Ringer's Round-Up - Being In Tune

It’s been a tough year for me personally on the match scene. I haven’t quite been on it by my own standards, basically doing okay but not having the spark that’s needed at times!

That is, apart from at one venue: Barston. For some reason, I’ve just felt bang on it there this year, and my results have reflected this.

In 10 matches, I’ve won six, finished second in two, and my lowest placing was fourth, plus a zone win. Bear in mind these are 60-peg events, so that’s no mean feat.

These results culminated in me winning the Barston Masters final with a proper scratching performance, making every bite and every cast count. It was one of those really satisfying matches where, whilst I didn’t draw brilliantly, I made my venue knowledge and watercraft count.

What’s Made the Difference?

So, what’s primarily made the difference? Well, some would have you believe it’s a miracle bait, as in my baiting-up mix! But for me, I’d say the bait is only 25% of the success.

The key is in the details: how to feed, how much to feed, when to feed, where to fish, where to cast, timing, cast length, setup, and the list goes on.

Get everything on that list right, and you can get the results above. It’s not as simple as just feeding the most bait. If it were, the playing field would be massively levelled.

My Feeder Rod and Set-Up

Set-up-wise, I’ve been very consistent. My rod of choice has been the 11ft Aventus R Distance. Without doubt, it’s my favourite feeder rod, as I can do so much with it. I can fish anywhere from 5m to 80m with that rod!

My set-up depends on the match, but for most of them, it’s been all about PVA bag fishing.

I’ve been using the X-Safe system with a 1.5oz lead, an 8-inch hooklength 0.22 N-Gauge, and a size 8 or 10 XS-eyed hook.

I love QM1s, but I’ve found XS hooks better for bag work, especially when bites can be so quick, sometimes before the bag has even properly broken down.

For those interested, my hookbait has been a Ringers 8mm pink Yoyo wafter. I feel it’s about confidence when it comes to hookbaits, and I’ve caught an awful lot of carp on pink Yoyos.

Getting the Baiting-Up Right

Baiting up has also been important at times! Note I said at times!

For that, I’ve used the new, as in, about–to–be–released, 11ft X-Change Bait Up, teamed up with the Bait Up reel of the same name.

X-Change Bait Up braid also makes casting easy and keeps me from dragging bait as I empty the feeder.

On feeders, I’ve mixed it up every match, switching between the five-hole and hole X-Change Bait Up feeders depending on how much I wanted to feed.

PVA Bags: Mesh, Pellets and Preparation

PVA-wise, I’ve used the Guru Speedmesh. We’ve actually changed it so the refills now make a much rounder bag, which I love. It’s also a finer mesh, making it ideal for 2mm pellets.

As for bag contents, I use a mixture of 2mm and 3mm Hi-Attract hard pellets.

Bag size is also worth a mention. To keep all my bags the same size, I measure them using a medium Guru pole pot. As a guide, for a five-hour match, I make 75 bags. I don’t often use 75, but they’re there if I do!

Here’s a little tip when storing PVA bags: once they’re done, split them into two batches and store them in airtight containers. This way, should one lot get water in from a rogue splash, you still have a second batch.

I also always tie my bags the night before. This way, the pellets don’t have much time to seep into the bags, which slows the PVA meltdown.

Finding the Right Dips

On that note, we move on to dips, as in dipping the bag in liquid before casting.

All I’ll say is there are loads on the market, and the fun part for me is finding which ones work, then keeping them to yourself!

There's no substitute for hard work, and believe me, I’ve worked hard to find out which dips work and why!

My Baiting-Up Mix

On the bait front, my baiting-up mix is based on pigeon conditioner, and that’s all you’ll get information-wise!

I’ve tweaked it loads to get what I want out of it, and I’m sure that, come next summer, I’ll have tweaked it further.

Finding edges is so hard these days, so when you find one, hang on to it for as long as possible!

Where to Fish at Barston

A few other things have made a difference. First, where to fish?

I don’t look for gravel. Yes, there is gravel in Barston, but it’s a myth that you need to look for it and fish on it. I pick a spot and fish it.

Fishing on and Around Your Bait

This is perhaps what I think I’ve done best: getting my timings right and knowing when to be on my bait, when to be past it, and how far past it to fish.

Efficiency is key, so being in the right place at the right time makes a huge difference.

That is something you can’t teach. You have to have a feel for where you need to be and then move accordingly.

For me, that’s my biggest edge. That edge comes from being brave with decisions and, just as importantly, staying in tune with the venue!