WHAT is so captivating about dace and roach? Being a dedicated river angler, I love visiting the places where you find these ‘giants’, which are almost as rare as unicorns, thinking my way through the biology of the fish and how they may be behaving. I also like their natural beauty, and other mysteries that are too deep and elusive for words.
Throughout angling history, a 2 lb roach has always been considered to be a ‘fish of a lifetime’, and you are almost as likely to encounter a dragon as you are a 3 lb specimen.
Likewise, 1 lb-plus dace have a near-mythical status, and even my friend, the venerable John Bailey, talks of ‘doubles’ (10 oz or more) in hushed and reverential tones.
Dick Walker coined the term ‘magic double’ (a 2 lb-plus roach and a 1 lb-plus dace, in one sitting), reckoning it to be the ultimate attainment in river angling.
But with application and luck (never forget that luck always plays a massive part in angling), you can narrow the odds of putting specimen roach and dace on the bank.
By such good fortune, I have banked over 1,000 2 lb-plus roach, including 14 of over 3 lb, one being the Bristol Avon river record; a good number of 1 lb-plus dace, including the Hampshire Avon and Bristol Avon river records; several ‘magic doubles’; a ‘double magic double’, comprising two 2 lb-plus roach and two 1 lbplus dace; and even a ‘magic triple’, when I added a 5 lb-plus chub.
Hot to trot
It is true to say that I catch as many big roach and dace on quivertip and cage feeder tactics as I do on a float.
However, trotting rivers with a long rod and a centrepin reel gives me the greatest pleasure.
When I put a good fish on the bank by using classic trotting tactics, I say to myself that I’ve caught a fish ‘properly’.
Denne historien er fra October 01, 2019-utgaven av Angler's Mail.
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Denne historien er fra October 01, 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
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”
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!
This week: Billy puts his newborn daughter on the scales after a productive winter carp session.
Huge zed after run of disasters
19 lb 4 oz monster zanderRiver boat fishing sessionSeries of calamities
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
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.
