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April 2012
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 07/04/2012
Andrew Hales asked:
Neil, If too many ingredients are put into a groundbait mix will it have a negative effect eg. hemp, luncheon meat, small pellets or is it best to keep to a minimum amount ?
Neil answered:
It all depends on the species, size of fish and the time of year. In the winter its important to keep the feed content of your groundbait to a minimum, as fish need less food to survive at this time of year. Its just the opposite in the summer when fish are more active. Meat is one bait I rarely put into my groundbait mixes, and the problem with adding hemp is that it can dry out and start to float. Pellets and corn are two key ingredients that I often add to my mixes but only if its larger fish that I am targeting. To be honest all of Bag'ems Pro-Competition groundbaits have been designed to work without having to add anything extra.
Andrew Hales asked:
Neil, If too many ingredients are put into a groundbait mix will it have a negative effect eg. hemp, luncheon meat, small pellets or is it best to keep to a minimum amount ?
Neil answered:
It all depends on the species, size of fish and the time of year. In the winter its important to keep the feed content of your groundbait to a minimum, as fish need less food to survive at this time of year. Its just the opposite in the summer when fish are more active. Meat is one bait I rarely put into my groundbait mixes, and the problem with adding hemp is that it can dry out and start to float. Pellets and corn are two key ingredients that I often add to my mixes but only if its larger fish that I am targeting. To be honest all of Bag'ems Pro-Competition groundbaits have been designed to work without having to add anything extra.
March 2012
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 06/03/2012
Rob Vick asked:
Neil, I can never find an answer to this question : when would you use groundbait on a commercial in favour of loose feed?
Neil answered:
Certain species respond better to groundbait than they do to loose feed. Bream and skimmers in particular prefer groundbait, in my experience bream don't seem to like loose feed falling over their backs. It's far better to add your loose feed to groundbait and introduce it in balls. I like to put in half a dozen at the start of a session and then just top the swim up with an odd ball if the session requires it. Super Skimmer Dark groundbait mixed 50-50 with a bag of Margin Mix is what I like to use at this time of year. F1s are another species that respond well to groundbait and some XP or XPG can be a far better alternative to feeding pellets, I like to mix it into a slop and feed it via a small pole cup. One of the reasons it's so effective is that most F1s are fed on floating expanda pellets when they are reared in a fish farm. Bag'ems XP range of groundbait are made from pure ground expanders, hence the reason they are so effective.
The margins of a lake is one area where groundbait can be superior to loose feed. I like to feed two to three kilos down the edge in the last couple of hours of a match. It's a way of mimicking an angler packing up and throwing their spare bait down the edge, mix in whatever loose feed you have left and dump the lot in down the side. Its amazing how it can fool some of the biggest wisest fish in the lake!
Rob Vick asked:
Neil, I can never find an answer to this question : when would you use groundbait on a commercial in favour of loose feed?
Neil answered:
Certain species respond better to groundbait than they do to loose feed. Bream and skimmers in particular prefer groundbait, in my experience bream don't seem to like loose feed falling over their backs. It's far better to add your loose feed to groundbait and introduce it in balls. I like to put in half a dozen at the start of a session and then just top the swim up with an odd ball if the session requires it. Super Skimmer Dark groundbait mixed 50-50 with a bag of Margin Mix is what I like to use at this time of year. F1s are another species that respond well to groundbait and some XP or XPG can be a far better alternative to feeding pellets, I like to mix it into a slop and feed it via a small pole cup. One of the reasons it's so effective is that most F1s are fed on floating expanda pellets when they are reared in a fish farm. Bag'ems XP range of groundbait are made from pure ground expanders, hence the reason they are so effective.
The margins of a lake is one area where groundbait can be superior to loose feed. I like to feed two to three kilos down the edge in the last couple of hours of a match. It's a way of mimicking an angler packing up and throwing their spare bait down the edge, mix in whatever loose feed you have left and dump the lot in down the side. Its amazing how it can fool some of the biggest wisest fish in the lake!
Febuary 2012
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 28/02/2012
Ian Woods asked:
Neil, What are the best baits to use on commercials at this time of year, and how much would you start off with?
Neil answered:
There are many baits that can work at this time of year, pellets, corn, casters and maggots are all baits that work all year round. But as the water temperature begins to warm up there are a few more baits that come into play. Worm and caster is one of the best, as the fish become more active and begin to think about spawning they require extra protein in their diet. Worms are probably the most protein rich bait available and when used chopped and mixed with casters they become irresistible to an assortment of species. Unfortunately its attractiveness is short lived and is only really effective from April through to about June, after this time period it only seems to work on the very hottest of days. Luncheon meat is another bait that you should start to think about using at this time of year. From the end of March through to about September meat can be a devastating bait, and it's a far cheaper alternative to worms and casters. Three tins is usually enough for most sessions and I like to coat mine with the new Bag-em Meat and Maggot flavoured dye, the yellow garlic flavour is my personal favourite and I strongly believe it gives me an edge. When it comes to initial feed at the start of a session I generally start with small regular amounts and only up the quantity if it seems there are enough feeding fish in the swim.
Ian Woods asked:
Neil, What are the best baits to use on commercials at this time of year, and how much would you start off with?
Neil answered:
There are many baits that can work at this time of year, pellets, corn, casters and maggots are all baits that work all year round. But as the water temperature begins to warm up there are a few more baits that come into play. Worm and caster is one of the best, as the fish become more active and begin to think about spawning they require extra protein in their diet. Worms are probably the most protein rich bait available and when used chopped and mixed with casters they become irresistible to an assortment of species. Unfortunately its attractiveness is short lived and is only really effective from April through to about June, after this time period it only seems to work on the very hottest of days. Luncheon meat is another bait that you should start to think about using at this time of year. From the end of March through to about September meat can be a devastating bait, and it's a far cheaper alternative to worms and casters. Three tins is usually enough for most sessions and I like to coat mine with the new Bag-em Meat and Maggot flavoured dye, the yellow garlic flavour is my personal favourite and I strongly believe it gives me an edge. When it comes to initial feed at the start of a session I generally start with small regular amounts and only up the quantity if it seems there are enough feeding fish in the swim.
January 2012
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 11/01/2012
Roy Davies asked:
Neil, i have been fishing in the winter league fishing for Ide, on the last couple of matches i have caught 6 to 8 fish then they seem to move out of swim. How do i keep them in the swim ?
Neil answered:
Ide can be very difficult to catch. I am assuming that the venue you are fishing has a good stock of them. You don't say what method you are using to catch them, so all I can suggest is to fish up in the water. Ide are not really bottom feeders and prefer to live up in the water. Loose feeding is the way forward, all you need to do is find out whether they prefer maggots or casters. Loose feed between 6 and a dozen regularly to keep them interested. You will need two or three rigs to fish at different depths. In my experience 12" to 3ft deep seems to the best depths to target them, a singe caster or maggot is best on the hook and its important you don't use a hook any smaller than an 18 otherwise they will suck in the bait and eject it without you seeing a bite. The larger hook means the fish hooks itself as it ejects the bait. You need to find the deepest part of your swim at least 6m away from the near bank for this to work the best.
Roy Davies asked:
Neil, i have been fishing in the winter league fishing for Ide, on the last couple of matches i have caught 6 to 8 fish then they seem to move out of swim. How do i keep them in the swim ?
Neil answered:
Ide can be very difficult to catch. I am assuming that the venue you are fishing has a good stock of them. You don't say what method you are using to catch them, so all I can suggest is to fish up in the water. Ide are not really bottom feeders and prefer to live up in the water. Loose feeding is the way forward, all you need to do is find out whether they prefer maggots or casters. Loose feed between 6 and a dozen regularly to keep them interested. You will need two or three rigs to fish at different depths. In my experience 12" to 3ft deep seems to the best depths to target them, a singe caster or maggot is best on the hook and its important you don't use a hook any smaller than an 18 otherwise they will suck in the bait and eject it without you seeing a bite. The larger hook means the fish hooks itself as it ejects the bait. You need to find the deepest part of your swim at least 6m away from the near bank for this to work the best.
December 2011
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 16/12/2011
Paul Nelmes asked:
I am getting snaped off margin fishing paste , using 9lb line , purple hydro . I tend to land a fish and snap on the next landing double figure fish . Can you please help?
Neil answered:
That's a tricky one as you don't say just where your rig is breaking. If its breaking at the knot, either where it attaches to your stonfo connector or a loop to loop connection connecting to different strength lines together, then you need to review the type of knot you are using or make sure you wet the knot when you form it. If its breaking at the hook and you are using a spade end hook then you need to use an eyed hook instead. If it breaks at a shot, this means your shots are far to hard and you need to replace them with soft shots. If there is no consistency as to where it is breaking then I would suggest you change the line you are using.
Paul Nelmes asked:
I am getting snaped off margin fishing paste , using 9lb line , purple hydro . I tend to land a fish and snap on the next landing double figure fish . Can you please help?
Neil answered:
That's a tricky one as you don't say just where your rig is breaking. If its breaking at the knot, either where it attaches to your stonfo connector or a loop to loop connection connecting to different strength lines together, then you need to review the type of knot you are using or make sure you wet the knot when you form it. If its breaking at the hook and you are using a spade end hook then you need to use an eyed hook instead. If it breaks at a shot, this means your shots are far to hard and you need to replace them with soft shots. If there is no consistency as to where it is breaking then I would suggest you change the line you are using.
November 2011
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 8/12/2011
Ian Woods asked:
Hi Neil....I've been coached by Kieron Rich and Andy May on many occasions, and my fishing has improved no end......but they always seem to want you to use pellets on the big commercials they work very well, but on the waters that are not well known that our club fish at, the methods that Kieron and Andy have shown me do not work at all.
I dont wish to contradict their methods but do you have any suggestions???
Neil answered:
Can I suggest that you book a coaching session on one of the types of waters that your club fish. I'm not sure about Andy but I am sure Kieron will travel and coach on any venue you wish. I myself still do some coaching and I always ask the angler where they would like to fish. If your fishing club matches it might be beneficial to have your coaching session on the venue the week before your club match. Make sure whoever coaches you finds out as much information out about the venue as possible. i.e. what are the best baits, where are the best pegs, and how does it fish in a match situation? Its often difficult to coach someone for a match as most venues fish completely different in practice. Hope this helps.
Ian Woods asked:
Hi Neil....I've been coached by Kieron Rich and Andy May on many occasions, and my fishing has improved no end......but they always seem to want you to use pellets on the big commercials they work very well, but on the waters that are not well known that our club fish at, the methods that Kieron and Andy have shown me do not work at all.
