How to Use DISTANCE STICKS to Fish Accurately (It's All About the Wraps!)

[@official_unknowcarper6528]

Thanks Matt always appreciate all your content! I've used distance sticks for years now but it's always worth watching, as your got so much knowledge and always have extra tips for us angler's! Take care

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, that’s great to hear. Every day is a school day for me, there’s always something new to learn. It’s never usually revolutionary but incremental progress in each small area moves my game forward. All the best, Matt.

[@fishersgreen]

I guess dedicated marker sticks are designed to not have any protrusions ie bank stick adjustment nuts that could catch the line when retrieving through the sticks and some have small indents on them to stop the line peeling off the sticks when wrapping up but I get it’s mostly a marketing ploy and if you take your time none of those problems should occur with enough practice nice video and perfectly explained

[@nojnoj3069]

"Quick link without metal".... I thought I'd invented that 'Loop' attachment many many years ago.... I think I'd run out of metal links and just used a 'loop' method instead......i never looked back but i did show anyone who cared to listen to me...

[@marcbrewster1966]

Great video, just one thought thou, you measure butt to tip of the rod = 12ft, but the reel to tip is less by say 2ft for the handle / butt of the rod, surely if its 11wraps you have 11 x 2ft additional length to where you cast to for your chosen spot, or am I missing something!

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Marc, thanks for your question. So when I measure a spot using my leading rod or my marker rod I count the number of 12ft wraps from the lead to the tip of the rod. So 10 wraps is 10 X 12 = 120ft or 40 yards. I then transfer that onto my fishing rod. Tip to lead 40 yards. The distance between the tip and the reel seat is the same on both rods so I don't have to add this to the equation. As long as I hold the leading rod or the marker rod at the same angle as I'm going to finish the cast, when I clip up, the leads will land on the same spot. As long as you measure your distance the same way each time (butt to tip or reel to tip) then it doesn’t matter which way you do it. Hope that helps, Matt

[@cornegroenewald3479]

Helped me here in South Africa, thanks Collin, gave you a follow love your vids very informative

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thank you, great to know that they are helping you!

[@t5y00]

Not sure if I’m being daft here as I’m new to fishing but why do we need to know the length of the cast using the sticks? Could you not just use the line clip and fish in the same direction

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, it’s all about repeatability. If you don’t have a leading rod or feature finding rod, then yes you can just cast about, with a lead, find the feature that you want, tie or clip a rig on and then simply re-cast to the same spot. Job done. We can’t leave the line in the clip while it’s on the alarms or the rod will get pulled in so we then lose that distance. You can use marker elastic to keep a record of that and that’s an alternative option for sure but most anglers nowadays prefer to use distance sticks. If we catch a carp and we want to re-do the rod and fish the same spot then yes we can un-clip/cut-off the old rig, cast out the lead, find the feature, re-clip up go again but if we know how many wraps it is then it’s quick and easy to re-wrap the distance and hit the clip without having to disturb the swim by re-casting. Hope that makes sense. Cheers, Matt.

[@workrestandplaysnooker]

Hi Matt, When you say there's no metal in your rig system? I get your loop to loop, main line to rig, but what about the lead system/set up? To the point video as always, no waffle or sales pitch 👍🏻 Andy

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Andy, thanks for the feedback. So when I said no metal in my rig system I meant no extra metal like micro swivels, micro-ring swivels, bait screws etc. Obviously I still need a hook, a size ring swivel and a lead. The mono loop to loop bait arrangement just keeps things neat, tidy and doesn't add extra cost or metal. Hope that clears things up! Cheers, Matt.

[@AndrewLomax80]

Another clear, precise video thats easy to follow, thank you 👍

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, thanks again for your support, it really means a lot. All the best with your fishing. Cheers, Matt.

[@stephencrabtree3161]

Not just for carping either; been using a leading rod, sticks, and spomb rods for roach on big lakes; absolutely deadly 👍

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Stephen, thanks for the comment. That's great to hear! It’s all fishing at the end of the day but I think there is a lot to learn from other branches of the sport. All the best in your search for mammoth roach! PS I love roach but to my shame it's been years since I spent any time angling for them. My catfish love roach a little too much so we don’t really see any specimens that grow to a decent size here unfortunately. Cheers, Matt.

