About
The Coarse and Match Channel focuses on freshwater fishing, both in the UK and overseas. In the UK, ‘coarse’ fish are those freshwater fish that aren’t classified as game fish (trout, salmon, grayling). Popular UK coarse species include roach, perch, chub, barbel, tench, bream, dace and pike which reside in rivers, lakes, ponds and canals. Primarily these species are fished for using float fishing or ledgering tactics, some species can also be targeted with spinning gear. Baits for coarse fish are varied ranging from natural baits like worms to maggots and casters, bread, sweetcorn and a wide range of pre-prepared baits such as pellets and boilies from tackle shops. Ground bait is often used to pull fish into the anglers’ swim, and this can either be bought or prepared beforehand.
Our match fishing content covers tactics and techniques used by well-known UK match anglers. Match anglers target similar fish to coarse anglers with matches organised on rivers and small lakes. Matches are timed and involve the anglers drawing pegs at the beginning of the match with the best overall weight of fish at the weigh in, winning the match. Match anglers tend to use poles which use elastic at the end of the rod to play the fish rather than the traditional rod and reel set up used in most other forms of angling. Match anglers are busy anglers, constantly baiting, changing hook baits and trying to land as many fish as possible in the quickest time. Anglers pay entry fees so there can often be sizable money prizes for the winners.
What’s on the Channel
TV Series
Some of the biggest names in coarse and match fishing can be found in the channel. Matt Hayes presents 2 series of 24 hr Rod Race where he faces a different 24 hr fishing challenge each episode. You can also find Matt on a Canadian Wilderness adventure with friend and top German angler, Babs Kijewski. Matt makes his directorial debut with the Pike and I which tells the story of good friend and top predator angler, Mick Brown, a man obsessed with Pike.
Elsewhere, Des Taylor, Bob James, Duncan Charman, John Bailey and new stars, Carl and Alex provide the coarse fishing expertise.
Top match anglers on Fishing TV include Will Raison, Alan Scotthorne and Andy May with his new series, Winning Ways. If you want to get an edge in your matches, these shows will certainly help. The Truth About series with top match man Alex Bones features over 10 hrs of in depth tutorials on feeder and pole fishing and everything else you’ll need to become a top match angler.
Hints and Tips
Our Hints and Tips section has over 50 short videos from the experts from our coarse and match fishing experts. Baits, rigs and numerous fishing tips which will help you become a better angler.