I dont wish to contradict their methods but do you have any suggestions???
Neil answered:
Can I suggest that you book a coaching session on one of the types of waters that your club fish. I'm not sure about Andy but I am sure Kieron will travel and coach on any venue you wish. I myself still do some coaching and I always ask the angler where they would like to fish. If your fishing club matches it might be beneficial to have your coaching session on the venue the week before your club match. Make sure whoever coaches you finds out as much information out about the venue as possible. i.e. what are the best baits, where are the best pegs, and how does it fish in a match situation? Its often difficult to coach someone for a match as most venues fish completely different in practice. Hope this helps.
October 2011
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 28/10/2011
John Roberts asked:
Hi Neil
First question: when pole fishing we dot the float right down to see the slightest indication, due to bites being finicky. Yet when i use the tip for carp the bites are always positive, why?
Neil answered: The answer to this is simple, the reason the bites are positive is because the fish has hooked itself. You would be amazed how may times a fish sucks and blows a hookbait before hooking itself. That's why hair rigging is so effective.
2nd question :From my experience and talking to other anglers when you draw a corner peg with the wind blowing the scum in your peg, the opposite corner peg with no scum fishes better when fishing short, why?
Neil answered: I can honestly say that the opposite is true in my experience. The scum is usually made up from various items. Things like pollen, algae, oil, and foliage, this only occurs in the summer months and builds up in any corner in which the wind is blowing. Its usually good cover for fish and can also mean a free meal depending on what the scum is made up from. A lake also has what's known as a thermocline, in the summer this is a warm layer of water which sits just under the surface. This layer is constantly moved along by the wind which means the end of the lake where the wind is blowing tends to be the warmest. This is another reason why the fish should be under the scum. The increased amounts of algae also means an increase in oxygen, again another plus for fish because in summer, levels of oxygen can quickly drop if there is a reduction in air temperature. Maybe the lake that you are fishing has something in the scum which the fish don't like or maybe harmful to them? If I had the choice John I would always choose the peg with scum as apposed to the opposite one.
John Roberts asked:
Hi Neil
First question: when pole fishing we dot the float right down to see the slightest indication, due to bites being finicky. Yet when i use the tip for carp the bites are always positive, why?
Neil answered: The answer to this is simple, the reason the bites are positive is because the fish has hooked itself. You would be amazed how may times a fish sucks and blows a hookbait before hooking itself. That's why hair rigging is so effective.
2nd question :From my experience and talking to other anglers when you draw a corner peg with the wind blowing the scum in your peg, the opposite corner peg with no scum fishes better when fishing short, why?
Neil answered: I can honestly say that the opposite is true in my experience. The scum is usually made up from various items. Things like pollen, algae, oil, and foliage, this only occurs in the summer months and builds up in any corner in which the wind is blowing. Its usually good cover for fish and can also mean a free meal depending on what the scum is made up from. A lake also has what's known as a thermocline, in the summer this is a warm layer of water which sits just under the surface. This layer is constantly moved along by the wind which means the end of the lake where the wind is blowing tends to be the warmest. This is another reason why the fish should be under the scum. The increased amounts of algae also means an increase in oxygen, again another plus for fish because in summer, levels of oxygen can quickly drop if there is a reduction in air temperature. Maybe the lake that you are fishing has something in the scum which the fish don't like or maybe harmful to them? If I had the choice John I would always choose the peg with scum as apposed to the opposite one.
September 2011
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 22/09/2011
Phil Rowan asked:
I recently won 30 bags of Bag'em groundbaits from the Angling Times. I have various flavours. Which flavours are best for autumn and winter? I fish the Nasinkstoke canal, near Devizes, and also astillwater
Neil answered: Super Skimmer dark is in my opinion the best winter groundbait on the market. Its perfect for bream and skimmers and roach seem to love it to. Its dark colouration lends itself well in the clear waters of winter. It's also low in food content but rich in flavour, which is sweet and a great attractor for tench. Just go steady when feeding it. I would just add a few squats or pinks for extra attraction.
Phil Rowan asked:
I recently won 30 bags of Bag'em groundbaits from the Angling Times. I have various flavours. Which flavours are best for autumn and winter? I fish the Nasinkstoke canal, near Devizes, and also a
Neil answered: Super Skimmer dark is in my opinion the best winter groundbait on the market. Its perfect for bream and skimmers and roach seem to love it to. Its dark colouration lends itself well in the clear waters of winter. It's also low in food content but rich in flavour, which is sweet and a great attractor for tench. Just go steady when feeding it. I would just add a few squats or pinks for extra attraction.
July 2011
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 12/07/2011
Ronnie Bos asked:
Hi Neil, what is the difference between Bag'ems Super Green groundbait and XPG? I hope that you can help?
Neil answered: There is a great difference between Super Green groundbait and XPG in fact the only similarity is the colour.
Over a season I develop and test many types of groundbaits, whilst testing Super Green I discovered that it was not only a brilliant attractor for catching carp, but it also stimulated bream and skimmers into feeding as well. Super Green is not dissimilar to Super Natural regarding its ingredients, the only real difference is its colour. It seemed to be the colour that was the main attractor to the bream. Another groundbait that I was developing at the time was XP which is made predominately from expanda pellets, despite is natural colour bream and skimmers absolutely love the stuff. So as the bream where attracted by the colour of Super Green and the ingredients of XP, I decided to combine the two and in doing so have created what I think is the ultimate bream groundbait.
Ronnie Bos asked:
Hi Neil, what is the difference between Bag'ems Super Green groundbait and XPG? I hope that you can help?
Neil answered: There is a great difference between Super Green groundbait and XPG in fact the only similarity is the colour.
Over a season I develop and test many types of groundbaits, whilst testing Super Green I discovered that it was not only a brilliant attractor for catching carp, but it also stimulated bream and skimmers into feeding as well. Super Green is not dissimilar to Super Natural regarding its ingredients, the only real difference is its colour. It seemed to be the colour that was the main attractor to the bream. Another groundbait that I was developing at the time was XP which is made predominately from expanda pellets, despite is natural colour bream and skimmers absolutely love the stuff. So as the bream where attracted by the colour of Super Green and the ingredients of XP, I decided to combine the two and in doing so have created what I think is the ultimate bream groundbait.
May 2011
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 18/05/2011
Ben Rowbotham asked:
I would like to try fishing groundbait in the margins, what are the best baits to use and how much do you feed to avoid liners?
Will this method work on a lake were the bottom is very silty?
Neil answered: My new Margin Mix groundbait has been designed for this type of fishing. Mix up a couple of kilos and add a small amount of what ever your going to use on the hook. My favourite hook baits are worm, corn, meat or pellet. If the bottom is fairly flat, cup or throw balls of groundbait into the margin. If the bottom slopes, its best to cup in loose groundbait. The main key to avoiding liners is to slightly under shot your float and fish in as shallow a water as you can get away with. Fishing the method in a silty bottom is a big no no, you would be far better fishing a PVA bag with soaked expanders or if the lake is deep enough try and catch the fish up in the water on a pellet waggler.
Regards Neil
Ben Rowbotham asked:
I would like to try fishing groundbait in the margins, what are the best baits to use and how much do you feed to avoid liners?
Will this method work on a lake were the bottom is very silty?
Neil answered: My new Margin Mix groundbait has been designed for this type of fishing. Mix up a couple of kilos and add a small amount of what ever your going to use on the hook. My favourite hook baits are worm, corn, meat or pellet. If the bottom is fairly flat, cup or throw balls of groundbait into the margin. If the bottom slopes, its best to cup in loose groundbait. The main key to avoiding liners is to slightly under shot your float and fish in as shallow a water as you can get away with. Fishing the method in a silty bottom is a big no no, you would be far better fishing a PVA bag with soaked expanders or if the lake is deep enough try and catch the fish up in the water on a pellet waggler.
Regards Neil
April 2011
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 09/04/2011
Geoff Lukins asked:
Neil you answered a question last year about preparing expander pellets saying the following: "A good alternative is to place them in a sandwich bag with just enough water to cover them. Tie the bag up tightly so that no air can get in and then put it in the fridge overnight. The following morning you will find that the pellets have absorbed all the water and you should be left with the perfect hookable expanders." I have tried this and the next day all the pellets were floating. Is this right as I need them to sink. Do I need to then pump them?
Neil answered: Yes this is correct, try adding more water to them before you seal the bag. They will absorb the extra water which should make them sink.
Geoff Lukins asked:
Neil you answered a question last year about preparing expander pellets saying the following: "A good alternative is to place them in a sandwich bag with just enough water to cover them. Tie the bag up tightly so that no air can get in and then put it in the fridge overnight. The following morning you will find that the pellets have absorbed all the water and you should be left with the perfect hookable expanders." I have tried this and the next day all the pellets were floating. Is this right as I need them to sink. Do I need to then pump them?
Neil answered: Yes this is correct, try adding more water to them before you seal the bag. They will absorb the extra water which should make them sink.
March 2011
Neil Machin Question and Answer
Thomas Heron asked:
Whats the best elastic for shallow fishing for f1's and maybe the odd bigger carp ?
Neil answered: I always use the yellow hollow Bazoo Carp made by Garbolino its soft enough to prevent fish from bumping off, yet heavy enough to set the hook. I would also suggest using a puller kit which will give you the control you require should you hook a few larger specimens.
Steve Chadwick asked:
Having had some success with the Bag'em pellets & groundbaits, I have been struggling over the winter months for a good combination & can't seem to get the fish in the swim, having tried various approaches I can't find the balance. Do you have any tips that could improve my chances?
Neil answered: Have you tried using Bag’em XPD (Xpanda Dark groundbait) its designed for winter fishing in cold clear water? I have had a lot of success with it over the last two winters. You only need to feed a small amount to get the fish feeding in your swim, about a thumb nail sized amount every put in, if you're fishing the pole. I normally put a few micro pellets, or a pinch of maggots in with it as well. Fish a 4mm expanda on the hook or a maggot depending on what species you're targeting. The dark colour of XPD makes it the perfect feed for winter commercials. F1s, Carp, Bream and Skimmers are all attracted by it, so give it a go.
Thomas Heron asked:
Whats the best elastic for shallow fishing for f1's and maybe the odd bigger carp ?
Neil answered: I always use the yellow hollow Bazoo Carp made by Garbolino its soft enough to prevent fish from bumping off, yet heavy enough to set the hook. I would also suggest using a puller kit which will give you the control you require should you hook a few larger specimens.
