| PERCH (Perca fluviatilis) Les Brown, Stillwater at Crowborough, East Sussex. | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Distribution: Common in rivers lakes and ponds across Europe. Naturally found in England and introduced to Ireland, Scotland and Wales where it has now become widely established. A similar species - the yellow perch - is found in North America.
Features: A handsome deep bodied fish with bright red fins and bold vertical stripes on a dark green background. The fins have strong leading rays, which form a row of sharp spines along the dorsal fin. The gill covers are also armoured with sharp edges that can draw blood if handled without care. The perch has the large eye and wide gape of an active hunter. Diet: The diet of most perch is made up of invertebrates. Small fish begin by feeding upon zooplankton, mainly cladocera, such as daphnia, before moving onto bloodworm and larger invertebrates as they grow. A small proportion of perch in each population begin feeding upon small fish when still very young. The fish that switch to a piscivorous diet grow much quicker than the others and are soon able to take larger fish in their diet. perch will take prey up to 60% of the width of their mouth, although they will attempt to feed upon much larger prey and can occasionally be caught on baits so large that they would not be able to swallow them. Spawning: Perch spawn in May and April in shallow marginal areas where the water is calm. This means wind sheltered bays in lakes and the backwaters of rivers. The perch lay their eggs upon submerged plants and snags. Unlike other species of coarse fish, perch lay their eggs in clumps and strings that are often washed up after storms. The eggs are easy to hatch in clean water and it is very interesting to watch the young fish develop in their protective shells. The young fish hatch in about 8-12 days after which they begin feeding after about another week. Growth: As mentioned above, perch are relatively slow growing fish that live for up to 12 years and reach sexual maturity at four years. These invertebrate feeders rarely weigh more than a pound in weight. Larger perch begin to grow quicker than their siblings from the age of about six months onwards. By the age of four these perch may be as much as two pounds in weight. In exceptional circumstances the perch will continue to grow rapidly for the whole of their lives. The Perch can be found in most waters throughout the UK. A predator, the Perch hunts in packs often chasing small fish in the shallows, herding them towards other Perch until finally their prey are surrounded whereupon the pack embarks on a feeding frenzy. The Perch with it's colours and markings easily camouflages itself into it's surroundings, weed beds, sunken branches and tree roots. These colours and markings are less distinguishable in older specimens who tend to favour deep water and solitude, their colouring being darker and the markings indistinct. The Perch has two dorsal fins, the first dorsal fin being spined and having a conspicuous black spot to the rear. There are various ways of catching Perch. Float fished or legered worm or maggot will always tempt the fish especially if close to an obstacle or an overhanging tree . Spinning in shallow water or close to moored boats can equally tempt the Perch. The larger specimens are harder to find because of their solitary existence. A well place legered minnow or large worm can often tempt the older Perch. Some knowledge of the fishery can be helpful such as the location of sunken tree stumps and obstacles. Tip: To attract perch into your swim just nip the bottom part of the worms tail of. This releases scent into the water to help perch find your hook bait. | ||||||
| PIKE (Esox lucius) R Lewis, Llandegfedd, Wales | ||||||
Distribution: One of the most widespread of all freshwater fish. Found throughout Northern Europe and North America, the pike is a fish of the temperate waters of the Northern Hemisphere. In the UK, pike can be found in every county of England, except Cornwall and throughout most of Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Being the main apex predator found in freshwaters, pike are not as common as other fish. It has previously been estimated that, on average, most fisheries can sustain one pound of pike for every pound of fodder fish.
