I started fishing matches about 10yrs ago mainly on rivers and then mainly around moorlands farm and woodlands view. The rivers to me were the ultimate test of skill, with the demise of the rivers the commercials have now opened my eyes to a different section of the sport.

I fished a lot of canals around the Midlands including the Soho Loop, Birmingham - Phazely, I managed to win the winter league on both, over a 2yr period using caster and hemp and the occasional squatt and slop.

I nearly gave fishing up a couple of years ago due to my marriage but had a change of mind and got divorced instead.
I Love fishing as it gives me a sense of fulfilment regardless of whether I win or not, my pleasure fishing days are now out of the window as I find each time I go I set myself a time limit and a target ( even though I always stay for that last fish ).

Quick Guide - Winter Caster

2 pints of the best casters available ( WILL TURN THEM MYSELF IF I HAVE TOO)
2 Rigs
 one mid depth (Drennan lake 0.2)
One on the deck (Drennan lake 0.4 - 1g)
Line Gamakatsu 0.10 - 0.15
Hook, kamasan wide gape
Normally start by cupping in 20 or so casters with a pinch of hemp and a couple of grains of corn at the base of the far shelf whether on commercials or canals. I also feed a separate swim a meter or more away with loose feed caster and hemp for searching out the fish in the themocline whilst my deck swim settles.

Thankyou to all of the Lads at G.O.T for the freely offered info, you are the best set of match lads I have ever come across.

Over the years I have only had a couple of what I can only say as very weak sponsors.
The present sponsors you at G.O.T baits are outstanding. Thankyou.