Steve Chadwick asked:
Having had some success with the Bag'em pellets & groundbaits, I have been struggling over the winter months for a good combination & can't seem to get the fish in the swim, having tried various approaches I can't find the balance. Do you have any tips that could improve my chances?
Neil answered: Have you tried using Bag’em XPD (Xpanda Dark groundbait) its designed for winter fishing in cold clear water? I have had a lot of success with it over the last two winters. You only need to feed a small amount to get the fish feeding in your swim, about a thumb nail sized amount every put in, if you're fishing the pole. I normally put a few micro pellets, or a pinch of maggots in with it as well. Fish a 4mm expanda on the hook or a maggot depending on what species you're targeting. The dark colour of XPD makes it the perfect feed for winter commercials. F1s, Carp, Bream and Skimmers are all attracted by it, so give it a go.
August 2010
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 20/08/2010
Andy Tanner asked:
I fished the pellet method feeder at Makins Lake on Monday. I caught a good few fish early, and was casting in every 5 mins to the island tight. The bites tailed off in the last two hours and I didn't catch a fish. I was thinking I might of over fed the fish, is this possible with a small method feeder? The question I would also like to ask is how often should I cast in when bites are slow?
Neil answered: Generally the amount of times you cast is dictated by the amount of bites or line bites you are getting. Your explanation of your recent session is typical of what can happen on many commercial fishery’s. There could be many reasons why your swim slowed, overfeeding, underfeeding, lack of fish or fish spooking are just a few. The next time this happens try starting up a new swim. Try casting a few yards to the left or right of your original swim or dropping your feeder a bit shorter. You would be amazed the difference this can make, so give it a try.
Andy Tanner asked:
I fished the pellet method feeder at Makins Lake on Monday. I caught a good few fish early, and was casting in every 5 mins to the island tight. The bites tailed off in the last two hours and I didn't catch a fish. I was thinking I might of over fed the fish, is this possible with a small method feeder? The question I would also like to ask is how often should I cast in when bites are slow?
Neil answered: Generally the amount of times you cast is dictated by the amount of bites or line bites you are getting. Your explanation of your recent session is typical of what can happen on many commercial fishery’s. There could be many reasons why your swim slowed, overfeeding, underfeeding, lack of fish or fish spooking are just a few. The next time this happens try starting up a new swim. Try casting a few yards to the left or right of your original swim or dropping your feeder a bit shorter. You would be amazed the difference this can make, so give it a try.
July 2010
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 15/07/2010
Kevin Ball asked:
I have been buying Bag'em products - the expander pellets. I don't seem to be able to get to grips with them. They take a lot of pumping and they seem to go too soft, what am I doing wrong? All the other products are great. Good luck in Fish o mania, I've backed you all the way.
Neil answered: Most expander pellets become soft if you prepare them with a pellet pump. A good alternative is to place them in a sandwich bag with just enough water
to cover them. Tie the bag up tightly so that no air can get in and then put it in the fridge overnight. The following morning you will find that the pellets have
absorbed all the water and you should be left with the perfect hookable expanders.
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 07/07/2010
Michael Duffy asked:
I'm new to match fishing and would like to know how you prepare on a lake and peg you have never fished? Do you decide on pole or rod, and what baits to use? rigs? etc. hope you can help.
Knowledge is the main requirement before attacking a lake you’ve never fished before. If it’s a venue I’ve never fished I always ask the local match anglers what baits are working and which are the best pegs? Whether you decide to fish rod or pole depends on the individual swim/peg. Again the thing to do is ask, talk to the match anglers once you have drawn your peg you will find most of them will be more than happy to help you especially as you are new to the sport they probably won't judge you as much of a threat. Another good person to ask is the match organiser, he probably wont be fishing the match so he’ll be more than willing to help. When it comes to choosing the right rig that depends on the type of fish your fishing for and the bait you're using. Once you have the answer to these have a flick through a few fishing mags and discover the best type’s of rigs to use.
Kevin Ball asked:
I have been buying Bag'em products - the expander pellets. I don't seem to be able to get to grips with them. They take a lot of pumping and they seem to go too soft, what am I doing wrong? All the other products are great. Good luck in Fish o mania, I've backed you all the way.
Neil answered: Most expander pellets become soft if you prepare them with a pellet pump. A good alternative is to place them in a sandwich bag with just enough water
to cover them. Tie the bag up tightly so that no air can get in and then put it in the fridge overnight. The following morning you will find that the pellets have
absorbed all the water and you should be left with the perfect hookable expanders.
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 07/07/2010
Michael Duffy asked:
I'm new to match fishing and would like to know how you prepare on a lake and peg you have never fished? Do you decide on pole or rod, and what baits to use? rigs? etc. hope you can help.
Knowledge is the main requirement before attacking a lake you’ve never fished before. If it’s a venue I’ve never fished I always ask the local match anglers what baits are working and which are the best pegs? Whether you decide to fish rod or pole depends on the individual swim/peg. Again the thing to do is ask, talk to the match anglers once you have drawn your peg you will find most of them will be more than happy to help you especially as you are new to the sport they probably won't judge you as much of a threat. Another good person to ask is the match organiser, he probably wont be fishing the match so he’ll be more than willing to help. When it comes to choosing the right rig that depends on the type of fish your fishing for and the bait you're using. Once you have the answer to these have a flick through a few fishing mags and discover the best type’s of rigs to use.
June 2010
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 18/06/2010
Jack Machin asked:
I just wanted to know how to tackle big bream/carp in rivers?
Neil answered: Location is one of the most important factors when attempting to catch large carp and bream in rivers. Speak to local anglers that fish the river regularly to try and find out where the fish are showing. Asking in the local tackle shop, or checking the angling press for catches will all help locate a few fish. Walking the river either early in the morning or late in the day just before dark is a good way to spot large fish moving.
Once you think you have located a few fish you should try pre-baiting for a couple of days before your session. Then some strong tackle is essential, heavy line, strong hooks, and a powerful rod will help you tame them. Large baits like cubes of luncheon meat, bunches of worms or corn should be used to avoid hooking smaller fish which could intern spook the larger ones.
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 10/06/2010
Vance Heath asked:
Could you please email me the prices for the coaching days with Neil?
Neil answered: If you would like to know the price of a days coaching just check out the Lindholme Lakes website. Everything you need to know about a days coaching is on there including contact details. http://www.lindholmelakes.co.uk/tuition/
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 07/06/2010
Dave Eastwood asked:
I have just got back into match fishing after a 7 year break. Venues (and winning weights) seem to have changed dramatically. I seem to be drawing plenty of fish into my swim with lots of fizzing and line bites, yet struggle to get anything positive and often sit there frustrated. Any ideas?
Neil answered: When a swim fizzes in the way you describe most anglers think the bubbles are caused by the fish grubbing in the bottom disturbing the silt and trapped gasses. While this may be true in some instances in the main this is far from the case. Fish often expel air through their gills while they feed, but they seem to do this more often when they are up in the water off the bottom. I think this is what is happening in your case. Bubbles in conjunction with liners generally means the fish are feeding up in the water so the next time this happens to you try changing to a shallow rig. Don’t be afraid to fish to shallow either, as shallow as 6 inches deep on some occasions.
Jack Machin asked:
I just wanted to know how to tackle big bream/carp in rivers?
Neil answered: Location is one of the most important factors when attempting to catch large carp and bream in rivers. Speak to local anglers that fish the river regularly to try and find out where the fish are showing. Asking in the local tackle shop, or checking the angling press for catches will all help locate a few fish. Walking the river either early in the morning or late in the day just before dark is a good way to spot large fish moving.
Once you think you have located a few fish you should try pre-baiting for a couple of days before your session. Then some strong tackle is essential, heavy line, strong hooks, and a powerful rod will help you tame them. Large baits like cubes of luncheon meat, bunches of worms or corn should be used to avoid hooking smaller fish which could intern spook the larger ones.
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 10/06/2010
Vance Heath asked:
Could you please email me the prices for the coaching days with Neil?
Neil answered: If you would like to know the price of a days coaching just check out the Lindholme Lakes website. Everything you need to know about a days coaching is on there including contact details. http://www.lindholmelakes.co.uk/tuition/
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 07/06/2010
Dave Eastwood asked:
I have just got back into match fishing after a 7 year break. Venues (and winning weights) seem to have changed dramatically. I seem to be drawing plenty of fish into my swim with lots of fizzing and line bites, yet struggle to get anything positive and often sit there frustrated. Any ideas?
Neil answered: When a swim fizzes in the way you describe most anglers think the bubbles are caused by the fish grubbing in the bottom disturbing the silt and trapped gasses. While this may be true in some instances in the main this is far from the case. Fish often expel air through their gills while they feed, but they seem to do this more often when they are up in the water off the bottom. I think this is what is happening in your case. Bubbles in conjunction with liners generally means the fish are feeding up in the water so the next time this happens to you try changing to a shallow rig. Don’t be afraid to fish to shallow either, as shallow as 6 inches deep on some occasions.
Previous Months
Question and answer for May 2010
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 20/05/2010
Aaron Webster asked:
What is the best size elastic for fishing paste and what sort of elastic (hollow, solid, latex)?
Neil answered: The trick with paste fishing is not to use to lighter elastic. The main reason for this is that if you use a light elastic it won't pull your hook cleanly through the paste when you strike. This is particularly important if you use a stiff paste rather than a really sloppy one. As far as which type of elastic to use, I always use Garbolino hollow Bazoo Carp. For fish ranging from 2lb-10lb+ the green or orange elastic should be sufficient, anything smaller than that I recommend using the blue or yellow.
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 14/04/2010
Jack Grindlay asked:
What is the best 11m carp pole??
Neil answered: I've not tried all the 11m poles on the market but as well as being sponsored by Bag'em I am also sponsored by top pole manufacturer Garbolino. As a result of this I get the chance to try out most of the poles in their range. In my opinion the new Garbolino Squad Max Margin Carp 3 is the best in the 11m range. It's very ridged, strong and surprisingly light weight, and It will cope with even the largest of margin carp. Its also very slim and reinforced throughout its length and with an elastic rating of 20+ you can be sure it will never let you down.
Aaron Webster asked:
What is the best size elastic for fishing paste and what sort of elastic (hollow, solid, latex)?
Neil answered: The trick with paste fishing is not to use to lighter elastic. The main reason for this is that if you use a light elastic it won't pull your hook cleanly through the paste when you strike. This is particularly important if you use a stiff paste rather than a really sloppy one. As far as which type of elastic to use, I always use Garbolino hollow Bazoo Carp. For fish ranging from 2lb-10lb+ the green or orange elastic should be sufficient, anything smaller than that I recommend using the blue or yellow.
