Venue Experts?

[TF_gixer1]

Read a post on here the other day, someone looking for other waters near to them due to being fed up with being beaten by “venue experts” all the time, ok I know it can be demoralising to get beaten by the same person/people all the time but surely instead of avoiding the places would it not be better to try and find out what the “experts” are doing and have go back.
On the other hand do any of you out there think the “venue expert” is ruining it for your average angler or do you think everyone should try and raise their game? I was in a conversation the other day where a chap said they weren’t going to a match next weekend because so and so was going and he’ll “walk it”.

[TF_slopes]

It was me regarding the venue experts…. And as I mentioned I would usually ‘up the ante’ and learn what to do, but due to my lads football commitments I can only get out a couple of times a month on a saturday which leaves me a long way behind. The venues usually run 2 or 3 matches a week which the same names come up time and time again… Which is fair enough for their commitment, but less appealing for someone like myself. I think commercials have exaggerated the venue expert syndrome due to the lack of variables that a commercial throws up, flooding, slacks, bends, depths, fallen trees etc and also the variety of fish. I can honestly say that the thought of dragging out 200lb+ of carp in a match does not entice me, never mind the 400lb+ which is becoming more regular…. I don’t own enough keep nets for that anyway!

[TF_JohnH]

Slopes is correct, many venue experts are fishiing the same commy several times a week. They are in some cases, full tme anglers which have been the subject of many posts on here. Some names make their money from sponsorship which is fine, however some are on the dole “looking for work”. Thus they can fish when they wish. You would be amazed the advantage this gives them as every venue has its moods and the once a week angler is up against it trying to compete. Result is its the same anglers fishing against each other all the time. New comers unless they too have the time or are absolutely brilliant anglers have little chance. I know Alan Scothorne fishes Lindholme quite a bit, how often does even he frame?
Says it all really, the pressure for higher pools just makes things worse. IMO.
I do feel sorry for these guys because even if they win every week they are never going to get rich doing it.

[TF_JohnH]

I add that if you try and copy them you will rarely beat them. If you devise a new method, say by feeding 5kg of worms you find you can win, bait restrictions will quickly follow!!
Dont under estimate the power these guys have. They are fishing most days and paying pegging fees so as far as the venue owner is concerned they are a valuable source of income and he will not want them to go else where, so he keeps them happy.
The rules then assure that the regulars will pick up brown envolopes on a regular basis to at least offset pegging cost and bait.
Its a total self serving loop that no one can break.
You can only become one yourself to compete or go some where else.
Over time its my belief anglers will walk if alternatives are available, as most venues now seem to have resident experts!!

[TF_AnthonywatersParticipant]

This is why I mainly fish club matches, opens are OK in winter you can draw on fish and pick up a brown envelope

[TF_JohnH]

As far as natural venues are concerned its more even, I think its just something that affects commercials only, and its getting worse every year.

[TF_AnthonywatersParticipant]

Trouble is matchfshings not like golf where a handicap applies, some will say you don’t need a handicap the draw bag handicaps even the elite but its incredibly difficult to keep up with blokes that fish 3 Matches a week on the same pond,rovers can make things even tougher if you don’t know which pegs are favourable.

[TF_JohnH]

Rovers are even worse!!! We all know how carp especially move around at certain times and in certain conditions.
Please dont think I am bitter about the way things are, good luck to the guys I am sure they enjoy themselves. However things like this wither and die on the vine as its impossible to grow unless something changes.
In many cases even winning a 20 peg clubbie is harder as many typical commercial opens are fished by very low numbers of anglers.

[TF_badgerParticipant]

Some of the venue experts I’ve fished against are approchable and will help you with current methods and baits its then up to you if you want to follow their advise. I’ve had some success by taking on board and watching and listening. Remember thers’s frame and sections to fish for and with a decent draw they can be beaten.

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