Norfolk Fishing Network 2004

British Fish Species

	BARBEL Record weight: Nineteen pounds, six ounces taken by Steve Curtin, Adams Mill, River Great Ouse, Bedfordshire. 2001 Distribution: Naturally found only in the rivers of Eastern England, which it entered during the last ice age. At this time the Rivers of Eastern England drained directly into the River Rhine, and so were connected to mainland Europe. The barbel has been stocked into a large number of rivers over the last fifty years. It can now been found from the River Clyde in Scotland to the River Stour in Dorset. Very common across Europe, where several related species can also be found. Features: An elongated body points to a life in fast flowing rivers, and for the most part this is true of the barbel. Generally found in the middle reaches of rivers where there is some flow. Although it is not possible to sex barbel from their external characteristics, female barbel grow much larger than the males. It is rare to find a male barbel weighing more then six pounds. Diet: The mouth of the barbel is highly underslung and features protrusible lips and four large barbules. The whole design of the barbel's mouth is adapted to feeding on invertebrates picked off the river bed, or dug up from amongst stones. The barbel is a very strong fish and it will often excavate large amounts of gravel when feeding. Barbel will feed on a very wide range of different types of food, although small invertebrates, such as caddis larvae, and freshwater shrimp tend to provide the bulk of their food. Barbel will also take small fish, particularly during the Spring. Spawning: Barbel spawn between May and July, although unlike many species of coarse fish they can in exceptional years spawn more than once. These fish require clean gravel with a good flow of water in which to lay their eggs. The female beats the gravel with her tail, excavating a shallow scrape in the process and also cleaning the gravel of silt. A group of males then approaches the female and they spawn together. The female then covers the eggs with a shallow layer of gravel. The young barbel hatch within a week, but unlike other coarse fish the young remain in the gravel for several weeks, surviving first off their large yolk sack, and then actively hunting tiny invertebrates in the spaces amongst the gravel. Growth: Despite their large size, barbel are quite a slow growing species, often taking five years to reach catchable size. Specimen barbel of ten pounds or more are likely to be twenty years old. Although we do not know the maximum longevity of barbel it is estimated that they can live for at least thirty years.
	BREAM The Common Bream has a strikingly deep body with highly compressed sides and a distinctive mouth. Its dark back frequently has a greenish tinge with silvery grey sides and a whitish belly. Young fish are silvery, while the older Bream are dark and often have a golden lustre on their sides. Bream generally are found in large shoals, especially when young, favoring deep, slow or still water. The Bream can live to the ripe old age of 20 - 25 years. The UK record was broken with this 18lb 15oz fish caught by Mark Neal, Bawburgh Lakes, Norwich. 2004 Methods of Capture. Predominantly feeding on the soft bottom of ponds, lakes and the lower reaches of rivers, the Bream can be caught with legered baits or laying on with a waggler. Bream tend to shoal and move casually around looking for food. Large catches result from heavy feeding, effectively laying down a carpet of bait and groundbait whereupon the shoal once finding the food will stay either till disturbed or having 'mopped up' the food when they will move on. Baits such as Redworm and Castor can be used together quite successfully. Maggots, pinkies and chopped worm mixed in with Groundbait used liberally can provide a feeding ground for the shoal. The Bream has not got a reputation though as a fighting fish, generally coming to the net with little resistance. Once a shoal starts to feed, any fish hooked needs to be pulled away from the remainder quickly, otherwise the shoal will be spooked and will move on. Large weights can be caught provided the shoal stays over the feeding ground. A fairly consistent method is an open-end feeder filled with a groundbait mix combined with a hook length of 18 - 24 inches. Once cast in and the feeder reaches the bottom, take up the slack in the line and then pull the rod a further 18 inches or so. This will place the hook over the groundbait. Tip: I fish private, deep lakes in North Yorkshire. A good head of large Bream are present (7 lb - 10 lb) but are extremely difficult to catch. When on the top (most of the day if it is warm) they are almost impossible to catch but at dawn and dusk there are chances. I use a Fox's stay sharp short shank carp hook No 6 or 8, 5 lb hooklength and 8 lb mainline and a very large piece of sliced bread (about 2 inches square). The trick on this water appears to be Dont Strike. Allow the bite to develop, which can take a minute or so, until the reel handle begins to unwind (No clutch!). I never catch many, but then again, very few do on this lake. Allowing the bream to have a good suck on the bread flake without striking appears to encourage a slow but positive bite and the large Fox's Stay Sharp hook does the rest.