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 14/04/2010
Jack Grindlay asked:
What is the best 11m carp pole??
Neil answered: I've not tried all the 11m poles on the market but as well as being sponsored by Bag'em I am also sponsored by top pole manufacturer Garbolino. As a result of this I get the chance to try out most of the poles in their range. In my opinion the new Garbolino Squad Max Margin Carp 3 is the best in the 11m range. It's very ridged, strong and surprisingly light weight, and It will cope with even the largest of margin carp. Its also very slim and reinforced throughout its length and with an elastic rating of 20+ you can be sure it will never let you down.
Question and answers for March 2010
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 05/03/2010
Nicholas Whitwam asked:
Is it too early in the season to fish worm over chopped worm and caster?
Neil answered: Worm is a really strange bait to fish at times. It can either be an outstanding bait that will out fish all other baits, or by the same token it can be the kiss of death. Spring and early summer is probably one of the best times of year to fish worms. There seems to always be a few weeks around this time of year when worms usually combined with a few casters will beat just about every other bait, and around spawning time feeding worms and casters can be awesome. Worms can also be very effective in times of extremely hot weather when the water temperature exceeds 20 degrees. Hopefully this general rule of thumb will help you decide just when is the best time to use worms.
Nicholas Whitwam asked:
Is it too early in the season to fish worm over chopped worm and caster?
Neil answered: Worm is a really strange bait to fish at times. It can either be an outstanding bait that will out fish all other baits, or by the same token it can be the kiss of death. Spring and early summer is probably one of the best times of year to fish worms. There seems to always be a few weeks around this time of year when worms usually combined with a few casters will beat just about every other bait, and around spawning time feeding worms and casters can be awesome. Worms can also be very effective in times of extremely hot weather when the water temperature exceeds 20 degrees. Hopefully this general rule of thumb will help you decide just when is the best time to use worms.
Question and answers for February 2010
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 21/02/2010
Peter Craig asked:
I bought some of your moist feed pellets as I thought they looked good for a method feeder. But I have had a problem with them sticking in both Garbo & Preston moulds.
Do you think I need to moisten them a bit more, or any advice on the problem?
Neil answered: Well Peter there are a couple of things you can try to alleviate this problem. The first is mixing a little groundbait with the moist feed pellets to help them bind better. Try adding some of my Pro Competition grounbait to them. If its the green moist feeders you're using then add some Super Green. If its the red ones then Red Reaper would probably be the best option and if its the natural ones then my Method Mix or Super Natural would work well, you may have to experiment a little with the amount to get it just right though. Another option which i find very good is to rub some dry groundbait into the mould before you put the feed pellets in, this just helps stop the pellets sticking to the walls of the mould.
Peter Craig asked:
I bought some of your moist feed pellets as I thought they looked good for a method feeder. But I have had a problem with them sticking in both Garbo & Preston moulds.
Do you think I need to moisten them a bit more, or any advice on the problem?
Neil answered: Well Peter there are a couple of things you can try to alleviate this problem. The first is mixing a little groundbait with the moist feed pellets to help them bind better. Try adding some of my Pro Competition grounbait to them. If its the green moist feeders you're using then add some Super Green. If its the red ones then Red Reaper would probably be the best option and if its the natural ones then my Method Mix or Super Natural would work well, you may have to experiment a little with the amount to get it just right though. Another option which i find very good is to rub some dry groundbait into the mould before you put the feed pellets in, this just helps stop the pellets sticking to the walls of the mould.
Question and answers for January 2010
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 25/01/2010
Louise Witham asked:
My partner is a keen fisherman and has joined clubs over the years and has always wanted some one to one lessons with you, is this a possibility do you do these? Have read somewhere you did but may of dreamt it! We live in Derbyshire town called Ilkeston but Daniel my partner travels every sunday to various lakes on matches.
Neil answered: Yes Louise I still do some coaching but because of my fishing and work commitments I can't do as much as I'd like. The only bookings I can take have to be weekend ones as its impossible for me to have time off work during the week. If you wish to book a days fishing for your partner I suggest you have a look at the Lindholme Fishery website: www.garbolinouk.co.uk/consultants/ This page explains all about coaching. Its been set up by Neil Granthem the owner of Lindholme and you can book a day with myself or some of the country's other top matchmen.
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 15/01/2010
Terry Maddox asked:
Could you please give me some tips on preparing Xpander pellets as I cant seem to get them right? They seem to break up when I hook them!
Neil answered: Well Terry there are a few ways of preparing Xspanda pellets. The most common way I prepare mine is with a pellet pump. I just put a handful of the Xspandas into a pellet pump and fill the remainder of the pump with water. Then just pump enough air out of the pump so that the pellets just sink, three or four pumps is usually enough. The more pumps you do the more the pellets inner core will be broken down causing the pellet to split, so be carefull not to over do it when pumping your pellets.
Once you have pumped them and they have all sank, pour them into a small bait box with enough water in to ensure they
are all submerged, bearing in mind that the pellets will expand so make sure you add a little extra water. If the weather is hot the water covering the pellets may become warm and this may also cause your pellets to breakdown and split. So make sure you change the water regularly or simply and preferably pump some fresh Xspandas.
Another way to prepare them is to pour some Xspandas into a clear sandwich bag and then add enough water to cover them. Remove as much air as you can from the bag and tie a knot in it. Put it into a fridge the night before you go fishing. The next morning the Xspandas will have absorbed all the water which will then make them sink. This method puts less stress on the pellet which in turn prevents it from splitting. Once you arrive at your peg you can use the pellets straight from the bag or put them into a bait tub of water to prevent them from drying out.
There is one other method I like to use to prepare my Xspandas and thats with gelatine. Its a little trickey but if you get it right your pellets will never breakdown or split. First you need to melt a tea spoon full of gelatine into a cup of boiling water. Pour the hot melted gelatine into your pellet pump and add some Xspandas. Then pump untill your Xspandas sink, because the gelatine thickens the water, you may find it difficult to sink all of the pellets. Not to worry though just disgard any that dont sink and put the sinkers into a sandwich bag, remove the air and put into the fridge over night. In the morning you should find they have absorbed all the gelatine and water and are perfect for the hook.
Just give these three methods of preparation a try Terry, I'm sure one or all of them will work for you.
Louise Witham asked:
My partner is a keen fisherman and has joined clubs over the years and has always wanted some one to one lessons with you, is this a possibility do you do these? Have read somewhere you did but may of dreamt it! We live in Derbyshire town called Ilkeston but Daniel my partner travels every sunday to various lakes on matches.
Neil answered: Yes Louise I still do some coaching but because of my fishing and work commitments I can't do as much as I'd like. The only bookings I can take have to be weekend ones as its impossible for me to have time off work during the week. If you wish to book a days fishing for your partner I suggest you have a look at the Lindholme Fishery website: www.garbolinouk.co.uk/consultants/ This page explains all about coaching. Its been set up by Neil Granthem the owner of Lindholme and you can book a day with myself or some of the country's other top matchmen.
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 15/01/2010
Terry Maddox asked:
Could you please give me some tips on preparing Xpander pellets as I cant seem to get them right? They seem to break up when I hook them!
Neil answered: Well Terry there are a few ways of preparing Xspanda pellets. The most common way I prepare mine is with a pellet pump. I just put a handful of the Xspandas into a pellet pump and fill the remainder of the pump with water. Then just pump enough air out of the pump so that the pellets just sink, three or four pumps is usually enough. The more pumps you do the more the pellets inner core will be broken down causing the pellet to split, so be carefull not to over do it when pumping your pellets.
Once you have pumped them and they have all sank, pour them into a small bait box with enough water in to ensure they
are all submerged, bearing in mind that the pellets will expand so make sure you add a little extra water. If the weather is hot the water covering the pellets may become warm and this may also cause your pellets to breakdown and split. So make sure you change the water regularly or simply and preferably pump some fresh Xspandas.
Another way to prepare them is to pour some Xspandas into a clear sandwich bag and then add enough water to cover them. Remove as much air as you can from the bag and tie a knot in it. Put it into a fridge the night before you go fishing. The next morning the Xspandas will have absorbed all the water which will then make them sink. This method puts less stress on the pellet which in turn prevents it from splitting. Once you arrive at your peg you can use the pellets straight from the bag or put them into a bait tub of water to prevent them from drying out.
There is one other method I like to use to prepare my Xspandas and thats with gelatine. Its a little trickey but if you get it right your pellets will never breakdown or split. First you need to melt a tea spoon full of gelatine into a cup of boiling water. Pour the hot melted gelatine into your pellet pump and add some Xspandas. Then pump untill your Xspandas sink, because the gelatine thickens the water, you may find it difficult to sink all of the pellets. Not to worry though just disgard any that dont sink and put the sinkers into a sandwich bag, remove the air and put into the fridge over night. In the morning you should find they have absorbed all the gelatine and water and are perfect for the hook.
Just give these three methods of preparation a try Terry, I'm sure one or all of them will work for you.
Question and answers for December 2009
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 11/12/2009
Ben Mackenzie asked:
How do you become sponsored by an angling company and what do you have to do to get sponsored?
Neil answered: To be honest Ben its not that easy nowadays to get good sponsorship. A good angling CV is essential to secure a top sponsorship deal with a major tackle manufacturer. Its best to set your sights a little lower to begin with, try approaching your local tackle shop for a discount on tackle, in return you can advertise their name in the angling press with yours. Of course this means you have to get some good results in return for sponsorship.
Eventually when you are framing on a regular basis it may be worth asking the shop to up your sponsorship to include trade price bait. Basically you need to make a name for yourself on your local match circuit. Once you have achieved this its then time for you to try your hand at some of the bigger competitions, events like Fisho Mania or the Kamasan Matchman of the Year. Once you have won a major title the tackle company's will become interested in you and offer you a much better deal. Always remember its not what they can do for you but what you can do for them. A tackle company will require that you represent them in advertising and magazine features and become a model ambassador for their company in exchange for discounted tackle or even free tackle.
So Ben keep fishing and improving and who knows one day its possible you might be approached by a major manufacturer maybe even Bag’em!
Ben Mackenzie asked:
How do you become sponsored by an angling company and what do you have to do to get sponsored?