Features: Pike cannot be mistaken for any other fish in British waters. From their mottled green appearance, sleek body and armoury of razor sharp teeth, the whole body of the pike is designed for hunting down live fish. Pike are ambush predators, mounting a lightening quick attack that lasts only a few seconds. All of the fins of the pike are positioned well back on the body, giving them maximum acceleration from a standing start when lunging at prey. Diet: Once pike reach a length of approximately 10 centimetres they become almost totally piscivorous. Large pike may also take the occasional water bird, or frog, but for the most part their diet is made up of fish up to one third their own body length. In extreme environments pike may feed almost exclusively on their own kind. In some Highland lochs, where pike are the only fish species present, the small pike will feed on invertebrates and the larger pike will feed upon the small pike. In such environments the pike are very slow growing and reach much smaller maximum sizes than their lowland cousins. Spawning: Pike spawn during March and April in the shallow weedy margins of lakes and in the tiny overgrown backwaters of rivers. Male pike tend to arrive at the spawning sites a few days before the females and jockey for the best positions on the edges of the weed beds. When the females arrive they rest up in deeper water until conditions are perfect for spawning. The much larger females make their way up the marginal slope into shallow water attracting a number of small males. The males follow the female into shallow water where spawning can take place in water less than 15 centimetres deep. In large lakes pike will often spawn on grass that has been inundated by high water levels. By spawning on this temporary habitat the eggs are relatively safe from predatory invertebrates and receive the full force of the warmth of the sun. Growth: In most fisheries pike grow very quickly. From the time they hatch to the end of growth in October they will reach a size of fifteen centimetres and be feeding solely on other fish. Pike are relatively short lived, living for perhaps only fifteen years. The fish effectively double in weight during the early years, only slowing in most fisheries when they reach a weight of ten pounds or more. In exceptional circumstances, generally where food is very abundant, such as in trout fisheries, the large fish will continue to grow right through their lives. Male pike rarely reach a weight of more than eight pounds. All large pike are females. As female pike may contain several hundred thousand eggs; their large size is essential to store such a huge mass. Even so, the eggs may account for 25% of the weight of the fish during the Spring period. Although most pike fishing is carried out in the Winter months, pike feed hardest and put on their weight during the Summer. Like all coarse fish, growth cannot take place during the cold conditions found in Winter. Pike are much more active in the Summer and may become highly nocturnal, or crepuscular, feeding when light conditions are low and they are best able to creep up on their prey. When you have purchased or caught your baits whether Live or Dead there are a few things you should know to keep them in tip, top condition. I will start with Livebaits. Livebaits should be kept in the following ideal conditions, plenty of oxygenating water and preferably not more than 50 in a single tank. Do not feed them particularly if you do not have sufficient filtration as the build up of toxic water will occur, also do not handle them until you are ready to take some fishing. 20% of the water should be changed twice weekly to refresh but no more than this. Here is my set-up at home for keeping livebaits. No scimping on money here as this Livebait tank set up in my shed caters for everything as there is a drain behind the wall to drain off water and re-fresh, a filter system is incorporated with a pump for re-circulating the water and also a pump for oxygen, you can't beat fresh baits. There are 3 compartments, one on the left and one on the right for keeping baits, and the centre compartment is the filtration and oxygen set up. When fishing overnight on those weekend sessions what I will do is lay one of these bait traps out with some bread inside and in the morning there are usually some baits caught. Deadbaits have proved to be the number one Pike and Zander bait over the years for the biggest captures, although there are occasions when livebaits do have the edge - particularly where there is a high-pressure system looming. Coarse fish, especially Roach & Eel sections, are the best deadbaits for Pike and Zander although the Lamprey is close behind over the past couple of years. Zander usually ignore sea baits such as mackerel, herring and sardines, although smelt do pick up a few fish. Zander prefer deadbaits that are around 4-6 inch long, and fished hard on the bottom. Always puncture the swim bladder of your deadbait to ensure it sinks, fresh and frozen baits are equally effective. Livebaits should be on the small side 6oz is big enough for a specimen Zander, livebaits can be presented off the bottom, what we say is the pop up method 1-2ft is ideal. Place your baits as close as you can to any underwater structure if they exist, because fish feel more safe in these areas and will be more likely to feed confidently. Places to especially look for include sunken snags, depth variations, sunken reeds, and weed beds. these areas will help to pick up any patrolling zander using the feature as a point of ambush. Bear in mind though that tackle may need to be stronger in both the Line breakage and trace wire used, when you get a take you may have to bully the fish away from these structures. The drop-offs on most Gravel Pits, Reservoirs & Fenland drains from shallow to deep water are another particularly good area to concentrate on. Leapfrogging your rods along the bank is often a sure-fire method of locating Pike & Zander, but as usual in fishing nothing is guaranteed. Try to find swims with indications of shoals of small prey fish, i.e., bubbling or activity of the surface and stick with them, pike & zander