	BROWN TROUT Record weight: Natural record is 25lb 5oz 12 drams, captured in 1996 from Loch Awe. Larger fish have been artificially reared and the cultivated record now stands at over thirty pounds. Distribution: Brown trout are amongst the most widespread of all freshwater fish, perhaps only second to the carp. Brown trout were originally limited to Northern Europe and North America, but have been transported around the globe by man, both as a sporting fish and for food. Today, brown trout is amongst the most heavily cultivated of fish with large scale farms being found in many areas. Brown trout can be found throughout the freshwaters of the British Isles and Ireland and also in coastal waters. Features: Although they have a dark colour, the rather dour common name of Salmo trutta belies a fish that is covered with small spots of many different hues of red and blue. Trout that migrate into coastal waters, commonly known as sea trout, are much paler in colour, almost silver in appearance, and can even be mistaken for salmon. Diet: Brown trout have a very wide ranging diet and will take anything from tiny invertebrates to small fish.The bulk of the diet of trout is made up of small invertebrates, particularly mayfly nymphs and caddis fly larvae. The larger sea trout tend to feed upon small fish, particularly young herring and sand eels. The largest lake trout, known as ferox, become almost solely fish eaters, following the huge shoals of artic charr found in the huge ice-age lakes of Northern England and Scotland. Spawning: All trout must return to small streams with clean gravel to spawn. Spawning tends to take place in September and Octoberas water temperatures are beginning to fall for the Winter. The female digs a shallow redd into which the eggs are deposited. The eggs take approximately 150 days to hatch, the longest time of any British freshwater fish. The young fish spend at least a year in the natal stream before moving downstream to the sea or into lakes. Growth: The growth of trout is very dependant upon the environment. In small streams, brown trout may grow to no more than twelve inches in length and weigh less than a pound. Size is determined by the amount of food available and the size of the stream. A large fish in a small stream would struggle to find enough food and would be easy prey to terrestrial predators, like herons, so they stay small. In lakes and the coastal zone, food is much more available and there is much more room for the fish. In these environments, growing large is an advantage when trying to avoid predatory fish and so the trout grow as quickly as possible. Sea trout may reach five pounds in only five years and the largest fish may live for twenty or more years before returning to their home streams.
	CARP Record weight: captured by Jonathan Pack, Conningbrook, Ashford, Kent at 64lb 5oz and, subject to ratification, this will be the new record. Distribution: Carp were introduced to the British Isles in the middle ages, although it was not until several centuries later that the King carp that we fish for today became widespread. The original 'wild' carp that were introduced and reared in ponds for food were long, slender scaled fish that rarely reached a weight of ten pounds. These fish were very close to the wild form of the carp found naturally in the River Danube. Today carp can be found around the globe. From New Zealand to China, carp are amongst the most widespread of all fish species. This is a far cry from their natural distribution and thanks solely to the hand of humans. Features: Apart from their large size, which sets them apart from all other coarse fish, carp are rarely mistaken for any other species of fish in the UK. Carp have a large underslung mouth with four barbules around the lips. Colour can vary greatly from dark brown to grey. Selective breeding to improve the bloodlines of carp has led to the king carp that we see today. King carp not only grow much larger and much faster than their wild cousins, but selective breeding has also led to the breeding-out of scaling. Whilst scaled carp still exist, mirror carp, with a few scales, and leather carp, with no scales at all, have been developed. Diet: Thanks to their large size carp are able to take almost any kind of aquatic food. Although their underslung mouth suggests a bottom feeder, carp are quite capable of feeding on the surface and can often be seen swirling at emerging food morsels during the warmer months of the year. The largest percentage of the diet of carp is generally made up from small invertebrates. Chironomid larvae, freshwater shrimps and oligocheates are favoured. Of the larger invertebrates freshwater mussels and crayfish are taken with gusto. Spawning: In the cooler climate of Northern Europe carp do not spawn every year. The water temperature must approach 20 centigrade for carp to begin spawning and for the eggs to develop. For this reason spawning is often quite a rare sight in the UK. Because of our short summers and cool temperatures young carp face a very stiff struggle for survival. In many fisheries natural recruitment of carp is unheard of. When they do spawn, carp prefer dense stands of soft aquatic plants, although I have also observed them spawning on the much rougher surface of rocks in the Canary Islands. Carp can suffer quite extensive damage when spawning on rocks, although they appear to recover from these injuries within a few weeks. Growth: Carp are one of our fastest growing fish species. In good conditions, carp will reach four ounces within the first year. One pound within two years and ten pounds within four years. Carp grow for between ten to fifteen years before they no longer increase in length. Weight can vary greatly though and spawn can add twenty percent to the weight of a female carp during the Spring months.