Neil answered: To be honest Ben its not that easy nowadays to get good sponsorship. A good angling CV is essential to secure a top sponsorship deal with a major tackle manufacturer. Its best to set your sights a little lower to begin with, try approaching your local tackle shop for a discount on tackle, in return you can advertise their name in the angling press with yours. Of course this means you have to get some good results in return for sponsorship.
Eventually when you are framing on a regular basis it may be worth asking the shop to up your sponsorship to include trade price bait. Basically you need to make a name for yourself on your local match circuit. Once you have achieved this its then time for you to try your hand at some of the bigger competitions, events like Fisho Mania or the Kamasan Matchman of the Year. Once you have won a major title the tackle company's will become interested in you and offer you a much better deal. Always remember its not what they can do for you but what you can do for them. A tackle company will require that you represent them in advertising and magazine features and become a model ambassador for their company in exchange for discounted tackle or even free tackle.
So Ben keep fishing and improving and who knows one day its possible you might be approached by a major manufacturer maybe even Bag’em!
Question and answers for November 2009
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 20/11/2009
Steve Cartwright asked:
Neil is it best to feed gb fishmeal or pellets when paste fishing or hemp corn come warmer weather?
Neil answered: It depends where you’re fishing Steve all these baits can work equally well. Depth of water is generally the deciding factor. If for instance the venue you are fishing is deep you will need a feed bait that sinks quickly. The idea behind this is to prevent the feeding fish in your swim coming up in the water and giving you false bites (liners). The heavier the bait the quicker it sinks thus reducing the chances of liners. Corn and hemp are perfect in this situation whilst pellets and groundbait are much better suited to shallower water. Just remember though this is not always the case and at times all these feed baits can be very effective.
Steve Cartwright asked:
Neil is it best to feed gb fishmeal or pellets when paste fishing or hemp corn come warmer weather?
Neil answered: It depends where you’re fishing Steve all these baits can work equally well. Depth of water is generally the deciding factor. If for instance the venue you are fishing is deep you will need a feed bait that sinks quickly. The idea behind this is to prevent the feeding fish in your swim coming up in the water and giving you false bites (liners). The heavier the bait the quicker it sinks thus reducing the chances of liners. Corn and hemp are perfect in this situation whilst pellets and groundbait are much better suited to shallower water. Just remember though this is not always the case and at times all these feed baits can be very effective.
Question and answers for October 2009
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 16/10/09
Alex Moyle asked:
I was wondering what elastics you use and why?
Neil answered: For 95% of my match fishing I tend to use hollow elastic. The reason for this is it’s much more supple and forgiving than solid elastic, so there is less chance of bumping fish off. There is also less chance of having your line break when using lighter lines.
I do use solid elastics in certain situations though mainly when fishing for silver fish such as roach and skimmers. In my opinion even the lightest hollow elastics are not quite soft enough for this type of fishing. A 2s or 3s solid elastic would be my preferred choice for this style of fishing.
Alex Moyle asked:
I was wondering what elastics you use and why?
Neil answered: For 95% of my match fishing I tend to use hollow elastic. The reason for this is it’s much more supple and forgiving than solid elastic, so there is less chance of bumping fish off. There is also less chance of having your line break when using lighter lines.
I do use solid elastics in certain situations though mainly when fishing for silver fish such as roach and skimmers. In my opinion even the lightest hollow elastics are not quite soft enough for this type of fishing. A 2s or 3s solid elastic would be my preferred choice for this style of fishing.
Question and answers for September 2009
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 28/09/09
Rob Sheret asked:
Please could you tell me what hook baits should I use with the Preston flat bed inline feeder?
Neil answered: Well Rob that really depends on what you’re putting on the feeder as feed. If your moulding micro pellets around it then its generaly better to use a pellet on the hook as hook bait. I tend to use a 6mm hair rigged banded pellet.
If on the other hand you’re using groundbait, then single or double dead maggot threaded straight onto the hook. Or hair rigged corn' meat or one of bag'ems new micro boiles would be my choice.
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 18/09/09
Richard Butler asked:
I am fishing a match on the new pools at Cudmore a week on Saturday, can you tell me what the best methods are i.e. baits, pole or feeder? I think that they are peging one side of the pool.
Neil answered: Its a bit betwixed and between at Cudmore at the minute Richard. I fished there last week and the best bait on the pole was meat fished at about eleven meters and down the side. Loose fed meat over the top seemed to bring more bites. It was double banked when i fished it so the feeder didn't play a part. You say that its gonna be single banked when your fishing so feeder will certainly play a large part in your attack.
Try using a medium size method feeder in conjunction with my Krill Seeker groundbait its high oil content and orange colour make it perfect for this venue. For the best results cast it tight in the net hole on the far bank.
Rob Sheret asked:
Please could you tell me what hook baits should I use with the Preston flat bed inline feeder?
Neil answered: Well Rob that really depends on what you’re putting on the feeder as feed. If your moulding micro pellets around it then its generaly better to use a pellet on the hook as hook bait. I tend to use a 6mm hair rigged banded pellet.
If on the other hand you’re using groundbait, then single or double dead maggot threaded straight onto the hook. Or hair rigged corn' meat or one of bag'ems new micro boiles would be my choice.
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 18/09/09
Richard Butler asked:
I am fishing a match on the new pools at Cudmore a week on Saturday, can you tell me what the best methods are i.e. baits, pole or feeder? I think that they are peging one side of the pool.
Neil answered: Its a bit betwixed and between at Cudmore at the minute Richard. I fished there last week and the best bait on the pole was meat fished at about eleven meters and down the side. Loose fed meat over the top seemed to bring more bites. It was double banked when i fished it so the feeder didn't play a part. You say that its gonna be single banked when your fishing so feeder will certainly play a large part in your attack.
Try using a medium size method feeder in conjunction with my Krill Seeker groundbait its high oil content and orange colour make it perfect for this venue. For the best results cast it tight in the net hole on the far bank.
Question and answers for August 2009
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 21/08/09
Robert Fuller asked:
When fishing somewhere like peg 25 on Pollawyn at White Acres in 9-10 feet of water for skimmers how would you mix your Xpanda groundbait to carry some particles and do you think it is suitable?
Neil answered: Well Rob, skimmers absolutely love my xpanda groundbait but the only problem with using it on the high bank pegs at White Acres is the depth of water. Its an active mix that breaks down very quickly.
If i were you i’d mix it 50-50 with my method mix to get it down to the bottom without it breaking up. Its probably also worth adding a few chopped worms and some casters to your mix depending on what time of year you’re going. As the water cools through the autumn just the groundbait on its own should be enough.
Robert Fuller asked:
When fishing somewhere like peg 25 on Pollawyn at White Acres in 9-10 feet of water for skimmers how would you mix your Xpanda groundbait to carry some particles and do you think it is suitable?
Neil answered: Well Rob, skimmers absolutely love my xpanda groundbait but the only problem with using it on the high bank pegs at White Acres is the depth of water. Its an active mix that breaks down very quickly.
If i were you i’d mix it 50-50 with my method mix to get it down to the bottom without it breaking up. Its probably also worth adding a few chopped worms and some casters to your mix depending on what time of year you’re going. As the water cools through the autumn just the groundbait on its own should be enough.
Question and answers for July 2009
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 10/07/09
Frank Harrison asked:
What ground bait mix do you use when using the swim feeder with the Garbolino speed mould?
Neil answered: Well Frank that's an easy one. At this time of year it would have to be my Machin’s method mix from the Pro- Competition range. As the name suggests its designed specifically for method feeder fishing. Plus it works very well in my speed mould as long as you don't over wet it.
Frank Harrison asked:
What ground bait mix do you use when using the swim feeder with the Garbolino speed mould?
Neil answered: Well Frank that's an easy one. At this time of year it would have to be my Machin’s method mix from the Pro- Competition range. As the name suggests its designed specifically for method feeder fishing. Plus it works very well in my speed mould as long as you don't over wet it.
Question and answers for June 2009
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 11/06/09
Jason Fulcher asked:
I am fishing the semi final at Barston Lakes and I will be practising this weekend. How best to set up an inline method feeder? I’m not confident on your method because I do not think I set them properly, a diagram would be nice?
Neil answered: Jason setting up a method feeder couldn't be simpler. Firstly a good main line is very important. I use the Garbolino real line in 3.5 kilo about 7-8lb
this will be perfect for Barston. Another good alternative if you cant get the Garbolino real line is good old Maxima.
Feed your main line through the neck of the feeder and attach it to a Korum quick change bead. This will then allow you to change your hook length easily. There are a couple of other things you can do to help put a few more fish on the bank. One is to attach a sliding float stop on the main line just in front of the neck of the feeder, this means the feeder is still free running but it becomes more of a bolt type rig. Another is to pinch a shot up the main line about 18'' away from the feeder. This will help nail the line to the bottom to prevent fish touching it and spooking. Just check the rules though before you do this as on some fishery's this could be classed as a fixed rig. I hope this helps and good luck with your match.
Jason Fulcher asked:
I am fishing the semi final at Barston Lakes and I will be practising this weekend. How best to set up an inline method feeder? I’m not confident on your method because I do not think I set them properly, a diagram would be nice?
Neil answered: Jason setting up a method feeder couldn't be simpler. Firstly a good main line is very important. I use the Garbolino real line in 3.5 kilo about 7-8lb
this will be perfect for Barston. Another good alternative if you cant get the Garbolino real line is good old Maxima.
Feed your main line through the neck of the feeder and attach it to a Korum quick change bead. This will then allow you to change your hook length easily. There are a couple of other things you can do to help put a few more fish on the bank. One is to attach a sliding float stop on the main line just in front of the neck of the feeder, this means the feeder is still free running but it becomes more of a bolt type rig. Another is to pinch a shot up the main line about 18'' away from the feeder. This will help nail the line to the bottom to prevent fish touching it and spooking. Just check the rules though before you do this as on some fishery's this could be classed as a fixed rig. I hope this helps and good luck with your match.
Question and answers for May 2009
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 22/05/09
Hollie Smith asked:
Do you think that artificial hook baits can out perform natural hook baits?
Neil answered: To be honest Hollie if you had asked me that question a few months ago I would have said defiantly not. But after a recent trip to Border Fishery's with a good friend of mine I have to say my opinion has changed. I spent an afternoon fishing the cage feeder filled with Red Reaper groundbait and double red maggot as a hook bait. I was catching reasonably well when my friend told me to try one of his artificial hook baits. At first i kindly declined his offer thinking i new better and it would be a waste of time. But he kept on at me to give them ago. So in an effort to pacify him I agreed to try them. He passed me something resembling a small bright orange carrot. I hooked it on and cast it into the lake. After just a few seconds the tip flew round and a few seconds later a 2 lb chub was in my landing net. This happened time and time again, much quicker than the maggot hook bait. I even switched back to maggot to make sure the fish just hadn't start feeding better. But they hadn't, the fact of the mater was that they defiantly prefer the artificial baits to the natural. So you might say I am a bit of a convert.