will not be too far away, usually you will locate them on the outskirts of these shoals and not in amongst them. A few of the best baits to stick with and remember to keep them fresh as possible. Eel sections 6 inch are a deadly bait particularly for Zander, try to keep bait size above 4 inch. An excellent slimy covered bait, great for casting long distances as they rarely come off the hook, they need to be hooked carefully preferably just nicked inside the skin so the hooks depart on the strike. Half Mackerel baits are another excellent casting bait, plenty of oil escapes once in the water, my method is putting small slits along both sides of the bait prior to casting. Ensure one of the treble hooks is in the tail root if using tails. Both the heads & tails are good, I purchase mine whole in a crate of 40 from Billingsgate market in London, at a cost of £12. Tackle shops in my view are far too costly charging about £3.50 for two. Another substitute for the big baits are what we call the Joey or Horse Mackerel, which is just a smaller bait but can be hard to obtain. Roach or Rudd are a natural bait for both Pike and Zander and probably account for most caught fish, size again about 6 inch are best. It's important that these baits are as fresh as possible as they can quickly go off. Sandeels have taken fish on most venues, although I do not use them much but that's not to say they are ineffective, it is an under rated bait but very good on the fen drains. Try to purchase the larger type about 8 inch in length. My method using these is to air inject them with a couple of swan shot just up the trace so they are popped up off the bottom. Sardines are probably the most oily bait that I use and for this reason tend to make sure I have a few when going on a fishing trip. They require a bit of care in the hooking and casting procedure as they quickly become very soft and are easily cast off the hook. I tend to use from frozen with one of the treble hooks through both lips to gain a good hold. Smelts are a deadly bait for Pike in particular, I put it down to the cucumber smell that they give off, again a soft bait so hooking needs attention. Spratts are an excellent, cheap bait and have accounted for three of my 20 pound Pike that I have caught, hooking method that has worked best for me is one treble mid-flank with the second hook in the tail. Frozen packs of Mackerel are undoubtedly one of the best baits to use for deadbait wobbling as they do not break up on the cast. Do not neglect the naturals though, like Roach, Chub and Rudd. My baits are mostly bought at Billingsgate fish market as it is on my way home from work and alot cheaper to buy, for instance a crate of Herring / Mackeral /Sardines or Spratts cost about £12 and you roughly get 40 Herring or Mackeral, 70 Sardines or about 400 Spratts. The worst bit I hate although essential is wrapping them in cling-film to prevent frostbite in the freezer. There are a number of other good baits and none should be neglected, here are a few to try out. Trout, Herrings, Lamprey & small Jack Pike. | ||||||
| TROUT (Rainbow) (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Mr T Flower at Tavistock Trout Fishery | ||||||
The previous cultivated record of 36lbs 14oz 8 drms caught in 1995 at Dever Springs Trout Fishery, and claimed by C White has been suspended due to statements made by Mr White as to the authenticity of the record claim. Therefore pending the outcome of any legal action that may be taken, the record has been suspended. Until resolved the Committee will acknowledge fish above the previous record of 30lbs 12ozs, that being a fish caught by Mr T Flower at Tavistock Trout Fishery in July 1994 and consider all claims that are above the 36lbs 14ozs 8 drms fish purported to have been caught by Mr White, these will be processed in the normal way. The Committee therefore acknowledge the following claim- which has yet to be ratified:- 
There is currently no wild record, although it is known that spawning populations have become established in Cumbria and Scotland.
Distribution: Introduced to the UK and Europe from North America, the rainbow trout has found favour thanks to it's fast growth rate and less stringent requirements for high water quality than the native brown trout. Now found throughout the British isles. Features: Similar in shape to the brown trout, but can be distinguished by it's lighter colour and pinkish sheen. The tail and anal fin are much more heavily spotted than is found in the brown trout. Diet: In rivers rainbow trout will feed primarily upon the larvae of mayflies and caddis flies. In lakes, diet is very much dependent upon what food is available, although tiny corixid larvae and chironomid larvae often comprise a large percentage of the diet. Large individuals will also hunt small fish. Spawning: Although when they were originally introduced rainbow trout were thought to be incapable of spawning in the UK, several examples of wild spawned fish have thought to have been caught from rivers in England and Scotland. I have even heard stories of captures of the migratory form of the rainbow trout, the steelhead, having been caught from rivers in the North West of England. Spawning takes place between October and December, and is very similar to that of the brown trout. Growth: Rainbow trout are faster growing than our native brown trout, yet because they tend to be found in smaller, less fertile fisheries, their growth is often retarded. Most fisheries are made up largely of stocked fish that have been reared on fish farms. Some fish do manage to survive for several years though and can grow to double figures in the wild. Very large rainbow trout are produced by some farms specifically for release into sport fisheries. These very large fish are sterile and all of their energy is diverted into growth, rather than being wasted in producing the gonads. | ||||||
| ROACH (Rutilus rutilus) Keith Berry, Northern Ireland Stillwater | ||||||
Distribution: Found throughout England, Ireland, Wales and Southern Scotland. Very common across the whole of Europe, where several sub-species and closely related species are also to be found in mainland Europe.
