dezza
Well-known member
And let's hope that this autumn and winter is better than last.
Last year there were long periods when it was impossible to fish, what with the cold weather, frozen lakes, canals and even rivers, and icy roads. All we need are average winter conditions with a few good mild blows from the west and plenty of soft soaking rain.
Without any doubt, the roach is my favourite fish. Nothing looks as impressive as those red fins, silver, going on brassy flanks, and greenish tinged back against the drab grey and olive of a typical English winter's day.
And where to catch them where I live?
Well years ago I would have plumped for a couple of local estate lakes and the River Idle without hesitation. Today, the Idle is finished, all the roach have been eaten by cormorants, and the same thing has happened to the estate lakes. There are hardly any left.
So I'm afraid it's on to the commercials and the carp waters where more and more big roach are making their presence known. I saw a photo of a big roach yesterday that was not weighed, caught from a lake not 10 minutes drive from here. It looked every bit of 2 lbs.
How to fish for them? Simple - waggler tactics using bread, casters or maggots. Fishing the pole will also work, but it's not as pleasant as wielding a light float rod. On the bigger lakes, two rods with block end feeders and quivertips will work.
So let's hear from those who are planning a roach campaign during the next few months.
Oh and don't forget the canals!
Last year there were long periods when it was impossible to fish, what with the cold weather, frozen lakes, canals and even rivers, and icy roads. All we need are average winter conditions with a few good mild blows from the west and plenty of soft soaking rain.
Without any doubt, the roach is my favourite fish. Nothing looks as impressive as those red fins, silver, going on brassy flanks, and greenish tinged back against the drab grey and olive of a typical English winter's day.
And where to catch them where I live?
Well years ago I would have plumped for a couple of local estate lakes and the River Idle without hesitation. Today, the Idle is finished, all the roach have been eaten by cormorants, and the same thing has happened to the estate lakes. There are hardly any left.
So I'm afraid it's on to the commercials and the carp waters where more and more big roach are making their presence known. I saw a photo of a big roach yesterday that was not weighed, caught from a lake not 10 minutes drive from here. It looked every bit of 2 lbs.
How to fish for them? Simple - waggler tactics using bread, casters or maggots. Fishing the pole will also work, but it's not as pleasant as wielding a light float rod. On the bigger lakes, two rods with block end feeders and quivertips will work.
So let's hear from those who are planning a roach campaign during the next few months.
Oh and don't forget the canals!
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