[@stephencrabtree3161]

Matthew Collins thanks mate. Plenty of carping innovations that are transferable ( mini - chod is another 👍). Hope you’ve got a big swimming pool for that catfish 😂. Tight lines

[@matthewcollinsangler]

@@stephencrabtree3161 It's easy to get blinkered in this game, lots of opportunities for learning from other branches of fishing.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Check out my full feature finding video playlist: How to set up and use a marker rod: kzbin.info/www/bejne/anOqn6hpe7BpodU How to use distance sticks: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6bQf2SkfMZ1a6c Feature finding with a lead and a marker rod: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHW9fH1mqdSenLc How to cast, hit the line clip and feel the lead down: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYvdfIJmiK2cnNE

[@roccomoss35]

Really helpful Thankyou . Never tried wraps but will now thanks mate

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Paul, no worries mate. All the best with your season 👍

[@georgianpatarlageanu6602]

Thanks Matt, very good video, i whant ask you now if i whant spomb there in The samé place how many wraps i must have to spod,??you find a hot spot for 11 wraps,

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Georgian, thanks for your support. If you have found a good spot at 11 wraps then I would clip my spod up to exactly the same distance (11 wraps). I know some anglers talk about swing back of the lead on deeper lakes but if you do the maths (I have) the difference is negligible so I ignore it. Hope that helps, cheers, Matt.

[@TheDwayne1987]

Just started out myself sorry for sounding wet behind the ears, if you catch or decide to reel in would you use the marker sticks every time to cast back out or do you mark the line with somthing thanks

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi there, if you’re fishing a runs water, and regularly recast and catch from the same spot, then I’d mark the line with marker elastic. For the fishing I do, I rewrap round the sticks and recast. Don’t be tempted to leave the line in the clip, you’ll lose the rod!

[@wilcovanleest6944]

Great video. Do you add extra wraps to your fishing rods if you spod over deep water, say 6 meters or more. To compensate for the swing back?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, thanks for commenting and I'm glad you liked the video. I have no experience of spodding in this depth of water so I've never had to factor in swing back. When I have fished deeper lakes of depths up to 6 metres, I've always fished boilie only in 20 - 24mm size. I've either applied these from a boat over a popped up marker float or from the bank via throwing stick. I prefer boilies over spod mix for deeper lakes as the baits fall through the water quicker so I can be more confident that the baits are landing in the right zone. Spodding works best by creating a tight bed of baits. With 6m of water column to fall through, your mix is going to be spread far and wide which is not the baiting situation I'd be looking to create. Hope that gives you some food for thought. Cheers, Matt.

[@matthewcahill9297]

Ive been fishing for 4 years now every weekend and still didnt understand when people said i was fishing at 22 wraps yeh lol very knowledgeable and good thanks

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Matthew, that’s fantastic mate. Glad I could clear that one up for you. Cheers, Matt.

[@scottpeters5624]

Matt Collins the ronseal man does it again, simple, clear explanation, and money saving tip, don't need to buy distance sticks, just use bank sticks you already have, love it. Removing the elitism from carping and bringing it home as what it is,, fishing! Cheers for making and sharing

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Scott, thanks again for your support man, we really appreciate it. I just look at problems from different angles. For me it’s all about doing the best with what you got. All the best mate and hope you keep loving what we’re doing. Cheers, Matt.

[@scottpeters5624]

@@matthewcollinsangler seeing things in a different way and making the most of what you have , is a trait not many have, I know it's a different field, but it reminds me of Barns Wallace and R, j, Mitchell and they gave us the bouncing bomb and spitfire, game changing thinking mate

[@tonystout4546]

Was very helpful as i've just made some distance sticks from some old braid and banks stick why spend more money. Was has helpful with leading around to thanks

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Tony, good idea mate! Some of this stuff is easy to knock up yourself 👍 Cheers, Matt.

[@tonystout4546]

@@matthewcollinsangler Hi thanks for the reply Mathew i tried them for the first time yesturday was getting on the spot almost every time. Only problem im going to have i feel on new waters is reading the lake floor is there some insight you have? telling the differance from rough gravel to rough weed etc? ill be using a 3lb tc rod with braid to lead around.