Features: A sleek silver/blue fish with orange/red fins and red tinge to the eye. Mouth is quite small and straight. Often hybridises with both rudd and bream, which both tend to grow larger than true roach. True roach have 9-10 rays in their dorsal fin and 42 to 45 scales along the lateral line. The dorsal fin is also level with the pelvic fin in roach, in rudd it is behind the pelvic fin. Diet: Quite catholic in its tastes, the roach prefers small invertebrates, but will often feed upon filamentous algae and silt, digesting the edible bits. Will even eat rooted plants, biting off small chunks and digesting the animals attached to the surface. Although plant material is very common in the diet it is thought that this is mostly indigestible. Spawning: Generally spawns in the middle two weeks in May in Southern Britain. Not particularly fussy about where it lays it's eggs, but will use plants if they are available. Look on exposed tree roots, filamentous algae and other plants. Will also spawn on metal pilings and even on stones. Adulthood can be reached within three years, but more often in four or five years. Each female can produce up to 15,000 eggs. Growth: Quite a slow growing species. Roach will often take up to ten years to reach a weight of only a pound. Can live for at least 20 years. Although our most common freshwater fish, specimen roach are quite rare, because the species tends to spawn to readily and stunting occurs. | ||||||
| RUDD (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) Simon Parry, Freshwater Lake, Co Armagh, NI & Clay Lake, Co Armagh, NI | ||||||
Distribution: Found throughout Europe, but absent from Iberia. Extends into Northern Asia. Found from Southern Scotland to the South Coast, common in Ireland.
Features: A gorgeous deep golden colour on the flanks blends with a dark green tinge to the back. True rudd have blood-red fins and a golden eye. The mouth on small fish is very upturned, although in large fish the upturned mouth is slightly less evident, although the lower lip will always extend beyond the upper. Often confused with roach, with which the rudd often hybridises. Check the shape of the mouth, eye colour and in true rudd the root of the pelvic fins will be well in front of the dorsal fin. Diet: Although specialist invertebrate feeders when small, larger rudd have a more catholic diet. Small rudd can often be seen patrolling in huge shoals picking off any invertebrates in the water column. A large percentage of the diet of big rudd consists of plant material, although it is unknown if the fish obtain any benefit from eating plants, or if they just digest the invertebrates attached to their surface. Spawning: Rudd spawn on clean plants, often reeds, during May. Often their spawning coincides with that of roach, and occasionally with bream, which they will also hybridise with. The eggs can be found in large mats attached to the reed stems and also to the mats of algae that can often be found in reeds. Here they gain the full warmth of the sun and hatch in around seven days. Growth: Rudd are very susceptible to stunting when insufficient food is available. Because they spawn very prolifically it is common for small ponds to become full of very small rudd of no more than a few ounces. Even at this small size the rudd are able to reproduce and will spawn prolifically. In larger lakes it is common for there to be a small number of very large rudd - probably the vestiges of the initial stocking, and then thousands of tiny fish. Owing to the different diets of large and small rudd the large fish are unaffected by competition with their siblings, but large fish are rarely encountered. Owing to their rarity few records of the growth of large rudd exist. It is suspected that rudd will live to around fifteen years of age, although this may be an underestimate. Where they are able to grow without stunting, rudd reach a good size quickly. Whilst a two pound roach is considered a specimen and is generally as large as the fish will grow, rudd will often reach three pounds in the right environment. | ||||||
| TENCH (Tinca tinca) D Ward from a Surrey lake | ||||||
Distribution: Because of its economic importance as a food source, tench have been spread right across Europe and Asia by humans. In the UK they can now be found extending from the Scottish lowlands to the Southern tip of England. They are also common in Ireland. In Europe they are found from Scandinavia to Mongolia.