Hollie Smith asked:
Do you think that artificial hook baits can out perform natural hook baits?
Neil answered: To be honest Hollie if you had asked me that question a few months ago I would have said defiantly not. But after a recent trip to Border Fishery's with a good friend of mine I have to say my opinion has changed. I spent an afternoon fishing the cage feeder filled with Red Reaper groundbait and double red maggot as a hook bait. I was catching reasonably well when my friend told me to try one of his artificial hook baits. At first i kindly declined his offer thinking i new better and it would be a waste of time. But he kept on at me to give them ago. So in an effort to pacify him I agreed to try them. He passed me something resembling a small bright orange carrot. I hooked it on and cast it into the lake. After just a few seconds the tip flew round and a few seconds later a 2 lb chub was in my landing net. This happened time and time again, much quicker than the maggot hook bait. I even switched back to maggot to make sure the fish just hadn't start feeding better. But they hadn't, the fact of the mater was that they defiantly prefer the artificial baits to the natural. So you might say I am a bit of a convert.
Question and answers for April 2009
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 24/04/09
Ken Ince asked:
I’ve been fishing a carp lake, and doing well shallow, but the fish drift in and out, have to put sections on and chase them. Any idea what I should do?? What do you think of dies going in as a cloud, would it help? I’m feeding 4mm pellet, on hook, maggot or 6mm pellet corn?
Neil answered: Ken, the main reason your fish are drifting in and out is down to your feeding. When you are fishing shallow one of the most important things you must remember is to always feed short of your float. Fish will tend to back away from your pole tip and happily eat any pellets that you catapult past. So by feeding short of your float you will force the fish to feed under your pole tip. This means you should never have to chase the fish.
Ken Ince asked:
I’ve been fishing a carp lake, and doing well shallow, but the fish drift in and out, have to put sections on and chase them. Any idea what I should do?? What do you think of dies going in as a cloud, would it help? I’m feeding 4mm pellet, on hook, maggot or 6mm pellet corn?
Neil answered: Ken, the main reason your fish are drifting in and out is down to your feeding. When you are fishing shallow one of the most important things you must remember is to always feed short of your float. Fish will tend to back away from your pole tip and happily eat any pellets that you catapult past. So by feeding short of your float you will force the fish to feed under your pole tip. This means you should never have to chase the fish.
Question and answers for March 2009
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 27/03/09
Carl Pate asked:
I have been looking into starting match fishing as I have fished a few matches with friends just recently. I was wondering if you knew any teams looking for match fishermen to join?
Neil answered: Well Carl its not easy to get into a match fishing team especially if you've only just taken up match fishing. If i were you I’d start by joining a local fishing club. Most clubs run regular club matches. You could enter these matches and when you get to the stage of winning on a regular basis then its time to move onto open matches.
Try and concentrate on just one or two venues to begin with and once you start to win at these venues it will be just a matter of time before you’re approached by a team.
Carl Pate asked:
I have been looking into starting match fishing as I have fished a few matches with friends just recently. I was wondering if you knew any teams looking for match fishermen to join?
Neil answered: Well Carl its not easy to get into a match fishing team especially if you've only just taken up match fishing. If i were you I’d start by joining a local fishing club. Most clubs run regular club matches. You could enter these matches and when you get to the stage of winning on a regular basis then its time to move onto open matches.
Try and concentrate on just one or two venues to begin with and once you start to win at these venues it will be just a matter of time before you’re approached by a team.
Question and answers for February 2009
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 20/02/09
Daz asked:
What do you regard has a good pole float for fishing pellet,in all depths and how do you shot it, do you use a bulk or spread shot? The venues i will be visiting are Lakeview, Heronbrook and Cudmore?
Neil answered: The DC 11 is the perfect float for all these venues. Manufactured by Garbolino it has a rugby ball shaped body, a wire stem and a cane bristle. All features that make it very stable and easy to shot up. As far as the shotting goes I like to use a split bulk of number 8's about two inches apart and two number 10's droppers. The first five inches from the hook the 2nd five inches above that and then the 1st bulk shot five inches above that. If you really start to bag you can slide the number 8's together forming a bulk to get the hook bait down even faster.
Daz asked:
What do you regard has a good pole float for fishing pellet,in all depths and how do you shot it, do you use a bulk or spread shot? The venues i will be visiting are Lakeview, Heronbrook and Cudmore?
Neil answered: The DC 11 is the perfect float for all these venues. Manufactured by Garbolino it has a rugby ball shaped body, a wire stem and a cane bristle. All features that make it very stable and easy to shot up. As far as the shotting goes I like to use a split bulk of number 8's about two inches apart and two number 10's droppers. The first five inches from the hook the 2nd five inches above that and then the 1st bulk shot five inches above that. If you really start to bag you can slide the number 8's together forming a bulk to get the hook bait down even faster.
Question and answers for January 2009
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 16/01/09
Steve asked:
Neil in the winter, on snake lakes do you ever target more than 2 swims? Middle and three quarters is what I normally do?
Neil answered: Yes Steve I most certainly do. On most snake lakes in the winter I always plumb up at least seven swims. Two on the far shelf in about two feet of water about five meters apart. Three at the bottom of the far ledge, one straight in front one to the right and one to the left. With the final two at the bottom of the near ledge left and right. This gives me plenty of options to find the fish,and work out a feeding pattern. If the match was really hard and I had enough room I would also start up new swims as the match progressed.
Steve asked:
Neil in the winter, on snake lakes do you ever target more than 2 swims? Middle and three quarters is what I normally do?
Neil answered: Yes Steve I most certainly do. On most snake lakes in the winter I always plumb up at least seven swims. Two on the far shelf in about two feet of water about five meters apart. Three at the bottom of the far ledge, one straight in front one to the right and one to the left. With the final two at the bottom of the near ledge left and right. This gives me plenty of options to find the fish,and work out a feeding pattern. If the match was really hard and I had enough room I would also start up new swims as the match progressed.
Question and answers for December 2008
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 12/12/08
Ben Appleby asked:
What baits would you recommend now winter has arrived, and would you change if there has been a frost the night before?
Neil answered: To be honest Ben most baits work in the winter the trick is to feed very sparingly. The only baits I wouldn't consider are meat and worms. Maggots pellets casters and corn can all be very good baits in the winter. As far as frosts go if there was a frost the night before a session or a prolonged cold snap then maggots would be my first choice of bait. All fish eat maggots and sometimes silvers feeding on maggots in your swim can encourage carp to feed as well.
Ben Appleby asked:
What baits would you recommend now winter has arrived, and would you change if there has been a frost the night before?
Neil answered: To be honest Ben most baits work in the winter the trick is to feed very sparingly. The only baits I wouldn't consider are meat and worms. Maggots pellets casters and corn can all be very good baits in the winter. As far as frosts go if there was a frost the night before a session or a prolonged cold snap then maggots would be my first choice of bait. All fish eat maggots and sometimes silvers feeding on maggots in your swim can encourage carp to feed as well.
Question and answers for November 2008
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 21/11/08
Laurent Prouillac asked:
I mostly go to a fishery called Peyysies ( lake with carp moyenne 3-4kg) in France I fish regularly on paste, but i made it first sloppy and during the coarse of the day it became more hard. How should i conserve the paste to stay sloppy during a 5 hour fish?
Neil answered: Well Laurent the best and simplest way to stop your paste drying out is to keep it in a small polythene bag whilst you are fishing. The bag will retain the moisture in the paste. A small sandwich type bag is best, a resalable one if you can get them. This will keep your paste fresh and moist for the whole session.
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 05/11/08
Steve asked:
In winter fishing for f1 on snake lakes do you feed at 13m with pole cup or catty?
Neil answered: Well Steve I never feed with a catty in the winter for two main reasons.
One is because I like to keep the feed tight in a small area to stop the fish backing off to far from the feed when they are not really feeding, The other is because in the winter I like to feed micros or crushed pellet through a very small clear pot, and that’s not to easy to do with a catty.
Laurent Prouillac asked:
I mostly go to a fishery called Peyysies ( lake with carp moyenne 3-4kg) in France I fish regularly on paste, but i made it first sloppy and during the coarse of the day it became more hard. How should i conserve the paste to stay sloppy during a 5 hour fish?
Neil answered: Well Laurent the best and simplest way to stop your paste drying out is to keep it in a small polythene bag whilst you are fishing. The bag will retain the moisture in the paste. A small sandwich type bag is best, a resalable one if you can get them. This will keep your paste fresh and moist for the whole session.
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 05/11/08
Steve asked:
In winter fishing for f1 on snake lakes do you feed at 13m with pole cup or catty?
Neil answered: Well Steve I never feed with a catty in the winter for two main reasons.
One is because I like to keep the feed tight in a small area to stop the fish backing off to far from the feed when they are not really feeding, The other is because in the winter I like to feed micros or crushed pellet through a very small clear pot, and that’s not to easy to do with a catty.
Question and answers for October 2008
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 10/10/08
Gary Page asked:
I understand that you use Braid as a hooklength when fishing the method, why and what braid do you use?
Neil answered: The main reason I use braid is because it is more supple than monofilament line. You need to use strong hook lengths when fishing the method to prevent fish from breaking it when they hook themselves. The problem with strong mono hook lengths is that they are too stiff which means the hook and hook bait can spring out of the method ball as it breaks down especially light hook baits like dead maggots.
The braid I have found best for this type of fishing is 8 lb Preston braid cast its very strong and extremely supple.
Gary Page asked:
I understand that you use Braid as a hooklength when fishing the method, why and what braid do you use?
Neil answered: The main reason I use braid is because it is more supple than monofilament line. You need to use strong hook lengths when fishing the method to prevent fish from breaking it when they hook themselves. The problem with strong mono hook lengths is that they are too stiff which means the hook and hook bait can spring out of the method ball as it breaks down especially light hook baits like dead maggots.
The braid I have found best for this type of fishing is 8 lb Preston braid cast its very strong and extremely supple.
Questions and answers for September 2008
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 05/09/08
S Fogg asked:
Please would you let me know if you offer angling tuition (for experienced angler Sheffield based) - match tips/day out with tuition?....