[@sahidibahar4196]

Thanks for another great video. I'm aways learning from you. 🎣

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thank you, that's great to hear 😊

[@nojnoj3069]

My mentor and lovely old grand dad who i still miss told me, "always use the least amount of takle"...."keep it simple", he'd say. So i always have...... miss you gramps...

[@Distracted_Hodgson]

Hi Matt. I have been getting to grips with distance casting recently on my local lake, but have found that when casting out over 6 wraps, the distance lead gets caught in the silt and silk weed - not presenting my rig well. Do you have any tips for this? because from what I gather, it seems that stopping the lead before it hits the water is the only way. Thanks

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Paul, fishing on or in silt and silk weed isn’t something to be worried about. It’s actually a great place to fish! Stopping the lead just before it hits the water is always a good idea. I’d add a PVA foam nugget lightly squeezed over the hook too to make sure the hook doesn't snag into the weed as it’s falling through the water. A PVA stick of crumb would be a nice addition as it will distribute a nice sprinkling of bait onto the weed. Silkweed tends to lie in low blankets so all I would do is up the rig length to 12” and try a simple running rig. I’d probably swap to a popup of 1” and make sure it sinks slowly. That way it will settle nice over anything it lands on. I’ll be doing a video on helicopter rigs very soon which would be another good option for these situations. Hope that helps. Cheers, Matt.

[@Distracted_Hodgson]

@@matthewcollinsangler thanks man. Will try this out! Ive been using foam and will try stopping the lead more. Practice makes perfect!

[@elgaoudy4255]

Greetings to you, Your Honor is a wonderful and beautiful forum, and I am one of your followers, and I learned everything about fishing from a long time ago

[@anthonypowell1457]

Hi there After you've measured the wraps on your rod, put it in the rest and taken off the clip, how do you then mark the line for the next cast?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Anthony, just re-wrap up and put it back in the clip ready for the next cast. You can also use marker or pole elastic to mark the lines. I used to do that but I prefer to re-wrap because it's quicker to swap rods about for different spots and distances. Cheers, Matt

[@anthonypowell1457]

Thanks Matt All very good advice. Keep the videos coming.

[@youknowthis69]

Genuinely couldn’t understand why one particular company charged £60 for what was essentially two bank sticks and a piece of string. I’ve not had a need to used any yet and thought there was a hidden reason why two bank sticks couldn’t be used and clearly it’s just the carp tax. Thank you very helpful.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, thanks for the feedback. As an engineer, I spend most of my life using things that were designed for one purpose for something completely different! It’s always about making the most from what you have to hand. Cheers, Matt.

[@aarandavidson6086]

Totally agree just use what ever you have

[@errolprice9654]

Indeed if it works then it's the right tool . Use your brain not your wallet . Paying the carp tax in no way enhances your chances of catching

[@cns180784]

Nice video well presented and clearly communicated 👍

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thanks very much for the feedback 👍 Hope you enjoy the rest of the channel. Cheers, Matt.

[@gh-vi9tk]

Brilliant thanks!

[@matthewcollinsangler]

You're welcome mate 👍

[@jonnywayner]

If u ain't gt korda sticks u won't catch fxxx all lol

[@matthewcollinsangler]

😂

[@raybriggs4529]

Hi Matthew. As usual more great advice. What i would have liked to see you do is, what you would have to do if you do not have room to be able to use distance sticks.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Ray, glad that you liked the video. That’s an excellent point and you’re right we could have included that. What I do is mark the line with marker elastic. This creates a semi permanent marker on the line that I can re-clip up to time after time. It’s the method I used before I started using distance sticks. It’s just as accurate but you never know how far the spot actually is. Keep an eye out and we’ll fit this in a video at some point. Cheers, Matt.

[@raybriggs4529]

@@matthewcollinsangler Cheers Matthew. OK, you have marked your line with elastic so at the end of your session and at some point in the future you may want to come back to the same swim and fish the same spots, can you leave the elastic on your mainline and mark the distance at home when you are able to use your distance sticks? Thanks Ray.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

@@raybriggs4529 Absolutely. If I was fishing the same spot regularly, I used to leave the marker elastic on until if fell off! I'd advise a 5 turn water knot for the marker elastic (float fishing stop knot).

[@raybriggs4529]

@@matthewcollinsangler Many thanks Matthew, all taken on board.

