OK here goes, only my opinions though.
Firstly I find these punched bread reads and opinions very interesting as you can generally pick something up from them, - you never stop learning at this game.
From the onset I never ever use Punch Crumb, - the only one that I found near the mark was made by Baitex. All my mixes are made by myself from bread and only bread (not bothered what make it is and the crusts are used as well). Living near an Asda I often use their 'cheapies' to make feed.
Fact is that all canals fish different to the punch, conditions ALWAYS dictate.
There are canal venues in the Midlands where the punch will beat b&j but in the main (not always though) if b&j is 'in' it will generally be the better bet. This, however, could simply be due to the fact that more people, in the match, are fishing b&j or for that matter vice versa. This is all really conjecture and in a way keeps us all match fishing.
We can all relate times to when one bait has battered another. The Staffs-Worcs at Stafford used to be the scene of many big matches and lots were won with gudgeon. The fact remains although b&j scored because most fished it one heck of a lot of the matches were won with big red maggot on the hook!
Some venues also respond to different ways of fishing and presenting the punch, there are many. Some respond better fished down the track, some to the bottom of the far shelf, some on the far shelf and in a few cases you can catch short. If this is tied in with the many ways of fishing the punch and what sized fish you are looking at, it all comes down to experience and probably more important remembering things.
Some days you may need 'proper' roach and on hard days small fish, - all this depends on the day, the conditions and the venue.
If I can make a comparison. Turn the clock back to when John Dean won everything on the Trent, you could ask him why he fed at that paricular moment and he couldn't tell you in words, he knew it was right though. The same applies to many types of match fishing including punch.
Chavey has my utmost respect, although he fishes a completely different circuit to me using different punch methods, he will know what I am trying to say.
I can honestly say it is very rare, (even if I catch crappity smack all), that I get through less than 1.5 lbs of bread feed in a match, even at this time of the year
Why, because I feel it is right.
Must admit I would like to give the canal in Loughborough a go on the 'bread' but I feel it would take a few trips to get it somewhere near right. I am sure it could be achieved though.
