Match fishing:

Sudbury Long Melford District Angling Association (the club) run matches on a regular basis with home away competitions on a variety of venues, also from 2025 the club will participate in the “Essex Interclub League” a team event which the club was a founder member of back in 1974.

Matches are generally run on Sundays and Wednesdays throughout the year, the match calendar is available on the website and the clubs FaceBook page, make sure you follow the club on FB to keep updated, match results will be posted a day or two after each match.

All matches will involve optional pools which contributes to a prize fund distributed among typically, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, plus sections depending on attendance.

On all away matches £10 will be required for a day-ticket for the venue, this does not apply to home matches. Normally home matches are £10 and away matches £20, but remember pools are optional. This may vary depending on the venue. All members are welcome to participate in club matches, you will need to contact the Match Secretary to book in, also if you just need more information/help, see the contacts page for details.

The “Essex Interclub League” is a team event whereby the team will be picked on merit and venue knowledge. Contact the Match Secretary for more information.

A quick introduction:If you are new to fishing or looking to take your angling skills to the next level, match fishing can be a thrilling and rewarding experience and our regular match anglers will get you started on the right path, all of which are friendly and keen to help.

A typical match lasts between 5 or 6 hours, depending on the venue and time of year. Familiarise yourself with the specific match rules of the club plus regulations of the match venue is crucial, understanding the rules, including weight limits, prohibited methods, etc, will help you avoid problems and ensure you enjoy the match fishing experience.

Get involved: We’d love to see you on the bank, so get involved in match fishing it’s a great part of our sport and an even better way of making new friends.

SLMDAA MATCH RULES

1. Matches will be between 5-6hrs duration. Check with match secretary before start.

2. Pike or Zander do not count in home or away matches.

3. Local venue rules and policy must be adhered to; these will be discussed at the start of the match by the match secretary or designated steward.

4. On any disputes the match secretary’s or designated stewards’ decision is final.

5. Anglers may fish half the distance between their peg and the pegs on either side (not the next angler) and the limit of the swim will be the line midway between each bank (excluding rivers) unless both banks are pegged)).

6. You may only use one rod or pole, one line and one single hook whilst fishing, other rods or poles may be assembled ready to use if required.

7. Live or dead fish, artificial lures or surface baits are not allowed to be used.

8. No ground bait or loose feed before the starting signal, but you will be allowed to plumb the depth, test shot, clear ground of weed or obstructions and position your seatbox etc. Feeders (including method feeders) must not be used before the starting signal. A ledger bomb may be used to find depth and distance.

9. No bait shall be introduced with a pole cup or bait dropper attached to an extra rod/pole whilst continuing to fish.

10. Floating poles are not permitted.

11. Maximum permitted length of poles is 16 metres.

12. Hand lining fish is not permitted, this includes handling elastics and the line from the pole/rod tip to the fish. Pulla Bungs & Kits are allowed.

13. All nets must be dry when arriving to the venue.

14. Wading is permitted provided that the water does not extend above the knees, unless you can touch the bank whilst standing in the water.

15. You must stop fishing at the finishing signal. If you’re playing a fish hooked before the signal is given, you will be allowed 15 minutes to land the fish.

16. Keepnet limits will apply; 50lb limit in each net. Over 50lb or under 60lb reverts to 50lb. 60lb and over the net will be disqualified. Local rules may apply (see rule 3above).

17. All pegs must be clear of litter; you will not be allowed to weigh in if litter is present in your swim (yours or not).

18. All anglers are requiring to hold a valid EA rod licence.