[@shaun1961hodge]

Another good video, thanks

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thanks for the feedback mate 😊

[@markrobbins7043]

As always Mr Collins. Thank you.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thanks very much for the comment Mark 👍

[@davidpateman9474]

I get the clipping up for the first cast. How do you ensure the second and subsequent casts are at the same distance?

[@AndrewLomax80]

you need to re clip and cast again mate. then when you set your rod down unclip so if you get a run the fish can take line

[@AndrewLomax80]

to keep it accurate you always need to measure with wraps

[@davidpateman9474]

Could you use marker elastic instead of remeasuring with the wraps?

[@nickoakley6464]

@@davidpateman9474 yeah dude you can use marker elastic to clip up accurately, thus meaning you don't have to wrap up using distance sticks before every re cast.

[@GDJ_R1]

@@davidpateman9474 in open water i would just use marker elastic. but this can move/slip during fishing so every other situation id just wrap it up. safety first ;) also standing in same spot during the cast is vital

[@geoffsaunderson5766]

Only recently got the opportunity to fish a water that requires sticks, I was lacking in confidence but this has sorted me out 👍

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Good to hear, glad it helped you out 👍

[@stephencohen111]

Another great instructional vid.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thanks for the great feedback mate. Glad to know you enjoy what we do here. All the best, Matt.

[@stephencohen111]

@@matthewcollinsangler the vid on fish safety was an important aspect of fish welfare that a lot of people fall short on 😊

[@matthewcollinsangler]

@@stephencohen111 Absolutely, fish safety is number 1.

[@aarandavidson6086]

Hi matt I've got a question about when your finding a spot to fish on like gravel. When pull the rod back to feel the bottom what's the best position to have your rod I always have it down low but after watching this video I notice you have your rod pointing slightly up (about shoulder hight) is there a reason or is it me just over thinking it and top tip about clipping your line up at where you want you rod to be when casting

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, rod tip should always be as low as practical. If my memory serves me correctly, the only reason why I was holding my rod tip up in the air was because we filmed this from a swim that was a bit overgrown so I had to skim over the top of this.

[@aarandavidson6086]

I thought that but your right if your in a tight swim you just have to do what you can 👍

[@lukew100]

Great advice Matt 🎣

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thanks 👍

[@KotoBish]

Matt, thanks for reassuring me that my initial thought of using two banksticks as a cheap but perfectly suitable alternative to overpriced "distance sticks". Secondly, please may I ask why you bother making the sticks precisely one rod length apart? If the purpose is to be able to 'exactly' reproduce the marker rod distance, onto our fishing rods, which you did with 11 wraps and "a bit" (bit = 14"), not with 133 feet and 2 inches, surely this would work if the sticks were any distance apart, provided the angler can comfortably wrap line around them, and is not planning to move the sticks during a session.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Phil, I’m glad that you liked the video and my approach. You are absolutely right of course, the sticks can be placed any distance apart. This is useful in certain swims with restricted space. The reason why we use 12ft as the standard is that when discussing distances to spots with other anglers, we can talk in terms of wraps rather than distance. It means neither angler has to work out how far that is or do any conversion. Hope that makes sense. Cheers, Matt.

[@KotoBish]

@@matthewcollinsangler gotchas, makes perfect sense. I'm new to specimen carping so learning from (near) zero. Really like your approach to videos by the way, have subscribed and making my way through various playlists you've created. Cheers

[@matthewcollinsangler]

@@KotoBish That's great to hear Phil, this channel is all about helping anglers like yourself, so it's fantastic to hear the feedback. New video coming soon... it'll be on how to play and net carp 😉

[@djscootmotns6431]

definately going to get myself over to this place when all the restrictions etc are lifted. great video again mate!

[@GDJ_R1]

good luck with fishing anywhere in france. unless u live there. france will be a travel red zone meaning u will have to quarantine. and they have new bait laws meaning you cant take owt really unless you like a risk or have had all ur bait tested and a certificate to prove whats in the bait.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate! Well that’s awesome to hear man. The KZbin channel is just a glimpse into the way I go about my fishing. If you ever want to plan a trip for the future, just get in touch. Cheers, Matt.