Neil answered: Yes I do still do some tuition but only in the spring.
I used to do it all year round but now I have a full time job and so I don't get the time. From the middle of March to the middle of June is the only time of year that I do coaching now so if you can hang on until then we may be able to sort something out.
If you call Bag’em and leave your contact details with Caroline I'm sure she will be more than happy to pass them on to me.
S Fogg asked:
Please would you let me know if you offer angling tuition (for experienced angler Sheffield based) - match tips/day out with tuition?....
Neil answered: Yes I do still do some tuition but only in the spring.
I used to do it all year round but now I have a full time job and so I don't get the time. From the middle of March to the middle of June is the only time of year that I do coaching now so if you can hang on until then we may be able to sort something out.
If you call Bag’em and leave your contact details with Caroline I'm sure she will be more than happy to pass them on to me.
Questions and answers for August 2008
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 22/08/08
Pete Craig asked:
‘Speed mould’ brilliant invention, but I am having trouble with the groundbait mix. I have tried various mixes including Dynamite’s marine but having trouble with all of them, I don’t seem to be able to get it right, any advice please?
Neil answered: I'm glad you asked this question Pete, its one I've been asked a few times. Its seems you’re not the only one out there that struggles with the speed mould.
There are instructions on the back of the packaging to guide you but unfortunately most people my self included don't like reading instructions. Now i'm not saying you haven't read them because you probably have and are still struggling a bit. I'm guessing the problem you are having is that the groundbait is sticking inside the mould. If this is the case here are a few tips that should help you overcome this problem.
One thing you may be doing wrong is over filling the mould. it is designed to take just the right amount of groundbait. Fill the mould and then scrape off the excess with the edge of your hand. Don't push any extra groundbait in the mould.
When you've filled the mould and pressed the feeder into it turn it upside down and waggle the neck of the feeder up and down very slightly until the feeder drops free from the mould. Then you can half fill the mould and give it a second press. Note you must not fill it more than half full for the second press otherwise you may have problems with it sticking.
The only other thing that may be causing you problems is your groundbait mix. You shouldn't have any problems with the groundbait you say you are using the only thing you may be doing is over wetted your mix slightly. So try mixing it a little dryer.
Well Pete I hope these few suggestions help.
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 08/08/08
Simon Isherwood asked:
When using the pole, is it always a good idea to use a pole cup or pole pot right on top of your hookbait?
Neil answered: Simon is yes its a very good idea. Using a pot on the end of your pole allows you to feed more accurately. It also means you can drip in feed into a very tight area and concentrate the fish into that area. Every time you feed you can drop your hook bait in at the same time usually resulting in an immediate bite. It also allows you to regulate the amount of bait you feed.. Id much prefer to feed a little every go in than put in a single big pot of bait every so often.
There is one slight drawback and that's liners. Drip feeding bait every put in can sometimes result in getting liners. if this happens there's a couple of things you can do. firstly try cutting back on the feed a little . If that doesn't work try feeding two swims rather than one. feed one and fish the other catch a fish re feed that swim and then move to the other. I hope this is of some help Simon.
Pete Craig asked:
‘Speed mould’ brilliant invention, but I am having trouble with the groundbait mix. I have tried various mixes including Dynamite’s marine but having trouble with all of them, I don’t seem to be able to get it right, any advice please?
Neil answered: I'm glad you asked this question Pete, its one I've been asked a few times. Its seems you’re not the only one out there that struggles with the speed mould.
There are instructions on the back of the packaging to guide you but unfortunately most people my self included don't like reading instructions. Now i'm not saying you haven't read them because you probably have and are still struggling a bit. I'm guessing the problem you are having is that the groundbait is sticking inside the mould. If this is the case here are a few tips that should help you overcome this problem.
One thing you may be doing wrong is over filling the mould. it is designed to take just the right amount of groundbait. Fill the mould and then scrape off the excess with the edge of your hand. Don't push any extra groundbait in the mould.
When you've filled the mould and pressed the feeder into it turn it upside down and waggle the neck of the feeder up and down very slightly until the feeder drops free from the mould. Then you can half fill the mould and give it a second press. Note you must not fill it more than half full for the second press otherwise you may have problems with it sticking.
The only other thing that may be causing you problems is your groundbait mix. You shouldn't have any problems with the groundbait you say you are using the only thing you may be doing is over wetted your mix slightly. So try mixing it a little dryer.
Well Pete I hope these few suggestions help.
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 08/08/08
Simon Isherwood asked:
When using the pole, is it always a good idea to use a pole cup or pole pot right on top of your hookbait?
Neil answered: Simon is yes its a very good idea. Using a pot on the end of your pole allows you to feed more accurately. It also means you can drip in feed into a very tight area and concentrate the fish into that area. Every time you feed you can drop your hook bait in at the same time usually resulting in an immediate bite. It also allows you to regulate the amount of bait you feed.. Id much prefer to feed a little every go in than put in a single big pot of bait every so often.
There is one slight drawback and that's liners. Drip feeding bait every put in can sometimes result in getting liners. if this happens there's a couple of things you can do. firstly try cutting back on the feed a little . If that doesn't work try feeding two swims rather than one. feed one and fish the other catch a fish re feed that swim and then move to the other. I hope this is of some help Simon.
Questions and answers for July 2008
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 04/07/08
Frank Asbrook asked:
I fish the river Weaver, ex matchman! I like to try different methods and would like to try fishing paste, can you help me? The river is slow moving and at 10 meters about 11 foot deep. Bream, tench and roach are some of the species present. What float, shotting, hook size etc. do you recommend?
Neil answered: Well Frank I have only fished the Weaver a few times and never with paste. I can't say that I have ever heard of anyone fishing paste on there, but I cant see why it wouldn't work given a little patience. If I were you I”d fish it on the pole with a minimum 0.12 line straight through to a size 16-14 911 hook. Try using a 2 gram flat float this will allow you to hold the rig and the paste still in the flow.
As far as feeding goes try cupping in 3 or 4 large balls of fish meal based groundbait at the start and regularly top this up with small balls of groundbait. You may have to fish a firmer paste than usual to prevent it coming off the hook as the heavy rig sinks. Then all you have to do is wait.
Frank Asbrook asked:
I fish the river Weaver, ex matchman! I like to try different methods and would like to try fishing paste, can you help me? The river is slow moving and at 10 meters about 11 foot deep. Bream, tench and roach are some of the species present. What float, shotting, hook size etc. do you recommend?
Neil answered: Well Frank I have only fished the Weaver a few times and never with paste. I can't say that I have ever heard of anyone fishing paste on there, but I cant see why it wouldn't work given a little patience. If I were you I”d fish it on the pole with a minimum 0.12 line straight through to a size 16-14 911 hook. Try using a 2 gram flat float this will allow you to hold the rig and the paste still in the flow.
As far as feeding goes try cupping in 3 or 4 large balls of fish meal based groundbait at the start and regularly top this up with small balls of groundbait. You may have to fish a firmer paste than usual to prevent it coming off the hook as the heavy rig sinks. Then all you have to do is wait.
Question and answers for June 2008
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 27/06/08
Neil Sturdy asked:
How can I make my own paste? ( which ingredients etc?) How can I make the breakdown time faster or slower ? What do you think works best for targeting carp in matches??
Neil answered: ‘Making your own paste is very simple the main thing you need is a good coffee grinder. There are many types of grinder on the market but you'll tend to find the more expensive the better. As far as ingredients go try grinding 50% course pellet and 50% trout pellets and mix them together adding water as you go. If you want to slow the breakdown time down simply add more trout pellet than course pellet say 70% trout and 30% course pellet. The extra oil from the trout pellet will slow the breakdown time down. On the other hand if you want a faster breakdown time try 70% course pellet and 30% trout pellet.’
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 20/06/08
Martin Crouch asked:
Is there any advantage in flavouring expander pellets prior to use? If so how would you do it?
Neil answered: ‘To be honest Martin I'm not a big fan of dying expander pellets, that's not to say I haven't played around with the idea in the past. I'm a big believer in fishing the same thing on the hook as you are feeding.
Most of the time I tend to feed ordinary course pellets so I prefer to fish and ordinary expander over the top. There are some venues that respond better to feeding coloured pellets, if that’s the case it makes perfect sense to dye your expanders the same colour.
If you want to try it, I recommend adding some of Bag’ems Bait Dye to the water that you pump your pellets in. Adding the dye to the water before you pump your expanders will make sure the expanders draw the dye in as they expand. This means the dye wont wash off whilst you are fishing with them. Make sure you experiment with the dye to water ratio to get the colour just right.’
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 13/06/08
Ian Barrett asked:
I mainly fish on commercials and I’m looking to buy a new pole. I can only afford to spend about £800 on one. Is there a pole you would recommend that I can take a look at?
Neil answered: ‘Well Ian, as you probably know I am not only sponsored by Bag’em, but also Garbolino, who make some excellent poles. There are two that I think you should probably take a look at.
The first is the new Super G 10 Power this is the latest baggin pole from Garbolino. I've had one for about a month now and I just can't fault it. Its very strong and surprisingly stiff for a big fish pole and the new quick ship finish on the butt sections makes it really easy to ship in and out. You should be able to pick one up for about £800 at 14.5m.
The other one I think you should look at is the Carp Match this is a 16m pole that is ideal for catching all sizes of fish from small silvers to proper monster carp. its action is similar to the Super G10 Power, but its a little lighter in weight. Its slightly more expensive than the Super G10 Power at £850 but believe me its well worth the money..’
Neil Sturdy asked:
How can I make my own paste? ( which ingredients etc?) How can I make the breakdown time faster or slower ? What do you think works best for targeting carp in matches??
Neil answered: ‘Making your own paste is very simple the main thing you need is a good coffee grinder. There are many types of grinder on the market but you'll tend to find the more expensive the better. As far as ingredients go try grinding 50% course pellet and 50% trout pellets and mix them together adding water as you go. If you want to slow the breakdown time down simply add more trout pellet than course pellet say 70% trout and 30% course pellet. The extra oil from the trout pellet will slow the breakdown time down. On the other hand if you want a faster breakdown time try 70% course pellet and 30% trout pellet.’
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 20/06/08
Martin Crouch asked:
Is there any advantage in flavouring expander pellets prior to use? If so how would you do it?
Neil answered: ‘To be honest Martin I'm not a big fan of dying expander pellets, that's not to say I haven't played around with the idea in the past. I'm a big believer in fishing the same thing on the hook as you are feeding.
