Ian.B

I've joined a small club that (like a lot of small clubs) only has half a dozen matches a year... but I want to get out a bit more than that.
Trouble is I've got that much tackle now that I can't get motivated to load it all up & set it all up for a pleasure session, & then not be able to use a keep net. So, call me lazy if you want but for a pleasure session I'd rather just take a waggler & a deck chair & chill out.

Could join another club, but then if dates clash I could be paying for matches I can't fish. So the obvious solution seems to be to fish open matches where I can pick & choose matches on the days that I'm able to fish.
Thing is although I know I'll be out of my league, for £25-£30 I'll have a day match fishing (& a breakfast !) & other than the money (& self esteem I suppose....gulp) what have I got to lose ?

Ian

P.s. I haven't started this thread to go into venue experts, ringers & payouts again !

jethro

A few years ago Ian I had exactly the same thoughts as you move up to the open scene to give myself more chance to fish more matches & you're right was out of my depth, but it was the best move I made got some good advice on venues & methods but the best thing was I made some good friends. I was foiled by ill health & sadly it only lasted for a short while but still a time I won't forget just do it Ian I'm sure you will have the same good experiences as I had hope you frame I never did

justin case

Ian just pick 4 or 5 venues you do well at, or like and fish all the opens you can on them

It won't take long before you start picking up winnings as long as your prepared to watch whats going on and adapt to the situation.

You get so much feedback from opens, Today I was with Mick and Dave Vincent and Gary Miller, a few questions and so much was learnt I wouldnt get that information from club matches, all that said and done club matches do offer a good social life as your typically fishing with the same guys the banter and the fun can be second to none even on thiose days when there isnt any fish feeding,

Ian.B

Thanks for the replies lads, both good & both positive.
I went today for a pleasure session (with all my gear) & while I enjoyed it I did miss that little bit of match adrenalin - the thought of coming last causes me to panic which in turn must start the adrenalin circulating. It all spurs me on to try harder than I do when l'm pleasuring !

Justin, know exactly what you mean about the small club banter.... love it.
Jethro, sorry to hear about your health mate. Hope you can still get out now & again.

Ian