[@hbaker7602]

When you fish at distance do you not spod over your rigs then? How do you get your feed on to the spot? Bait boats or pva bags??

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, I hardly ever spod. I use a rowing boat, bait boat, PVA or a throwing stick.

[@hbaker7602]

@@matthewcollinsangler ah right mate nice one

[@chrisnortcliffe3663]

Hi could you help me please

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Chris, sure, I'll help if I can 😊

[@chrisnortcliffe3663]

@@matthewcollinsangler I have problems finding a clear Spot in weed and if I fish a no weedy lake I can't get my spod where my rigs or ever time could u help me please

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Finding a clear spot in weed is not easy for sure. What I used to do is to cast a light lead around using a dedicated leading rod setup (i.e. with braided mainline). I would then feel the lead down. You are looking for an area where it’s easy to get a decent reliable drop. If you haven't mastered hitting the clip and feeling the drop reliably, this is going to be hard. Once I’ve located the zone then I just clip up a rod or two to that distance and away I’d go. Pulling back a lead through weed using a traditional marker float setup isn't going to help you much as it will just snarl up with weed and you won’t feel anything. As far as spodding accuracy goes, that takes years to master. If you are struggling to cast your fishing rods reliably to a clip then you will struggle with spodding for sure. Try fishing at closer range as it’s easier and then build yourself up to fishing accurately further out. Cheers, Matt.

[@olitrotman8540]

What's the reason you put the line through the clip twice?

[@GDJ_R1]

probably a few reasons ... aides the cushioning effect,,, self confidence that its stayed in clip. etc

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Oli, so when I first started using the line clip on a reel I used to just wrap it round once. I found (to my cost) that every now and then the once wasn't enough and somehow it popped out of the clip. Now that’s not a disaster if you’re fishing open water but when you’re fishing tight to a margin or marginal tree cover the result can be spectacularly bad and before you know it you’re squirrel fishing lol. After that happened to me a few times over a few years I changed my method. Twice round the clip is very very very unlikely to come undone. Cheers, Matt.

[@olitrotman8540]

Thanks! 👍

[@frankhayes1135]

Have I missed something? If you already had the correct casting distance why did you then have to use bank sticks?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Frank, apologies if the video wasn't clear enough. So I use a leading rod (a fishing rod with braid and a lead) to find a nice spot to fish. I then use distance sticks to measure this distance and transfer this measurement to my fishing rod which is setup with mono. Every spot has a far horizon marker that ties in with the distance (measured in wraps). Once I’ve mapped out a lake it’s just a question of wrapping up my rods to this distance each time to fish a particular spot. The technique is accurate, reliable and repeatable day or night. Other videos on this subject which might help you understand the process better include: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHW9fH1mqdSenLc and kzbin.info/www/bejne/anOqn6hpe7BpodU. Hope that helps. Cheers, Matt.

[@Distracted_Hodgson]

Great work on these videos. Thanks a lot 🤟

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Great to hear Paul, thanks ! Hope you enjoy the rest of the channel 😊

[@Distracted_Hodgson]

@@matthewcollinsangler Out of interest Matthew, in regards to the more expensive bank sticks on the market, the only plus side seems to be that they can screw in the ground better? Is the mallet the best way around this?

[@Distracted_Hodgson]

@@matthewcollinsangler Out of interest Matthew, in regards to the more expensive bank sticks on the market, the only plus side seems to be that they can screw in the ground better? Is a mallet the best way around this?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

@@Distracted_Hodgson Hi Paul, I own some Fox bankware that has screw tips and they work well in certain ground types. I also own a Matrix auger bankstick hole maker. This solid stainless tool is an excellent piece of kit and means I don't always need to reach for the mallet. The use of a mallet is frowned upon in the UK but for the style of fishing I do here it makes no difference. There's no one anywhere near me! I know JAG do some very sexy auger tip bankware but the price is eye watering. Personally I'd try the Matrix auger. Then you can discreetly make the holes you need and then use regular straight point bank sticks. The Matrix black out stuff is nice, combines stainless tips with aluminium body and a carbon rod. Stiff, light, durable. They serve me well, still not cheap though lol.

[@Distracted_Hodgson]

@@matthewcollinsangler cheers for the help! Yes, I am going to get to grips with the process at first and then see where I end up. I will have a look at the recommendations