7-River Roach Safari

You’ll always learn loads and be inspired by this vastly experienced traditional angler, who also relishes exploring the latest coarse techniques… with help from his friends.

- John Bailey

DEREK CAUSER is my kind of guy. When great pal Ian Lewis told me he was bringing Derek down for a couple of days roach hunting, I did my research.

Though Derek lives on the barbel-rich River Severn, it has always been roach for the man. His search for a river ‘two’ has been lifelong. Derek has fished nationwide in his quest, and with experts to guide him. He has been on the Avon, Stour, Frome, Trent… just about everywhere but East Anglia, it seemed.

I was dubious about his visit on two counts. First, would my rivers measure up and make Derek’s journey worthwhile? Of course, they all have great redfin history, but the past is the past.

And then, there is me. How would my roach knowledge stack up against that of the guys that Derek has met and fished with on his travels? I reckon I am a good roach man, but perhaps I have been living in a bubble of complacency all these years?

In preparation, I decided to throw my East Anglian net wide. Along with Robbie Northman, I spent the best part of the week before Derek’s appearance on a roach hunt along the rivers Thet, Lark, Little Ouse, Bure, Yare, Waveney and, of course, my home passion, the Wensum.

Discovery with Robbie

So, what is the state of the East Anglian river roach scene in autumn 2019? I guess it mirrors pretty much that of all our small lowland rivers all over the country and is a mix of good news and bad. I drove nearly 700 miles in six days of searching, as well as walking 43 miles of bank. Blimey! You have to hand it to me: I’m no quitter.