I usually fly the goldfish in novice matches and go up against pyras and other goldfish. I usually let them try to ram me (reverse or forward depending on which side of the ship is closest and then I put the pheonix claw on.
Still getting used to the altitude speeds. I also use hydrogen for a split second then full forward with kerosene to clear some range and then claw around to face them and unleash a full hwacha clip into their face. Both work but I can see how I'd be easy to outmaneuver.