Most of the time I tend to feed ordinary course pellets so I prefer to fish and ordinary expander over the top. There are some venues that respond better to feeding coloured pellets, if that’s the case it makes perfect sense to dye your expanders the same colour.
If you want to try it, I recommend adding some of Bag’ems Bait Dye to the water that you pump your pellets in. Adding the dye to the water before you pump your expanders will make sure the expanders draw the dye in as they expand. This means the dye wont wash off whilst you are fishing with them. Make sure you experiment with the dye to water ratio to get the colour just right.’
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 13/06/08
Ian Barrett asked:
I mainly fish on commercials and I’m looking to buy a new pole. I can only afford to spend about £800 on one. Is there a pole you would recommend that I can take a look at?
Neil answered: ‘Well Ian, as you probably know I am not only sponsored by Bag’em, but also Garbolino, who make some excellent poles. There are two that I think you should probably take a look at.
The first is the new Super G 10 Power this is the latest baggin pole from Garbolino. I've had one for about a month now and I just can't fault it. Its very strong and surprisingly stiff for a big fish pole and the new quick ship finish on the butt sections makes it really easy to ship in and out. You should be able to pick one up for about £800 at 14.5m.
The other one I think you should look at is the Carp Match this is a 16m pole that is ideal for catching all sizes of fish from small silvers to proper monster carp. its action is similar to the Super G10 Power, but its a little lighter in weight. Its slightly more expensive than the Super G10 Power at £850 but believe me its well worth the money..’
Questions and answers for May 2008
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 30/05/08
Jonathan Firth asked:
I need help with my feeding. Should I or shouldn’t I feed? My normal feed pattern is after an indication of fish or say every ten minutes. Snake Lakes are my biggest puzzle as I think the fish are already there, so don’t feed but to fish and not feed is strange to me. I would be very grateful for any help you could give me?
Neil answered: ‘Feeding is a very important way of building your swim, In the summer months I prefer to feed every put in rather than after every fish or indication. The amount you feed depends on the amount of fish in your swim or the amount of indications you are getting. You could also try feeding more than one swim this will then give you the chance to try feeding different amounts of bait in the different swims this will help you work out how much feed the fish want. A standard kinder pot holds almost 500 micro pellets so it can be very easy to over feed your swim. You mention that sometimes you feed nothing. Well this can sometimes be a good move in the winter when the whether is so cold that the fish don't really feed and therefore shy away from baited areas. But once again I would recommend you use multiple swims, a single maggot' small expander' corn or punched bread used as hook bait only will all catch you fish.’
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 23/05/08
Ken Ince asked:
Living in Ireland, there is only a couple of carp lakes. I’m fishing a festival soon, and I need a new method+bait, something totally different???? worm, caster, pellets, corn, maggots work, up in the water, margins, pellet wag work, bagging waggler has been banned, worked wonders down there. Any tips? Thanks.
Neil answered: ‘Well Ken it sounds like before the baggin wag was banned it was the in method at your local fishery. A good method to replace it could be the splashing waggler. It works well at places like Larford Lakes where the baggin wag has also been banned. The garbolino splash wagglers are excellent for this type of fishing. The key thing though is getting your ground bait wright. You need to use a cloud type ground bait something like Bag ems Pellet Cloud. But if you were to use it i would recommend adding brown crumb to the mix to help it bind. Extra particles are also very important try adding some crushed casters into your mix these will bring the fish high in the water as they sink very slowly. Its also worth colouring you ground bait with strawberry and bergamot bait dye. This will help create an attractive red cloud that the carp can't resist. As far as hook baits go it couldn't be simpler four or five red maggots on a 12s hook should do the trick. Then its a case of firing a ball of ground bait out every cast and casting to it.
I hope this helps Ken and good luck with the festivals.’
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 16/05/08
Ashley Fisher asked:
I really want to fish the method feeder, but most of my local waters have banned groundbait. Is there anything else I could try to the same effect ?
Neil answered: ‘Yes Ashley there certainly is. Softened micro pellets are an excellent alternative to groundbait and on some fisheries the fish actually prefer them to groundbait. If the venue you are fishing only allows fishery pellets then you may have to experiment with them to get the consistency right for moulding them around the method feeder. Alternatively if you are allowed to use your own pellets you could try using Bag-ems moist feeder pellets. These are a pree soaked 2mm micro pellet which will mould perfectly around a method feeder straight from the container. As far as hook baits go try a banded 6mm pellet or hair rigged sweet corn.’
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 09/05/08
Richard Paterson asked:
When fishing with corn do you bury it from the top of the kernel or do you just nick it in the top corner?
Neil answered: ‘To be honest Richard I hook corn in two different ways. If the fishing is hard and bites are difficult to come buy I’ll push the hook up inside the open end of the corn and then push the point of the hook out through the flat side of the corn. This way most of the hook is masked except for the point.
When bites are more regular or if you are getting lots of liners, I prefer to hook the corn through the rounded end of the corn. Push the point of the hook down into the rounded end of the corn and out through the flat side. It stays on the hook much better this way and can also be used like this if your fishing the waggler.’
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 02/05/08
Thank you all, I received lots of e-mails and picked two of the most interesting questions to answer....
Gary Page asked:
I have one of your method moulds and i tried it this week using some of Bag'ems moist feeder pellets which are great but i kept having probs getting the pellets to come away from the mould?
Neil answered: ‘The moist feeder pellets will work in the mould. Dust the inside of the mould with some dry groundbait, before putting the moist feeder pellets in. Just fill 2/3rds of the mould with pellets and don’t press them in too hard.’
John Clewes asked:
During winter when fishing for F1's I find that they sometimes back of from the feed area and are reluctant to return, normally I find myself following them down the peg. This happens despite me feeding little approx 6 maggots or 8 micros. What would you recommend to get the F1's to return or stay put?
Neil answered: In the water F1’s are very shy feeders. The way to maximise your catch rate is to feed more than 1 or 2 swims. Minimum of 6 swims or as many as 12. Feed a swim, catch a fish, refeed that swim, move to the second swim, catch a fish, refeed that swim and so on.
Jonathan Firth asked:
I need help with my feeding. Should I or shouldn’t I feed? My normal feed pattern is after an indication of fish or say every ten minutes. Snake Lakes are my biggest puzzle as I think the fish are already there, so don’t feed but to fish and not feed is strange to me. I would be very grateful for any help you could give me?
Neil answered: ‘Feeding is a very important way of building your swim, In the summer months I prefer to feed every put in rather than after every fish or indication. The amount you feed depends on the amount of fish in your swim or the amount of indications you are getting. You could also try feeding more than one swim this will then give you the chance to try feeding different amounts of bait in the different swims this will help you work out how much feed the fish want. A standard kinder pot holds almost 500 micro pellets so it can be very easy to over feed your swim. You mention that sometimes you feed nothing. Well this can sometimes be a good move in the winter when the whether is so cold that the fish don't really feed and therefore shy away from baited areas. But once again I would recommend you use multiple swims, a single maggot' small expander' corn or punched bread used as hook bait only will all catch you fish.’
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 23/05/08
Ken Ince asked:
Living in Ireland, there is only a couple of carp lakes. I’m fishing a festival soon, and I need a new method+bait, something totally different???? worm, caster, pellets, corn, maggots work, up in the water, margins, pellet wag work, bagging waggler has been banned, worked wonders down there. Any tips? Thanks.
Neil answered: ‘Well Ken it sounds like before the baggin wag was banned it was the in method at your local fishery. A good method to replace it could be the splashing waggler. It works well at places like Larford Lakes where the baggin wag has also been banned. The garbolino splash wagglers are excellent for this type of fishing. The key thing though is getting your ground bait wright. You need to use a cloud type ground bait something like Bag ems Pellet Cloud. But if you were to use it i would recommend adding brown crumb to the mix to help it bind. Extra particles are also very important try adding some crushed casters into your mix these will bring the fish high in the water as they sink very slowly. Its also worth colouring you ground bait with strawberry and bergamot bait dye. This will help create an attractive red cloud that the carp can't resist. As far as hook baits go it couldn't be simpler four or five red maggots on a 12s hook should do the trick. Then its a case of firing a ball of ground bait out every cast and casting to it.
I hope this helps Ken and good luck with the festivals.’
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 16/05/08
Ashley Fisher asked:
I really want to fish the method feeder, but most of my local waters have banned groundbait. Is there anything else I could try to the same effect ?
Neil answered: ‘Yes Ashley there certainly is. Softened micro pellets are an excellent alternative to groundbait and on some fisheries the fish actually prefer them to groundbait. If the venue you are fishing only allows fishery pellets then you may have to experiment with them to get the consistency right for moulding them around the method feeder. Alternatively if you are allowed to use your own pellets you could try using Bag-ems moist feeder pellets. These are a pree soaked 2mm micro pellet which will mould perfectly around a method feeder straight from the container. As far as hook baits go try a banded 6mm pellet or hair rigged sweet corn.’
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 09/05/08
Richard Paterson asked:
When fishing with corn do you bury it from the top of the kernel or do you just nick it in the top corner?
Neil answered: ‘To be honest Richard I hook corn in two different ways. If the fishing is hard and bites are difficult to come buy I’ll push the hook up inside the open end of the corn and then push the point of the hook out through the flat side of the corn. This way most of the hook is masked except for the point.
When bites are more regular or if you are getting lots of liners, I prefer to hook the corn through the rounded end of the corn. Push the point of the hook down into the rounded end of the corn and out through the flat side. It stays on the hook much better this way and can also be used like this if your fishing the waggler.’
Neil Machin Question and Answer - 02/05/08
Thank you all, I received lots of e-mails and picked two of the most interesting questions to answer....
Gary Page asked:
I have one of your method moulds and i tried it this week using some of Bag'ems moist feeder pellets which are great but i kept having probs getting the pellets to come away from the mould?
Neil answered: ‘The moist feeder pellets will work in the mould. Dust the inside of the mould with some dry groundbait, before putting the moist feeder pellets in. Just fill 2/3rds of the mould with pellets and don’t press them in too hard.’
John Clewes asked:
During winter when fishing for F1's I find that they sometimes back of from the feed area and are reluctant to return, normally I find myself following them down the peg. This happens despite me feeding little approx 6 maggots or 8 micros. What would you recommend to get the F1's to return or stay put?
Neil answered: In the water F1’s are very shy feeders. The way to maximise your catch rate is to feed more than 1 or 2 swims. Minimum of 6 swims or as many as 12. Feed a swim, catch a fish, refeed that swim, move to the second swim, catch a fish, refeed that swim and so on.
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