Any angler will be able to improve catch rates by borrowing some of the techniques used by match anglers. This idea was confirmed to me while watching how match angler Kev Sampson, who at the time was running a charter boat, employed the techniques learnt in competitions and while fishing for the England boat squad to improve the catch rate of his customers. The improved catch rate was especially noticeable with “rod-hires” who had no preconceived ideas, and therefore no bad habits. The intention is not to turn everyone into a competition angler; I am not one myself (I have only ever fished one boat match) and have no intention of becoming one (not yet anyway!). However, my approach to my fishing trips has changed dramatically as a result of what I have learned.
IMPROVED FISHING EXPERIENCES
This is especially noticeable on inshore bottom fishing trips within 10 miles of the shore; the typical range of many UK charter trips. For starters, my go-to outfit is now a multi-tip rod and fixed spool reel. This decision has come about not because I want to emulate the successful competition anglers I have been lucky enough to meet, nor is it because I need to be seen to be doing what I am writing about. It is because I have genuinely seen the advantages and experienced the