Features: At first appearance the tench appears to be almost scaleless. In fact, tench are covered with thousands of tiny scales and a thick layer of slime, which protects them from damage as they slip between dense stands of aquatic plants in their natural habitat. Tench are difficult to confuse with any other species of freshwater fish as they are a dark olive green colour and have a bright red eye. The much rarer golden form is sometimes found, as it is commonly sold for garden ponds. Diet: Despite their relatively large size, tench tend to feed upon small invertebrates picked from the lake bed, or from plant stems. Small molluscs are often a favourite food source in established lakes, but in gravel pits bloodworm often make up the bulk of the diet of the tench. Spawning: Tench are one of the few species of coarse fish which can be sexed accurately at any time of the year. Male tench have large spoon-like pelvic fins with greatly thickened leading rays. The purpose of these modified fins is unknown. Tench lay around half a million eggs between June and August, although in cold years spawning may not occur at all in the UK. Eggs are laid in thick weed. Often the best place to look for spawning tench is in the thickest weed present. The fish will give away their presence by rolling in the weed during the early morning. Growth: A slow growing fish, often not reaching sexual maturity until at least the age of four. The maximum age of tench is not known, but fish of over twenty years old are known. | ||||||
| ZANDER (Pikeperch) (Sitzostedion lucioperca) James Benfield, River Severn at Upper Load Lock. | ||||||
Distribution: Although zander are a relative newcomer to the British Isles, having been introduced to the Great Ouse Relief Channel in Cambridgeshire during the latter half of the last century, zander are spreading rapidly. Unlike many other species of fish that have been introduced by man, the conditions in the UK appear to favour the zander and, in particular, they seem able to spawn in a wide range of British waters. This has led to the zander spreading rapidly through the inter-linked Fen river system, into the midlands canal network and into the River Severn catchment. Despite this rapid spread, in most fisheries zander do not appear to represent a major threat to fisheries. Whilst zander numbers initially increase rapidly within 2-3 generations the fish become self-regulating as the larger fish predate heavily on the small fish. Populations stabilise at a low level and once again level out. The exception to this pattern is in heavily coloured water, such as busy canals. Here zander are a very effective predator and populations tend to be much higher having a negative impact on the populations of small silver fish, such as roach and gudgeon.
Features: Once commonly known as the pike-perch, this is actually a very apt name for the zander as they do resemble a cross between these two species. Nevertheless, zander are not related to these species, but share a niche between them. Zander have a pointed head with a large mouth, similar to a pike, with a pair of large gripping teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. Behind these are rows of smaller teeth that give the zander a rather ferocious look. The zander has the rough feel and spiked dorsal fins of the perch, protecting small fish from predation, particularly from pike and herons. The zander has a very large eye, perfect for hunting in murky water and under low light conditions that hints towards it's favoured hunting strategy. Diet: Zander mouths have a smaller gape than pike, so although large fish are almost exclusively piscivorous, they take much smaller prey than a pike of similar size. Favoured prey are roach and gudgeon of between one and four ounces. These slim bodied fish are easy for the zander to handle and are also the dominant fish species in their favoured environments. Spawning: Zander spawn during March and April forming loose aggregations around suitable habitat. Zander tend to spawn on submerged tree stumps, branches and reeds, although it is suspected that they can also spawn on plants and even canal pilings. Growth: Zander are a relatively fast growing species and appear quite short lived. Fish can make ten pounds in under a decade as they have a high protein fish diet. The growth of zander varies greatly from water to water. In the canals, where the fish feed on small prey and spawn frequently, the average fish weighs only a couple of pounds. This is an ideal strategy to make use of the abundant small prey. In less suitable environments the zander spawn less frequently, use more energy for growth and so eventually grow much larger. Stillwaters seem particularly suitable for growing outsized zander, although most captures are accidental. When you have purchased or caught your baits whether Live or Dead there are a few things you should know to keep them in tip, top condition. I will start with Livebaits. Livebaits should be kept in the following ideal conditions, plenty of oxygenating water and preferably not more than 50 in a single tank. Do not feed them particularly if you do not have sufficient filtration as the build up of toxic water will occur, also do not handle them until you are ready to take some fishing. 