	WELS CATFISH Record weight: Weight recognised by the British Record Fish Committee is 62lb caught by Richard Garner from Withy Lake in Bedfordshire in 1997. This fish is unlikely to be ever beaten as although several much larger fish have been caught the record has been suspended. Distribution: Not native to the British Isles, although can now be found in over 150 lakes and rivers in England. Not found in Scotland or Ireland. Native to the River Danube and other large rivers of Eastern Europe where it is known to grow to weights exceeding two hundred pounds. In the last fifty years the wels has been introduced to many fisheries across Europe and has performed particularly well in Italy and Spain, growing to weight approaching two hundred pounds. Now also farmed in Asia for the table. Features: As our only widespread catfish species, the wels is unlikely to be mistaken for any other fish. Could possibly be confused with the rare bullhead catfish which has eight barbules, compared to the six barbules of the wels. Diet: Wels catfish will eat anything small enough to fit into their mouths, although for the most part they appear to feed preferentially on live prey. Despite their small eyes, wels have reasonable eyesight and an exceptional sense of smell and vibration. Their long bodies are covered with pits containing receptors for these two senses maximising the senses. The main pair of barbules are spread wide when hunting forming an extremely sensitive aerial that allows the fish to home in on it's prey. Catfish will also feed on shellfish, crustaceans, amphibians and wild fowl. Spawning: Little is know about the natural spawning of the wels. Each female can produce several million eggs, yet survival is very poor, probably as a result of cannibalism. Spawning takes place at night in June and July when the fish move into shallow weedy water. Growth: Catfish grow incredibly quickly in warm water and can reach a metre in length in only five years and two metres in ten. In the cooler climate of the British Isles catfish grow much more slowly and can take ten years to reach twenty pounds and perhaps another ten years to reach thirty pounds. The main limiting factor in the UK appears to be a lack of suitable food, evidenced by their fast growth in lakes containing large numbers of invertebrates. Little is known about the maximum age of catfish. Certainly, fish approaching forty years of age are known in the UK, although it is said that the fish can live for up to one hundred years. It is likely to take us a considerable time to find out!
	CHUB Record weight: 8lb 14oz, taken by Rob Tough, Private Stillwater. 2004 Distribution: Found in England, except Cornwall, South Wales, and Southern Scotland. In Europe chub can be found from Scandinavia to Italy. Not reared as a food fish, so not as widely distributed as some other coarse fish. Features: A thick-set fish with brandy coloured flanks, grey tail and pinkish fins. The main feature of the chub is the rounded head and large mouth. Chub can be distinguished from the closely related dace by examining the anal fin. The anal fin of the chub is convex, whereas that of the dace is concave. The mouth of the dace is also much smaller than that of the chub. Diet: Chub will eat just about anything that they can fit into their mouths. The diet of small fish is made up of small zooplankton, particularly cladocera. As the chub grow they widen their range of foods to include tiny thrips (a small fly that they catch from the water surface), chironomids and bryazoans. By the time the chub reaches a pound in weight they will eat anything from fruit to fish, although their main diet is made up of caddis larvae and freshwater shrimp. Spawning: If you look at shallow gravel riffle between the beginning of May and mid-June you will find shoals of chub readying themselves for spawning. Chub tend to spawn during the early morning when the females, chased by the smaller males, move up into water only just deep enough to cover them. The female releases her eggs onto the surface of the gravel, where they are fertilised by the males. The eggs hatch in around four days and the young fish drift downstream until they reach shallow slacks. Growth: Despite their voracious appetites, chub are a relatively slow growing species. It can take 6-10 years for the chub to reach a pound in weight and a specimen of five pounds may be twenty or more years old. Chub can live for 25 years, and probably nearer 30 and unlike most coarse fish they will continue to grow in length for almost all of their lives.
