Jan 27, 2025 · Gudgeon and our canals. A member of the carp family, the gudgeon was once found in most canals. However, the recent illegal introduction of zander means this species is now rare in many stretches – particularly across the Midlands.

Jul 4, 2019 · Used to be obsessed with canal fishing. I used to scribble diagrams of the usual contours of canals in my school notebooks. They used to report match results in the Angling Times and the canals round by where I live now were local meccas for canal matches.

Fishing for Gudgeon. Gudgeon are reliable feeders, even in cold winter conditions, and this makes them a target for match anglers when low weights are expected. Best baits for Gudgeon are Pinkies, squats, maggots, bloodworms and jokers fished over finely sieved groundbait.

Banbury and District Angling Association (BDAA) founded in 1888, has a comprehensive range of canals, rivers and stillwater's that cater for all aspects of pleasure, match and specimen fishing. All of our venues are located within the beautiful Oxfordshire country side.

Yes, gudgeon are easy to catch, but keeping them coming all day long in a match situation is another story altogether. Winning a competition with 4 lbs, 6 lbs, 8 lbs or optimistically, 10 lbs of gudgeon in a five hour contest is a real test of skill.

Jul 4, 2019 · When I was a kid (20 years ago) we used to fish matches every weekend for gudgeon on canals. Bonus fish were very rare. Matches used to be won with 3lb of gudgeon.

The gudgeon has saved many a match angler from blanking on hard days. Gudgeon feed on bottom dwelling organisms and a variety of invertebrates and insect larvae such as midge, caddis-fly, bloodworm, may-fly larvae, crustaceans and molluscs.

Gudgeon can be caught using a variety of techniques, including float fishing, ledgering, and pole fishing. Using a light tackle and small hooks is recommended, as gudgeon have small mouths. Fishing in areas with soft substrate, such as mud or sand, is also recommended.

Jan 17, 2023 · There is a Facebook group called "Match Fishing the Thames in the 80s" it's been a while since anybody posted but there is some interesting stuff there.

Find gudgeon in open water swims in gravel pits and lakes. Given the choice, gudgeon prefer streams and rivers running over gravel. Many canals hold gudgeon - try fishing the nearside shelf with a whip.