![Catch A Big River Roach](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/11201/389507/5de7363987028/Catch-A-Big-River-Roach.jpg)
When I was a kid fishing the Macclesfield and Peak Forest canals, a two-ouncer was a good one, but I yearned for the two-pounders from the Hampshire Avon and River Wensum that I saw featured in the Mail.
Those silver-sided, scarlet-finned fantasies were all my heart’s desire, the fuel of my dreams.
Of course, there have been other roach rivers in my life, too numerous to mention, but it has always been the Avon and the Wensum that have been the meccas.
Throughout roaching history, they have been the two top rivers for two-pounders. With my driving test behind me, and with student life beginning, I had the time to fish both of these rivers.
In the first of endless mini vans, I was up and down the A338, to fish the Avon, and also the A1067, to fish along the banks of the Wensum.
Two rivers different in so many ways, they were only really equal in terms of monster roach.
I fished the Avon up until five years ago, and I worshipped it, but geography and my canal roots always kicked in. I lived in Norfolk and worked in Norwich, so the Wensum ran outside my back door.
Vitally, it was smaller and more intimate than the Avon, a river that always awed me with its muscularity.
The greater of the two river roach giants, I hear you ask? Equal, in my book. It has been a privilege for a Stockport lad to have known them both.
Ups and downs and ups again
Any coarse angler knows what old guys like me, John Wilson, Owen Wentworth, Gerry Swanton, Dave Howes and scores of dyed-in-the-wool roach men have lost, and why.
But the whole thrust of this column is the potential roach comeback on both rivers.
Denne historien er fra December 03, 2019-utgaven av Angler's Mail.
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Denne historien er fra December 03, 2019-utgaven av Angler's Mail.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Making Short Work Of Specimen Chub
It takes angling guide Kenny Parsons a few hours to drive from his home, near Bath, to his favourite Wessex rivers, but it doesn’t seem to bother him, as he just loves to catch big chub on feeder and fl oat tactics, his personal best standing at 7 lb 12 oz. One of his favourite methods for this cunning species is a maggot feeder with a short hook link.
![Venues on the menu](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e697c64ec3/crp_Venues-on-the-menu.jpg)
Venues on the menu
Dave regularly switches between different types of venue, as he is convinced that it helps him become a better and far more versatile angler. Here is his guide on what to expect and how to tackle them.
![“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e414c49a3a/crp_By-failing-to-prepare-you-are-preparing-to-fail.jpg)
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”
In our new mini series, the physiotherapist will put you in the right frame of mind to help you achieve your angling dreams.
Search for a super stripy
They’ve done it! Robbie Northman and John Bailey have been on a long mission to catch a 4 lb perch. Robbie got there first, landing this specimen recently.
Pole position carping
The thinking carp angler offers his opinion, insight and advice every week exclusively here in Angler’s Mail. Col will help you become a wiser angler.
![My best catch!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e69dd93c21/crp_My-best-catch.jpg)
My best catch!
This week: Billy puts his newborn daughter on the scales after a productive winter carp session.
![Huge zed after run of disasters](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e3d12d9b1a/crp_Huge-zed-after-run-of-disasters.jpg)
Huge zed after run of disasters
19 lb 4 oz monster zanderRiver boat fishing sessionSeries of calamities
![Christmas stocking](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e40686281b/crp_Christmas-stocking.jpg)
Christmas stocking
The future of fishery management is a bright one, these BTEC Fish Husbandry students keen to help stock an Essex lake with carp over the Christmas holiday, including this 21 lb mirror.
![Alien aquatic plants](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e6d86c5351/crp_Alien-aquatic-plants.jpg)
Alien aquatic plants
In this final part of my special look at alien species, I have highlighted some invasive aquatic plants that have had an impact on waters, with an evaluation on the degree of threat that they pose, on a scale of one to ten, one being the lowest.
A guide's guide to guides
Canadian Jeff is a great guide, helping anglers to catch the fish of their dreams.