	CRUCIAN CARP Record weight: Despite several fish being accepted and then dropped from the record list because of miss-identification, the current record of 4lb 9oz caught by M Bowler, RMC Fishery, Yateley Lake. 2003 Distribution: The crucian is amongst the most contentious of all our fishes. Anybody who believes they can identify them easily is either a charlatan, or deluded, for this species not only easily hybridises with both carp and the closely related brown goldfish, but can also be easily confused with the brown goldfish. For this reason, it is difficult to determine the actual distribution of this species in the UK. At best, it is limited and perhaps in decline thanks to hybridisation. In Europe it is found through Scandinavia to isolated (introduced) populations in the Rio Ebro in Spain. Features: Dark golden bronze colouration makes the crucian an impressive looking fish. An absence of barbules is a clear and easily defined difference between it and small common carp. Look for a lateral line count of between 31-26 and convex dorsal fin and a weak leading ray to the dorsal fin as hints to identification, although many of these features will be shared with hybrids. Diet: Despite being a member of the carp family, crucians are much more delicate feeders than their larger cousins. This is in part because of their definite preference for tiny invertebrates, particularly chironomid larvae. Larger fish will take a range of invertebrates including small molluscs and freshwater shrimps when available. Spawning: Crucians spawn in very warm conditions found between May and August. In the UK, spawning may only take place infrequently. The ideal habitat for crucians is small farm ponds and oxbow lakes where the harsh conditions do not suit larger species that would adversely compete with these small fish. Crucians are particularly adapted to high temperatures and low oxygen concentrations and can survive in tiny ponds that become very warm. Paradoxically, these harsh environments lead to good survival of young crucians and small pond populations are often made up of huge numbers of stunted individuals. Growth: Crucians are a slow growing species. The fish mature after only 3-4 years at a weight of only half a pound. When they are not stunted, crucians can live for around fifteen years and will slowly grow to a couple of pounds in weight. Fish of more than two pounds are generally very rare. In stunted populations each fish may weigh only a few ounces, but will be sexually mature and each year will produce more offspring propagating the stunted population.
	DACE Record weight: 1lb 5oz 4 dram. Caught by M Bowler, RMC Fishery, Yateley Lake. 2002 Distribution: Once very common in the UK, dace, and particularly large dace, are becoming increasingly rare. Possible reasons for the decline in dace populations are low flows leading to poor spawning and increased predation from cormorants. Found throughout Northern Europe, although it tends to be found in cooler countries. Not found in Iberia. Absent from the South West of England and Ireland. Found in the South of Scotland only. Features: A slim silver-flanked fish with grey fins. Often mistaken for chub (although the dace has a smaller mouth and concave shaped anal fin) and roach (which have red fins and are plumper). Diet: Dace are specialist drift feeders. In rich rivers dace will spend the days resting up in open shallow water away from predators. As dusk approaches the fish will move upstream to a shallow gravel riffle where, as the light begins to fail, large numbers of caddis fly larvae begin to drift downstream. The dace feed hard on these invertebrates through the night, although feeding is most intense at dawn and dusk. In poorer environments dace will have a broader diet feeding on a wide range of small invertebrates that are either picked from the drift or from the river bed. Spawning: Dace are the earliest spawning of all coarse fish. Even when the mornings are still frosty in early March, dace will be found massing in the deeper water before shallow gravel riffles. The fish often travel several miles to reach the right conditions for spawning and in the days leading up to spawning several thousand fish may have gathered. At this time the male fish develop very fine spawning tubercles and have a very rough feel to their skin. The females are smoother and much plumper. All of the dace spawn over a period of about a week on the clean gravel shallows. Because of the cold water conditions the eggs take about three weeks to hatch. Growth: Dace are one of the shorter lived coarse fish. In rich rivers the dace grow very quickly, reaching sexual maturity in three years, and only live to be seven or eight. In poorer environments the dace grow more slowly, but live for up to twelve years. Thanks to their love of cool water dace are able to grow even at temperatures of eight centigrade. This enables them to do particularly well in the cool waters of Scandinavia.