20% of the water should be changed twice weekly to refresh but no more than this. Here is my set-up at home for keeping livebaits. No scimping on money here as this Livebait tank set up in my shed caters for everything as there is a drain behind the wall to drain off water and re-fresh, a filter system is incorporated with a pump for re-circulating the water and also a pump for oxygen, you can't beat fresh baits. There are 3 compartments, one on the left and one on the right for keeping baits, and the centre compartment is the filtration and oxygen set up. When fishing overnight on those weekend sessions what I will do is lay one of these bait traps out with some bread inside and in the morning there are usually some baits caught. Deadbaits have proved to be the number one Pike and Zander bait over the years for the biggest captures, although there are occasions when livebaits do have the edge - particularly where there is a high-pressure system looming. Coarse fish, especially Roach & Eel sections, are the best deadbaits for Pike and Zander although the Lamprey is close behind over the past couple of years. Zander usually ignore sea baits such as mackerel, herring and sardines, although smelt do pick up a few fish. Zander prefer deadbaits that are around 4-6 inch long, and fished hard on the bottom. Always puncture the swim bladder of your deadbait to ensure it sinks, fresh and frozen baits are equally effective. Livebaits should be on the small side 6oz is big enough for a specimen Zander, livebaits can be presented off the bottom, what we say is the pop up method 1-2ft is ideal. Place your baits as close as you can to any underwater structure if they exist, because fish feel more safe in these areas and will be more likely to feed confidently. Places to especially look for include sunken snags, depth variations, sunken reeds, and weed beds. these areas will help to pick up any patrolling zander using the feature as a point of ambush. Bear in mind though that tackle may need to be stronger in both the Line breakage and trace wire used, when you get a take you may have to bully the fish away from these structures. The drop-offs on most Gravel Pits, Reservoirs & Fenland drains from shallow to deep water are another particularly good area to concentrate on. Leapfrogging your rods along the bank is often a sure-fire method of locating Pike & Zander, but as usual in fishing nothing is guaranteed. Try to find swims with indications of shoals of small prey fish, i.e., bubbling or activity of the surface and stick with them, pike & zander will not be too far away, usually you will locate them on the outskirts of these shoals and not in amongst them. A few of the best baits to stick with and remember to keep them fresh as possible. Eel sections 6 inch are a deadly bait particularly for Zander, try to keep bait size above 4 inch. An excellent slimy covered bait, great for casting long distances as they rarely come off the hook, they need to be hooked carefully preferably just nicked inside the skin so the hooks depart on the strike. Half Mackerel baits are another excellent casting bait, plenty of oil escapes once in the water, my method is putting small slits along both sides of the bait prior to casting. Ensure one of the treble hooks is in the tail root if using tails. Both the heads & tails are good, I purchase mine whole in a crate of 40 from Billingsgate market in London, at a cost of £12. Tackle shops in my view are far too costly charging about £3.50 for two. Another substitute for the big baits are what we call the Joey or Horse Mackerel, which is just a smaller bait but can be hard to obtain. Roach or Rudd are a natural bait for both Pike and Zander and probably account for most caught fish, size again about 6 inch are best. It's important that these baits are as fresh as possible as they can quickly go off. Sandeels have taken fish on most venues, although I do not use them much but that's not to say they are ineffective, it is an under rated bait but very good on the fen drains. Try to purchase the larger type about 8 inch in length. My method using these is to air inject them with a couple of swan shot just up the trace so they are popped up off the bottom. Sardines are probably the most oily bait that I use and for this reason tend to make sure I have a few when going on a fishing trip. They require a bit of care in the hooking and casting procedure as they quickly become very soft and are easily cast off the hook. I tend to use from frozen with one of the treble hooks through both lips to gain a good hold. Smelts are a deadly bait for Pike in particular, I put it down to the cucumber smell that they give off, again a soft bait so hooking needs attention. Spratts are an excellent, cheap bait and have accounted for three of my 20 pound Pike that I have caught, hooking method that has worked best for me is one treble mid-flank with the second hook in the tail. Frozen packs of Mackerel are undoubtedly one of the best baits to use for deadbait wobbling as they do not break up on the cast. Do not neglect the naturals though, like Roach, Chub and Rudd. My baits are mostly bought at Billingsgate fish market as it is on my way home from work and alot cheaper to buy, for instance a crate of Herring / Mackeral /Sardines or Spratts cost about £12 and you roughly get 40 Herring or Mackeral, 70 Sardines or about 400 Spratts. The worst bit I hate although essential is wrapping them in cling-film to prevent frostbite in the freezer. There are a number of other good baits and none should be neglected, here are a few to try out. Trout, Herrings, Lamprey & small Jack Pike. |
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