![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiq75efo_0NAsnV1B55qS4VhX9lchHdtI0m4qcoqeREhrohtLAPR5B-yyG2wFEgOHhbMqr5vK-oQARmH-NRtJpgHKJgmXGj5aMvXY3XiB6-W7BGCaH9CIT57ekerBB7sQHiLPu5UwXnfs/s400/roach_1-4.jpg)
Roach or bream? As most of my target species are at their lowest weight at the moment I thought I'd have a dress rehearsal on the roach, my target weight is 2lb but I'm going to have to travel for a chance of one of those - I decided to stay local with the aim of a pound plus fish.
Sneaking into my chosen swim I found a film crew and a Matt Hayes wannabe standing there - for every fish in the area to see - crap! I opted to have a blast at the barbel instead, wandering about I was soon into some fish landing 4 barbel to about 5lb and half a dozen chub to about 3lb - result!
I went back and spoke to the camera man - apparently there weren't any fish there and they were off. I gave it an hour or so to settle before chucking in some maggots and ledgering bread over the top. It didn't take long, second cast and the tip bounced over - a beautiful 1lb 4½oz roach was in the net (top photo). Mission accomplished.
I popped it back and I think I spooked the shoal, the bites became harder to hit - I had two more about 8oz before they had completely wised up to me. Note to self: bring a keepnet next time!
A quick roll on my way home produced a barbel about 6lb and week one was in the bag. 265 days left...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnIcrouNby2ONVY0n0XZPafDFSWn_XrwKgbVYjoeTe3AqZwGD3DHQPcqjx2WGBvU9NkHzr7SFr3EaVZFh5_GqeP1KVF2Ba5rjHEK2uCt3jTSct2d6xsAJqwX2e9BCQfmwIbudY1Qym44/s400/barbel_small.jpg)
Nice one, do you designs on being nicknamed "The Roachman"?
ReplyDeleteI think your title is safe. Do plan to catch a few more of these beauties this season though...
Delete