	EEL Record weight: Although much bigger fish have been caught in fyke nets used by commercial eel fishermen, the rod caught record is a fish of 11lb 2oz caught by Master S Terry, Kingfisher Lake, Nr Ringwood, Hants. 1978 Distribution: Eels are amongst the most widespread of all coarse fish. As the eel spends a percentage of it's life at sea, it has not been limited to the rivers of the East coast unlike many other species. Eels are found throughout Europe and Asia and a closely related species is found throughout the Pacific rim. Features: The sinuous shape of the eel is almost synonymous with the species and distinguishes it from virtually all other fish. Only the lampreys, which are now rather rare in the UK, share a similar body shape, but can be distinguished by their lack of a proper mouth. Eels are dark black or grey in colour with small steely eyes and a pointed mouth ideal for feeding on a wide variety of foods. Diet: Eels will feed upon a very wide range of live and dead prey. Whilst it has long been thought that eels are scavengers, we now know that in many fisheries eels are active hunters, feeding upon live prey. Small fish often make up a large percentage of the diet of the eel. Because of their small mouths, eels will only normally take fish up to 10cm in length. Worms are the classic eel bait and these fish often feed upon both terrestrial and aquatic worms. Other invertebrates are taken, particularly by young eels. Spawning: Little is known about the spawning of eels. It has long been believed that all adult eels migrate to the Sargasso Sea where they spawn in deep water. Recently though some evidence has come to light that suggests that eels may spawn in several different areas of the Oceans, some undergoing an incredible migration to the Pacific. Whilst the young eels are carried passively by Ocean currents, the eels must swim for several thousand miles against the current during the return journey. During this migration they do not feed and must rely upon fat reserves built up in freshwater to see them through the many months of the journey. Growth: Evidence for the age of eels comes from the examination of small bones in the inner ear called the otoliths. Just like the rings of a tree, the otoliths are made up of minute layers of calcium carbonate laid down each year. By counting the number of rings, and by measuring the distance between them it is possible to work out the age and growth of the eel. Examination of the otoliths has led to some staggering facts. Eels may be as much as ten years old before reaching freshwater. They can then spend up to eighty years in freshwater before beginning their return journey. Despite having a reputation as voracious feeders, eels are incredibly slow growing and may take twenty years to reach a weight of a pound and perhaps forty years to reach three pounds.
	GRASS CARP Record weight: In recent years no other record has been in as much danger as the grass carp. With several huge fish dotted around the country, the record has been broken on several occasions in recent seasons. The latest angler to lift the crown is B Davies, Horton Church Lake with a fish weighing 39lb 8oz. 2004 Distribution: Although they have been kept as ornamental fish for many decades, it is only in more recent times that grass carp have become more established. As their name suggests, they do eat plants and so the first large scale introductions in the British Isles were carried out by Liverpool University as an experiment in weed control. The large number of fish introduced to netted-off sections of the Lancaster canal did reduced the amount of weed present and as a result fish have been introduced to many other fisheries. For the most part, grass carp are found in only small numbers as a distraction to other species. They can now be found from Cornwall to Scotland and all points in-between. Features: The grass carp looks nothing like other species of carp. In fact, grass carp are often mistaken for record sized chub! Like chub, they share a long thin body, with dark tail and bronze scales. Unlike chub, the mouth of the grass carp is smaller and lacks the thick lips of the chub. The eye is also much lower on the head, almost in line with the mouth in the grass carp. Diet: Despite their name, grass carp do not just eat grass! In fact, apart from young fish, plant material tends to make up quite a small percentage of the fish's diet. As with all coarse fish, grass carp begin feeding upon invertebrates before moving on to a wider diet including soft plants. Larger grass carp would struggle to gain enough nutrition from eating just plant material and so larger invertebrates, particularly molluscs become of increasing importance in the diet. Spawning: Although quite widespread I know of no fishery where grass carp spawn in the British Isles. This is probably because of the nature of their spawning behaviour. In their native Amur river large numbers of huge grass carp weighing fifty, sixty and even more pounds assemble in the main channel prior to spawning. When conditions are just right, both sexes release their gametes into the water where the semi-buoyant eggs are fertilised. Rather than sink to the bottom, the tiny eggs are carried by the current and develop in the water. Some will be lucky and find their way into warm backwaters where the hatchlings will find plenty of food. A huge proportion of the young fish and eggs will never make it to safety and will either be eaten or washed out to sea. Growth: In the cold waters and short summers of the British Isles, grass carp are quite slow growing and so we have probably not seen the maximum size for these fish yet. In the warmer conditions of central Europe they grow incredibly fast and can make fifty pounds and over a metre in length in ten years. In the small commercial fisheries common in the UK one pound per year is the average growth rate with perhaps three pounds being found in exceptional circumstances.
