floats with two or three attachment points. Such floats are easier to control when fishing with the wire. You can hold at the right points. To quickly set up the equipment, it is better to use soft pellet sinkers. You can literally pinch them with your fingers without using pliers. They unbend just as easily. It’s good to have sets of sinkers with you in a compact box with compartments.

Methods for installing match equipment

Fishing with a match rod can be carried out in two main ways of equipment - blind and sliding. These methods are used based on the fishing depth. If fishing is carried out in water areas where it is necessary to deliver bait to the horizon up to three meters, it is more practical to use a blind installation method. If the depth exceeds this level, then only sliding installation can provide comfortable fishing.

Important! It is worth noting that sometimes, even when fishing in shallow waters, anglers use the sliding method of equipment, which is much more sensitive than the blind method of equipment and allows you to catch cautious, passive and timid fish.

Active fish are caught using the universal or blind method. Although the method provides long-distance and accurate casts, it is considered rough and in a match it is used much less frequently than the sliding method of installation. Regardless of the method, equipment is distinguished by the amount of its additional load. They are used in different weather fishing conditions and for the need to quickly achieve the desired bait supply level. Thus, a lightweight design with a load of up to one gram is used in calm, windless weather on a reservoir with shallow depth. The medium version with a load of 1-1.5 grams is used for fishing in low waves at depths of up to 3.5 meters. The heavy version with a weight of over two grams is used under conditions of moderate wind loads, in deep areas of water areas.

Equipment installation methods

What is the best way to catch crucian carp in September?

Match fishing is a sporting type of fishing, and therefore, through the efforts of international and domestic specialists, several types of equipment have been created that show good results.

The simplest classification is based on the way the float moves along the line:

the sliding equipment of a match fishing rod is used for depths exceeding the length of the rod, and assumes that the fishing line with a load passes freely through the eye of the float until the descent is stopped by a stopper knot attached to the fishing line;
The blind rig of a match rod is suitable for shallow depths and means that the float is secured with a special connector in such a way that it can be moved either with force or by disassembling the fastening unit.

From sport fishing practice it has been concluded that it is not advisable to attach the leash directly to the main line (or shock leader). To prevent overlaps when casting, first there is a piece of fishing line from the leash with a length of 0.6 to 1 m and a thickness of 0.25-0.29 mm, on which all the sinkers are located, and then the main thread with a float. The parts are fastened using swivels. It is convenient to use fluorocarbon material as this insert, which is almost invisible in water.

Match fishing technique

After choosing a place that is promising for fishing, which is selected according to the criteria for possible fish parking, as well as the convenience of casting gear from the shore of a reservoir, the angler begins to equip the rod with the installation required by the fishing conditions, having previously carried out the starting feeding of the fishing point. It’s more rational to prepare rigs at home, in real fishing conditions by only connecting the necessary options with the main fishing line and thus saving time. Having equipped the rod with bait, cast.

The rigs are cast vertically 5–10 meters further than the fishing point, subsequently winding the cord, bringing the bait into the fishing zone without alarming the fish with a sinking weight. To simplify the fishing process, ensuring a constant distance for feeding baits, a mark made with a special marker on the fishing line helps.

Important! Immediately before casting, by pulling the cord with your finger in front of the reel, check the rig for free movement of the line, making sure there are no overlaps, and only after that, make the required swing.

On a correctly loaded float, only the antenna will be visible from the water. The line should submerge under water. Increasing the dive speed can be achieved by lowering the tip of the rod into the pond. After the bite begins, the right moment is selected to hook the trophy. Due to the large distance from the shore, hooking is carried out with a wide pull of the rod in the opposite direction of the movement of the float or behind the angler’s back. Having felt the prey caught on the hook, they begin fishing with a reel, taking the hauled trophy into the landing net.

Popular models

Choosing a match rod is quite a painstaking and difficult task. Today's fishing market offers a huge range of options for choosing this specialized gear, but not all of the models offered meet the necessary requirements for match fishing. As a rule, a fisherman buys a fishing rod for long-term use and saving money when buying gear is not the best way to reduce the cost of a set. To guarantee long and reliable operation of your fishing rod, we advise you to purchase fishing rods from brands that have long been proven in fishing practice.

Thus, the best match fishing rods are produced by Shimano , Daiwa , Trabucco and Salmo . The gear of these manufacturers is in the middle and high levels of its cost, but its reliability and comfort during fishing justify the material investment. Among the budget options, it is worth paying attention to the domestic matcha model from the Volzhanka .

Popular models of match rods

According to the observations of experienced fishermen, rods from Italian manufacturers Milo and Trabucco deserve the highest rating. Thus, the Milo Helios Prestige Match product has a good range, maximum accuracy, has a very thin tip, and copes with the resistance of a serious opponent. Its cost is from 3,000 to 15,000 rubles. The Terabucco Energia rod is incredibly light, its cost is up to 10,000 rubles.

Budget options:

The Flagman Legacy model is equipped with 5 rings and is lightweight. The rod is designed for catching small carp and crucian carp. Cost from 1200 rub.

The Sensor Carp Match model attracts with its light weight, sufficient blank power, and is used for hunting crucian carp. Cost from 1800 rub.

The Speddy Match product is equipped with lightweight guides, which gives excellent balance to the tackle. Cost from 1980 rub.

Mantary Match is equipped with a comfortable handle, a large number of guides, and the load is distributed throughout the rod. The neoprene reel seat makes the tackle stand out from its other counterparts. Cost from 3500 rub.

The average price of English tools varies from 6,200 to 13,000 rubles, where the determining factor is the working quality of the product:

The Mantary Elite Slider Match is excellent for fishing in deep waters and is distinguished by its progressive action and plug connection. Cost from 7184 rub.

Shimano Catana CX Match 390 Fast Action is considered an ideal tool for beginner anglers. The matchevka has a fast action, a carbon whip and guides made of stainless steel. Cost from 9200 rub.

Expensive models, in most cases made from ultra-strong graphite; among the most popular models are:

Shimano Nexave AX Match 450 SPC is a very serious fishing tool designed for catching trophy specimens. Cost from 13120 rub.

Shimano Speedmaster AX Match 450 FA goes well with different types of equipment and is used on bodies of standing water, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Cost from 14,916 rubles.