The Roach fish, often called the 'redfin' is one of the most popular fish among anglers as they are happy to take too pretty much any bait. Not much seems to bother the Roach fish even the likes of pollution, cold and murky waters have not put their populations under threat. Their numbers become abundant in slow-flowing or still waters. The roach fish is a shoaling species of fish that is active throughout the year. Roach must not be confused with common bream, chub, rudd and bleak. It can be difficult to identify the roach fish as they hybrid themselves with the fish already mentioned. A good catch would be about 1lb 6oz. The UK record for catching roach is 4lb 3oz, which was won in 1990 by R Clarko in Dorset Stour. If you are looking for big roach you should try fishing in reservoirs and gravel pits.

The body of the roach fish is laterally flattened with a small head. It has large silver scales and red eyes. A distinguishable characteristic of the roach is that it will have a single row of throat teeth where its close relatives will have two rows. It takes the male roach two to four years to reach maturity and with the females normally about a year longer. They spawn between April and June on willow roots and moss.

The roach fish are very adaptable in their diet and eat a wide range of plant and animal material. Small fish will eat diatoms and small planktonic crustaceans. Larger fish will indulge in chironomid midges, filamentous algae and other plants. The roach fish because of its bottom lip is classed as a bottom feeder but feeds at all levels.

The roach fish are prone to diseases like ulcer disease and often found to carry tapeworm which is a common parasite. The roach will have a very bloated appearance if it has tapeworm. The tapeworm can be found in the body cavity.

Roach Fishing Tips

Although roach fish eat pretty much anything when it comes to bait a good tip would be to use maggots and sweetcorn. Another good mix would be to get some curry, paprika, oil, flower and water. Mix everything into sticky dough. Use sizes no bigger than a table tennis ball on the end of your hook. You will probably find using sweetcorn on waters with little current a little easier to catching fish than in running rivers. A good pointer would be to feed the swim before you start fishing as it will give the roach confidence to start biting.

Once you are out on the lake you should cast your rod out to be float fished about mid depth. Try stay away from shadowed waters. If you are finding it difficult to get a catch try using a lighter line or a smaller hook.