	GRAYLING Record weight: Despite a record weight of only 4lb 3oz, caught in 1989 by Mr S.R. Lanigan, the grayling is known to grow much larger than this in Europe. Fish of almost ten pounds are possible in some rivers in Northern Europe! Distribution: Found in the more mountainous areas across Europe where it thrives in small fast flowing streams with high water quality and cool water. Absent from Northern Scotland and Ireland. Features: The unmistakable huge dorsal fin of the grayling sets it apart from all other salmonid species. The sail-like dorsal is almost as high as the depth of the fish and extends for one third of the fish's length. Like all salmonids the grayling has a small adipose fin behind the dorsal fin. The grayling has a slightly underslung mouth and steely blue/purple colouration. Diet: Grayling adore caddis larvae and eat them in very large quantities. Despite their underslung mouths, they are quite capable of feeding upon drifting prey, which they tip up to capture. As with most fish found in small streams, grayling mainly feed at dawn and dusk. Large grayling are known to feed upon small fish, and in Scandinavian countries spinning with tiny lures is a recognised method for catching these sporting fish. Spawning: Grayling spawn around the beginning of March in the UK, although in Northern areas this may be delayed by as much as two months. Like all salmonids, grayling spawn on clean gravel, excavating a small redd in the gravel in which their eggs are laid. Clean gravel with a good exchange of water is essential for the survival of grayling eggs as they are very susceptible to pollution. Adult grayling are not particularly fecund and only produce around 10,00 eggs. Growth: Grayling spend their first month of life within the gravel, first using up the food reserves in their yolk sack, and then actively hunting small invertebrates that live between the particles of gravel. Once they emerge from the gravel, grayling grow extremely rapidly, reaching a length of around four inches by the end of their first year. The young fish mature within three years at a length of around eight inches. Grayling are not a long-lived fish and rarely live for more than eight to ten years. In very rich streams, where they grow more rapidly, they may only live for four to five years.
	GUDGEON Record weight: 5 ounces caught by Mr D.H. Hull in 1990. Distribution: A common little fish in Europe, where it can be found from the Pyrenees right through to Scandinavia. Like so many coarse fish, gudgeon are only naturally found in the South of England, but have been introduced to Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Now common throughout the British Isles in rivers and canals. Less common in lakes, owing to a lack of spawning habitat. Features: A small fish, but with beautiful purple flashes on the flanks. Like its much larger cousin the barbel, this is a powerful fish that can often be found in fast flowing water. The underslung mouth and two barbules (barbel have four) are designed for feeding upon the river bed. Several sub-species exist in continental Europe, but have not been introduced to the British Isles. Diet: Gudgeon are often found on clean gravel and sand beds, particularly where there are large amounts of submerged plants. Gudgeon love feeding upon copepods, tiny shelled invertebrates that form swarms just above the river bed. Tiny caddis larvae and small aquatic worms are also taken when available. Spawning: When I used to work on the River Great Ouse we would use the gudgeon as a marker for the spawning of other species. Gudgeon spawn at the same time as roach and about 2-3 weeks before bream, bleak and chub. Because gudgeon spawn in shallow water their eggs are very easy to collect and so it was possible for us to check every day for spawning. Most books say that gudgeon spawn on clean gravel, but I have also found them spawning on fontinalis - the moss found stuck to stones on weir sills. Growth: Like most small coarse fish, gudgeon do not live very long. In cool water they can live for six years, but in more productive fisheries three years is a good age. They reach sexual maturity at two years of age, allowing them to spawn twice before dying.
	PERCH Record weight: Five pounds nine ounces caught by Dean Rawlings (Aged 11), Glebe Lake, Fringford. 2002 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. Methods of Capture. 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 Record weight: 46lb 13 oz caught from Llandegfedd Reservoir in Wales by R. Lewis in 1992. 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.
	RAINBOW TROUT Record weight: Several fisheries specialise in growing huge rainbow trout with twenty pounders coming out on a regular basis. Current top of the tree is a monster of 36lb 14oz 8 drams. 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 Record weight: 4lb 3oz taken in 1990 by R. N. Clarke from the Dorset Stour. 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 Record weight: The oldest coarse fish record on the books. Currently held by a fish of 4lb 10oz taken in 1933 by Simon Parry, Freshwater Lake, Co Armagh, NI. 2001 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 Record weight: Fifteen pounds, three ounces caught by Darren Ward from a Surrey lake in June 2001. 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 Record weight: Despite growing to over twice this size in Europe, the British record has only slowly increased to 19lb 5oz 8 drams. This huge fish, caught by D. Lavender from a Fen Drain in 1998 is by far the largest zander ever caught. 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.

Methods of Capture.