Rudd
The rudd at first glance looks very much like the Roach. However its dorsal fin is set further back, its mouth curves upwards and its eyes are yellow or orange. The roach’s eyes are red. Rudd can grow to a maximum length of 40-45cm, and a maximum weight of 2.3kg. The British record stands at 4lb 8oz by Rev E.C. Alston in Mere near Thetford, Norfolk, back in 1933. Their lifespan is around 12 years.
The rudd is a surface feeder living in shoals in the upper half of the water. It can be mainly found in still waters and canals, though prefers to feed in weed or near to the bank. During the winter months the rudd will move to deep water to feed.
Rudd feed on small crustaceans, aquatic plants, pulmonate snail, mayfly larvae, caddis fly larvae and fly larvae.
The most favoured method is float fishing on the drop, with a small waggler and little or no weight on the main line, which should be about 1m in length.
Favoured baits are maggot, castor and bread which should be punched or a small bread flake that is allowed to sink slowly through the water. Loose feed is important too to encourage the shoals to feed.
One method that can be exceptional is punched bread used with a bread and water loose feed. Soak the bread in water until it is very soggy. Mash the bread into small particles, draining off any excess water. Use this mixture as loose feed with punched bread on a hook – mmmm, irresistible!
Rudd are shy fish and so it is recommended to keep tackle light. A hooked fish must be guided away from the shoal so as not to spook them; this can be done by lowering the rod level to the bank after striking and at the same time draw the rod backwards reeling in any loose line.