A series of CA club and, just as last year, 'open to all' 'Pat's Patch' money matches have been organized for the 2003 season. The rules for these popular money matches will remain fairly loose (two rods allowed at one time, biggest fish prize, biggest weight prize etc.) and are aimed at promoting competition among a broad range of interested anglers. CA matches will also be run along similar lines, although a more traditional points based system will be implemented, with the angler with the highest points total from his or her best five events taking home the coveted CA angler of the year title, trophy and prize. Full CA club rules will appear as a link to this page shortly. Importantly, CA anglers fishing 'Patch' events may earn CA club points during these events. A more detailed description of these matches will appear in the appropriate calendar sections below.

The Fish-in and seminar series is intended to allow interested anglers an opportunity to learn more about specific European style bank fishing methods and tactics within a friendly and cooperative environment. Each event will take place at a venue suited to a particular style or styles of fishing, allowing anglers to observe, discuss and ultimately practice the techniques they encounter.
 

How it works:

A list of the times and dates of the fish-ins, matches and seminars are shown in the calendar section below. If you are interested in attending a particular event, please e-mail the organizers. You will receive conformation and any supplementary or updated information via a return e-mail. There is NO charge for attending an instructional event (fish-in), although you must be a CA member to fish a CA club match. 'Patch' money matches events are open to all, although you must pay your entry fees(!) If you intend on fishing any event you will be expected to bring along your own bait and gear.

Fish-ins and on the bank seminars

Upon arriving at the Fish-in's venue, you will be greeted by member(s) of the organizing clubs' membership. The venue, species sought and most applicable tactics will be openly discussed - input is welcome from any and all participants. Appropriate tackle, bait and rigs will also be available for inspection and discussion.

Upon completion of the introductory seminar, fishing will  commence. Anglers are welcome to either observe or fish along side  participating CA, MPBA, CBA and NWMA members. Since each event is conducted within a friendly cooperative atmosphere, participants should feel at ease asking the 'pro' anglers questions etc.

Each event will run between 3 and 6 hours, depending on weather conditions and level of participation.

Events will be scheduled on an approximate bi-monthly basis. In each case, a different venue (as well as related tactics) will be investigated. A list of likely events include:

Lets catch 100 bluegills - tricks for bumper catches of pan fish from local lakes and ponds.

Carp and 'cat fishing on the river - Novel (and very effective) fast water pole and swimfeeder techniques will be featured.

Match fishing methods for carp on still waters - Heavy pole gear, long distance waggler (float) and 'method' swimfeeder techniques will be showcased.

Maximizing potential - Learning how to exploit all the species in ones swim. Can a  total 5 hour weight of 50 lbs of 'gills, shiners, carp and cats be surpassed?

And, of course, a series of money and CA club matches...

Need a 'quick fix'?  - Catch up with Pat and all the other Midwestern match fishers at regularly scheduled CA, CBA  and MPBA events. Hit the appropriate link(s) to find out more about these clubs.

Barth pond, as viewed from the northern shore looking to the west. A very scenic and prolific venue containing large populations of Bluegill and Golden Shiner.
 

Time and date:	POSTPONED DUE TO POOR WHETHER
Location:	Barth Pond at Patriots Park, Maple Ave / 55th Street, Downers Grove, IL (on 55th between  I -355 and Rt 83). Meet in the west parking lot of Patriots Park at 11:00 am.
Objective:	We can all catch bluegills from the shallows, but how efficient are we at this task? During this event, techniques used to hone an angler's catch rate to over 60 fish an hour (yes, 60 fish an hour!) will be discussed and demonstrated.
Venue information:	Large pond of with depths of between 3 and 5 feet. Banks are mown and in some places paved. Contains large populations of bluegill, carp, grass carp, catfish (bullhead and channel), shiners and some ornamental goldfish(!). Excellent match fishing venue, catch and release only.
Tackle requirements:	8 ft or longer pole (cane or carbon fiber) or light actioned rod and reel, 2 or 4 lb line, size 14 or 16 hooks, shot to as small as number 8 or 10, light insert type Thill float or similar - should have the general shape:
Bait requirements:	Groundbait:  Cloudbait or standard groundbait (see Groundbait section), or just bring 2 x canisters corn meal,  1 x canister white bread crumbs, some vanilla or other sweet flavoring. If it is cold, you may also wish so 'cut' your groundbait with top soil. Hookbait:  Spikes (at least 100) and wax worms (optional) and / or a tub of leaf or red worms.

Coming to an event or need information? Send a conformation e-mail here

Team USA member Mark Green posing with a nice bag of river carp taken from CA's Fox river match venue in Aurora, IL
 

Time and date:	Draw at 8:30 am, Sat, April 12th, 2003. Match will run 4 hrs from 10:00 am (CA match #1) Draw at 8:00 am, Sat, April 19th, 2003. Match will run 5 hrs from 9:30 am (Patch #1 / CA match #2)
Location*:	Fox River, Illinois Ave road bridge, Aurora, IL
Description:	Venue is set in a small park on an island accessible via the Illinois Ave road bridge. Banks are of mown grass and generally easy to fish from.
Venue information:	The venue is back water / side channel off the main river with moderate flow and depth. It is stuffed full of carp! Venue responds well to all carp based methods, especially sinker or feeder and pole fishing.
Tackle requirements:	Sinker fishing: 10 ft medium to heavy action rod with a tippy action, spinning reel, 4 - 6 lb line, assorted sinkers or 'feeders up to 3 oz, size 14 or larger hooks. Pole fishing: 30 ft or longer pole, 4 pound line, size 14 hooks, 2 or 3 gram  pole floats (bobbers). See the tackle box section for details on equipment.
Bait requirements:	Groundbait:  Heavy or standard groundbait (see Groundbait section), or just bring 2 x canisters bread crumbs,  1 x canister corn meal, some vanilla or other sweet flavoring. If it is cold, you may also wish so 'cut' your groundbait with top soil. Hookbait:  Sweet corn for carp, plus spikes (at least 100) and wax worms (optional) and / or a tub of leaf or red worms.

Coming to an event or need information? Send a conformation e-mail here